This week saw the Under-14s visit Hatfield Legion Belles for the first round of the League Cup. The girls were without Sarah Skipper and Whitney Tango, but welcomed back Renata Inniss from vacation.  

Spurs were very quickly out of the blocks as with just two minutes on the clock, Hannah Lyons found Renata Inniss on the left of Hatfield’s penalty area. Renata took the ball on before putting in an inviting cross, which was coolly finished by Nikki Hunnable to make it 0-1 to Spurs. 

After six minutes, Laura Smith combined with Renata whose left-foot shot flew into the roof of the net to make it 0-2 to Spurs.  

A minute later Nikki crossed to Hannah whose shot flew just past the post.  This was the shape of things to come for the remainder of the half with as Spurs peppered the Hatfield goal with shots without increasing the score.  

Charlotte Dean, Renata (four times), Taylor O’Leary (twice), Rosie Kmita, Laura and Nikki all narrowly missed or had shots saved by the Hatfield keeper who was in good form.  The most noteworthy chance was an audacious back-heel by Renata, who was once again foiled by the Hatfield keeper. 

At the back Harley Keenlyside, Katie Mills and Shianne St. Louis were on their toes to snuff out any half chances created by Hatfield whilst Daisy O’Sullivan made one good save from distance.  Thus, the half ended at 0-2 to Spurs, which in truth did not really reflect our dominance.  

The second half commenced with Hatfield’s best period of the match as they attempted to claw their way back into the game.  First Shianne had to be quick across to tidy up a dangerous looking breakaway and Hatfield then had a free kick from distance, which stuck Harley in the face before being cleared. 

Molly Kmita was unlucky not to score on two occasions in quick succession, when she was put through by Katie and Renata only to see her efforts just fly over the bar.  However, this was just the precursor to a period of the match where the U14s exploded into action. 

After 40 minutes, Spurs extended their lead when a Hatfield goal kick was intercepted by Renata just outside the penalty area.  She took the ball on and fired into the net to make it 0-3. 

This was followed by a fourth goal a minute later when Renata turned provider, slipping a ball through to Siobhan Jones who was forced wide, but still managed to bury her shot. 

Siobhan nearly grabbed a second after 45 minutes, when, after receiving a pass from Ayse, she drove a shot goal wards.  The Hatfield keeper could only parry the shot and Renata was on hand to force in the rebound to complete her hat trick and make the score 0-5 to Spurs.  

A carbon copy goal followed some seven minutes later when Ayse again found Siobhan, whose shot was blocked by the keeper, only for Renata to follow up to grab her fourth and Spurs’ sixth goal on the day. 

After 53 minutes, Ayse scored possibly the best goal of the match when she intercepted a ball on the edge of the box and smashed it into the top corner of the net to make it 0-7 to Spurs. 

The game had only just restarted when the ball was played out to Nikki, who raced down the right flank before crossing to Laura, who obliged with a tap in to make it 0-8 to Spurs after 54 minutes. 

Taylor, Charlotte (twice) and Ayse all went close to increasing the score in our favour.  However, there was still time for a further goal, when, with a minute to go, a through ball found its way to Siobhan, whose hard shot was too powerful for the Hatfield keeper to keep out making the final score 0-9 to Spurs. 

Well done to the girls on a great second half performance that saw them safely through to the next round of the cup.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 10 Renata Inniss.

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -    

This week saw the U14s host Fairlands Youth for their latest league match. The girls were nearly at full strength missing only Laura Smith but welcoming back Sarah Skipper after injury.  

The opening few minutes of the game were fairly quiet with the match coming to life after nine minutes when a great through ball from Charlotte Dean found Rosie Kmita who shot into the net to make it 1-0 to Spurs.  Fairlands very nearly hit back a minute later only to have a shot blocked by Harley Keenlyside. 

Rosie was put through on 11 minutes but her shot flew narrowly past the post, although Spurs did not have to wait long though to extend their lead, when a minute later a Hannah Lyons corner was headed into the net by Molly Kmita to make the score 2-0. 

Molly turned provider on 14 minutes when she played a ball through to Whitney Tango, who controlled the ball before firing a shot into the net to make it 3-0 to Spurs.  Shianne St. Louis had to be on her toes shortly afterwards to clear up another Fairlands attack.  

On 18 minutes Hannah, Whitney combined to find Renata Inniss in the box. Unfortunately for her, the Fairlands keeper saved the resulting shot.   With 22 minutes on the clock the ball found its way to Nikki Hunnable on the left. Nikki controlled the ball and held off two Fairlands challenges before shooting high into the net to make the score 4-0.  A minute later Spurs won a free kick just inside the Fairlands half.  The ball was swung in by Nikki finding Hannah who hit a crisp shot into the roof of the net making it 5-0 to Spurs. 

Spurs were on fire by this point, with a good run by Nikki being stopped by a good Fairlands challenge.  Shortly afterwards Ayse Mustafa found Hannah in space, but the resulting shot was well saved by the keeper.  

Ayse very nearly added to the score on 33 minutes, when, after a good run by Renata, she shot narrowly past the post and Renata then went close again just prior to half time when, on receiving a pass from Siobhan Jones, she shot just over the bar.    

Four minutes into the second half Spurs extended their lead further when a ball was played out to Hannah wide on the right flank.  Hannah blasted a shot that fairly flew over the keeper and into the net to make it 6-0 to Spurs. 

If we thought this was to signal an avalanche of goals in the second period we were mistaken as the game settled into a midfield battle that was dominated by Taylor O’Leary.  It was not until 56 minutes that Spurs scored what proved to be the final goal of the match.  Nikki picked up the ball and ran towards goal before unleashing a shot that the keeper could only parry to Siobhan who needed no second invitation to finish making it 7-0 to Spurs. 

After this Whitney, Charlotte, Renata (twice), Siobhan (twice) and Nikki all had chances to increase the lead but none could find the target.  And so the game ended with no further score. 

Thanks to Ross for volunteering to referee the game at short notice after the original match referee became injured prior to the match.

THLFC U14 player of the match: 8 Hannah Lyons.

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -    

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

We welcomed Luton Town to Frederick Knights this week in a much anticipated clash with Spurs at full strength for the first time in several weeks. 

Spurs had the better of the early skirmishes.  After only four minutes Ayse Mustafa played in Taylor O’Leary whose shot flew past the post. A minute later Renata Inniss played in Ayse who cut back inside before firing a shot just over the Luton bar. 

However it was Luton who took the lead after seven minutes, slightly against the run of play, when a through ball penetrated the back line leaving the Luton forward a fairly easy chance to shoot past Daisy O’Sullivan making the score 0-1 to Luton. 

Spurs nearly struck back immediately when a through ball from Taylor found Whitney Tango whose shot was gathered by the Luton keeper.  The next period of the game was largely a midfield stalemate with both sides pressing but lacking the cutting edge to change the score.  

The next goal was looking to be critical in deciding the outcome of the match.  

Unfortunately for Spurs it came for Luton, when after 17 minutes a long cross field ball just eluded Katie Mills at right back. The Luton attacker was onto the ball in a flash taking the ball into the penalty area and eluding Shianne St. Louis’s tackle before firing low past Daisy and into the net to make the score 0-2 to Luton. 

Spurs pressed and thought they had pulled a goal back after 26 minutes, however Laura Smith’s effort was ruled out for offside and so the first half ended 0-2 to Luton. 

The second half was an entirely different affair with Luton penned back for long period’s content to sit on their lead and trying to hit Spurs on the break. 

Shortly after the interval a Nikki Hunnable corner found Siobhan Jones whose shot was saved by the Luton keeper.  Siobhan was unfortunate to have another effort saved after 40 minutes as Spurs attempted to force their way back into the game.  After 47 minutes Shianne launched a free kick into the penalty area. Laura was first to react but had her shot saved.  

Another midfield battle ensued as Spurs pressed, however it was not until 62 minutes that their efforts were rewarded, when a through ball found Renata who rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the net to make it 1-2.  GAME ON. 

Renata was unlucky not to equalise almost immediately when a great run was cleared for a corner.  Nikki was next to have a run at the Luton defence but again the ball was cleared for a corner. 

A succession of Spurs corners followed as the girls turned the screw on Luton, whose defence was proving resilient managing to block or clear everything that Spurs threw at them (including the kitchen sink).  With three minutes remaining a great ball from midfield pierced the Luton defence.  Siobhan made a great run from deep but was very harshly ruled offside by the Luton linesman, when clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.  

It was a shame to end an enthralling game in such circumstances, but end it did, with Luton holding out to take the points with a 1-2 victory. 

Ultimately the game was a tight affair decided by which side took their chances. Luton took their two chances in the first half and sat back in the second.  Spurs created more, but could not breach the massed Luton defence until close to the end of the match leaving themselves not enough time to equalise.  

Fair play to Luton who defended well in the second half and it was nice of their coaching staff to acknowledge our girls efforts at the end. We look forward with anticipation to the return match at Luton.  

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 9 Ayse Mustafa.

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    

The match was played in poor weather conditions, a heavy wind with frequent heavy rain and hailstone showers made it a difficult afternoon for everyone concerned. Taylor O’ Leary, Rosie Kmita and Molly Kmita were all absent. 

Stevenage attacked straight from the kick off, but, luckily from a Spurs point of view, Katie Mills won a clean and well timed tackle to stop the attack.  Spurs began to get into their stride and a good ball from midfield found Ayse Mustafa in the penalty area who pulled the ball back for Hannah Lyons who hit the ball high into the air and into the net. 

For the next few minutes Stevenage attacked the Spurs goal, the defence though looked in control, the period ended when the Stevenage forward blasted over the bar.  Laura Smith was replaced by Renata Inniss due to a pulled muscle and unfortunately that was the end of Laura’s game.  

Spurs were beginning to show their dominance and looked dangerous every time they broke, Nikki ran from her own half using her speed to beat the opposition and it looked like she was through on goal when she was fouled by the opposing defender. The pressure continued and the on form Siobhan found herself through on goal with the ball just creeping past the wrong side of the post. 

Although Spurs continued to attack they had to be careful not to get over confident as Stevenage looked capable of a goal, in fact a good through ball nearly pierced the Spurs defence but was well read by Harley Keenlyside who skilfully flicked the ball to safety. 

Nikki kept up her good work down the wing and put through a perfect pass to find Siobhan who had her powerful shot saved by the keeper but she managed to knock in the rebound to make the score 2-0. Further good teamwork and one touch passing ended with the ball being played back to Charlotte who shot hard and low into the bottom right side of the goal to make the score 3-0. Smart skilful triangles had Spurs pressing for more, Ayse was next to have a shot but it was just too high.  

Stevenage were defending deep but did have the occasional break, Shianne had to use her speed to tidy up at the back and in the style of Ledley King always looked in control. A Sarah Skipper throw sent Whitney through to make the score 4-0.  With half time looming Whitney Tango played a great ball to Siobhan who stuck a ferocious shoot into the net for what was probably the goal of the game.  Spurs went in 5-0 up at half time.  

The second half started with Daisy O’ Sullivan playing left midfield with Shianne taking over in goal. Almost immediately some good team play saw Whitney accurately find Renata who unselfishly pulled the ball back to Charlotte for her second goal of the game and Spurs sixth. This was no more then Charlotte deserved for all her hard work and quality play. To give Stevenage their credit they continued to battle and attack where possible, the Stevenage attacker was running through on goal when Katie sped back to win the tackle. The referee awarded a free kick but it came to nothing. 

Daisy looked like she was a regular outfield player and was making good runs down the left, a great one two with Ayse put her through on goal only for her shot to smash into the side netting. Another good run and good shot by Daisy was saved by the goalkeeper into Nikki’s path who slotted home to make the score 7-0.  Ayse picked up a loose ball to crack a powerful shot and make the score 8-0. A corner from Hannah pinged around the penalty area and Nikki gratefully tapped home goal number nine. The defenders now wanted a piece of the action and Sarah Skipper picked up a loose ball at the edge of the area and sent a high lob over the head of the goal keeper for her first goal for the club and Spurs final goal of the match. 

With the game nearing its end and the rain getting worse Stevenage scored a consolation goal that was a well taken lob that left Shianne no chance, to their credit Stevenage battled to the end in a game that was competed for in a hard fought and fair manner.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: Nikki Hunnable

ROSS HUNNABLE

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

Jayne had a full squad to pick from, but unfortunately Hannah Lyons had to withdraw just prior to the match as she became unwell.  

A small pitch and a high wind seemed to stifle our usual passing game and chances were at a premium during the opening period of the match.  Spurs created the first chance of the match, when after two minutes Taylor O’Leary shot narrowly over from the edge of the area.  Renata Inniss then had a half chance to score after 11 minutes, but her shot was gathered by the Lambeth keeper. 

It was by no means one way traffic, as first Daisy O’Sullivan, then Shianne St. Louis had to be on hand to snuff out a couple of Lambeth breaks.   

The breakthrough came after 22 minutes when Rosie Kmita fed Renata, who took the ball down the left flank before crossing for Siobhan Jones to open the scoring and make it 1-0 to Spurs. 

The U14s nearly doubled the score a couple of minutes later, when Laura Smith found Renata who was unfortunate to see her shot saved by the Lambeth keeper as Spurs began to find some rhythm.  After 27 minutes, a ball was fed to Siobhan, just outside the box, who, turned and shot just past the post.  The resultant goal-kick was intercepted by Molly Kmita, who crossed for Siobhan to fire past the keeper doubling her tally and making it 2-0 to Spurs.

Spurs were on top now and after 31 minutes Siobhan earned an assist when she cut out some loose Lambeth possession and crossed to Rosie, whose shot across the keeper found the net to make it 3-0 to Spurs. This was how the half ended. 

The second half began with Whitney Tango going close with a hat-trick of chances having shots blocked, saved before firing just past the post from a Nikki Hunnable corner.  Lambeth began to have a real go at Spurs as they chased the game.  Firstly Daisy was on hand with an excellent shot.  Lambeth were then awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.  The resulting shot looked goal-bound before Daisy pulled off another great save. 

The Spurs defence was finally breached after 53 minutes when possession was squandered and Lambeth broke.  Daisy saved well but could do nothing to prevent the rebound from being bundled home making the score 3-1.  

Taylor then had a shot saved before turning provider by passing to Rosie who shot just past the post.  A real battle ensued at the other end with Katie Mills, Shianne, Sarah Skipper, Charlotte Dean and Harley Keenlyside matching Lambeth physically and making telling challenges in order to preserve our lead.  When Lambeth did break through the well marshalled Spurs defence Daisy was on hand to make another good save with Shianne tidying up.

On 67 minutes a good run from Nikki fell to Ayse Mustafa who saw her shot save.  A minute later saw some good interplay between Molly and Ayse who fed Nikki.  The resultant shot flew just past the post.  

The final whistle came shortly after and the U14s celebrated a good victory against Lambeth.

Spurs Ladies stepped up to receive their winner’s medals with Shianne lifting the trophy as the U14s were deservedly crowned London County Cup winners 2008. We now move onto the regional finals next month.

Congratulations to Jayne, Graham and the girls.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 1 Daisy O’Sullivan

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

The Tottenham Hotspur Ladies U14s played their second match in consecutive days and it was a return to league action after their Tesco Cup final victory with the visit of Hoddesdon Owls.  Again we had a full squad to pick from and from the start you sensed that the girls meant business today.  

It was funny game in some ways with a number of incidents reminiscent of games in the distant and non-too distant past - but more of that later. 

With only a minute on the clock Rosie Kmita fired a shot from distance just past the post and the midfielder went close again five minutes later when, fed by Whitney Tango, she saw her shot saved. 

However, it was Hoddesdon who very nearly took the lead on seven minutes when a break found their striker alone in our box before Harley Keenlyside appeared from nowhere and executed a perfect challenge a la Bobby Moore against Brazil in Mexico 1970, that prevented an almost certain goal. 

Good work followed when Hannah Lyons found Ayse Mustafa who in turn released Molly Kmita who fired a shot just wide of the post.  Shianne St. Louis and Sarah Skipper made good challenges during a fairly evenly contested opening period to keep Hoddesdon at arm’s length.  

After nine minutes Rosie found Whitney on the edge of the box.  Whitney turned and fired across the keeper scoring an excellent goal making it 1-0 to Spurs that bore striking similarities to Robbie Keane’s recent late equaliser against Chelsea. 

Straight from the restart Spurs won possession with the ball eventually finding its way to Molly who shot narrowly wide.  Whitney then when close from distance as Spurs began to pepper the Hoddesdon goal.  On 18 minutes Charlotte Dean won the ball on the edge of the box before executing a pinpoint pass – Berbatov style – to Whitney who shot past the keeper making it 2-0 to the U14s. 

A minute later good hold up play by Whitney found Hannah whose cross was met by Laura Smith but the Hoddesdon keeper made an excellent save. Whitney was having an excellent first half and again broke before crossing to Siobhan Jones whose goal-bound effort was well saved by the keeper. 

Shortly afterwards a corner from Hannah found its way to Charlotte who laid off to Nikki Hunnable who had her shot saved as Spurs sought to extend their lead. 

After 27 minutes a ball was played up to Whitney on the edge of the penalty area. She turned her defender before firing a left footed shot past the keeper and into the net completing her hat-trick and making the score 3-0 to Spurs.  There was still time for both Ayse and Whitney to both go close before the half ended 3-0 to Spurs. 

If we thought the girls started the first half well they fairly exploded into the second half. After 36 minutes Renata Inniss found Whitney in the penalty area who grabbed her and Spurs’ fourth of the match.  Less than a minute later it was 5-0 when a ball found Renata in the penalty area.  She needed no second bidding to grab her first goal of the game. 

On 38 minutes the U14s made it three goals in three minutes when Taylor O’Leary executed a cross-field pass, that Glenn Hoddle would have been proud of, to Rosie who took the ball on before finding Laura in the box who slid the ball home to make it 6-0 to Spurs.  Daisy then got some rare time on the pitch as Laura replaced her in goal. 

Hoddesdon battled away never once giving up and managed to stem the Spurs flow for the next ten minutes or so. However after 48 minutes a great run from Nikki found Daisy in the penalty area.  Daisy laid the ball off to Renata who smashed the ball into the roof of the net making it 7-0 to Spurs. 

Daisy then went close again having a goal-bound shot cleared.  After 50 minutes Spurs struck again when a good run by Rosie down the left resulted in a cross that found Daisy in the penalty area.  Her shot was well saved, but Siobhan was on hand to put the rebound away to make it 8-0 to Spurs. 

Then we had a goal that never was – Pedro Mendes style – when Taylor unleashed a shot from distance that seemed to go in before coming out the back of the net. It was unclear to all present whether it had gone in and the referee gave Hoddesdon the benefit of the doubt by awarding a goal-kick.  

After 52 minutes Katie Mills attempted an outrageous effort on goal from just inside the Hoddesdon half, reminiscent of Nayim’s cup winning goal against Arsenal.  Unfortunately for Katie, the Hoddesdon keeper pulled off a good save to deny her (unlike David Seaman). 

Taylor (twice) and Rosie then both went close from distance, whilst Harley was again on hand with an excellent challenge to prevent Hoddesdon from pulling a goal back.  

And so we came to the final goal of the game, which was arguably the best of all.  

After 65 minutes Ayse found Renata outside the penalty area.  Renata then ghosted past a couple of defenders and then the goalkeeper before passing the ball into the back of the net to complete her hat-trick with a goal very similar to the much aired one scored by Jimmy Greaves against Man United back in the 60s.  

This made the score 9-0 to Spurs, which was how the game ended. Well done to the girls on an awesome performance.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 28 Whitney Tango

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

The U14s arrived in west London in a very determined mood seeking to reverse the early season defeat at the hands of the reigning champions. 

It was evident that the girls meant business, when first Katie Mills and then Harley Keenlyside made strong (but very fair) challenges to cut out some early QPR pressure. This seemed to set the tempo of the Spurs performance as the girls grew in confidence. 

Whitney Tango fashioned a half chance when she had a run on goal that was only just cut out by the QPR defence before she could get her shot away. 

At the other end QPR forced a good save from Daisy O’Sullivan. The rebound fell to a QPR player who took aim before seeing her shot blocked by a well timed Shianne St. Louis challenge. 

The game soon became stretched as both teams sought to gain the advantage. Both Siobhan Jones and Nikki Hunnable had shots saved by the QPR keeper, whilst Taylor O’Leary had to be on her toes to cut out a QPR break. 

Nikki was really beginning to torment the QPR defence with her pace and shortly after she broke, closed on goal before having her shot saved by their keeper. 

After eight minutes it seemed that QPR would surely take the lead when a break found them through on goal. Only an excellent last ditch challenge from Harley prevented the shot on goal.  

The deadlock was eventually broken after 16 minutes when Taylor won the ball in midfield and found Nikki wide on the right. Nikki took on the QPR full-back before putting a dangerous ball across the face of the QPR goal for Laura Smith to latch onto and finish with aplomb making it 0-1 to Spurs. 

QPR sought to strike back immediately and both Ayse Mustafa and Katie made well timed challenges to cut out dangerous attacks. 

Molly Kmita was all over the pitch as she did a textbook ‘girl-to-girl’ marking job on Sue in the QPR midfield rarely leaving her side or allowing her to settle on the ball.  

The next goal was always going to be crucial and thankfully when it arrived after 25 minutes it was in our favour. Good work from Ayse found Nikki on the right flank. The QPR defence could not clear the resulting cross and the ball eventually found its way to Siobhan, who controlled the ball before taking aim and firing the ball into the net off of the post making it 0-2 to Spurs. 

QPR pressed to get back into the game and Daisy first had to cut out a break with her feet before making a fine save just before half time, when she flung herself to push a goal-bound shot around the post for the corner. The referee blew for half time shortly afterwards. 

Shortly after the game restarted for the second half Spurs pushed for a goal to make the game safe. Renata Inniss made tracks down the left wing and saw her cross cleared. Ayse’s resulting corner flew across the goal without anyone being able to get a vital touch. 

Spurs were awarded a questionable indirect free-kick for a back pass after 45 minutes but could not take advantage having their shot on goal blocked before the ball was eventually cleared. 

QPR began to exert some pressure and Daisy was again at hand to make a vital save and Harley, Katie and Shianne all made good blocks to prevent shots on goal.  On 55 minutes QPR finally breached the Spurs defence when they broke and scored from a rebound after Daisy had first saved to make the score 1-2. 

Spurs went straight down the other end from the restart and would have restored their two goal cushion were it not for a great full length save from the QPR keeper to keep out Rosie Kmita’s goal-bound shot after she had been played in by Renata. 

Shortly after Spurs broke again and only a good block prevented Renata from playing Charlotte Dean in on goal.  Sarah Skipper was introduced to provide some defensive cover in the latter stages of the game, which was much needed as QPR pressed for the equaliser. 

As the game entered the final five minutes QPR were awarded two dangerous set pieces in front of the Spurs goal. The first effort flew over the bar much to the relief of the Spurs players, whilst Charlotte was on hand to block a late goal bound effort from a harshly awarded indirect free-kick.  And so the final whistle blew with Spurs running out winners by two goals to one.  

Well done to the girls on a great performance against a very good team. Jayne quite rightly selected the entire team as player of the match but special mention must go to Molly who did an awesome job keeping QPR’s most influential player quiet.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: THE WHOLE TEAM

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -      

The Under-14s finally got to play their long awaited Second round League Cup match against Parkfield Girls after two previous postponements.  Spurs were without Taylor O’Leary and lost Katie Mills prior to kick-off through illness. 

A tight bumpy Parkfield pitch did much to hamper the girl’s normal passing game for large parts of the match.  However, Sarah Skipper put in some good early tackles, whilst Charlotte Dean probed for openings as Spurs sought to gain the ascendancy. 

Renata Inniss had a shot blocked from a Hannah Lyons corner, whilst Daisy O’Sullivan was on hand to gather from a Parkfield free-kick.  The game came to life after nine minutes when a goal mouth scramble fell to Rosie Kmita on the edge of the Parkfield penalty area.  Rosie let fly with a shot from distance that looped over the Parkfield keeper and into the net making it 0-1 to Spurs. 

Shortly after Hannah had a shot saved before Spurs extended their lead after 15 minutes.  Laura Smith picked up the ball on the left side of midfield and put a measured through-ball through to Siobhan Jones, who took the ball on and shot across the keeper into the net making the score 0-2 to Spurs.  

Daisy’s excellent kicking set up a number of Spurs attacks before Renata Inniss picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area on 19 minutes.  She beat two players before curling a shot past the keeper and into the net off the post making the score 0-3 to the U14s. 

Molly Kmita went close with a long shot, whilst Whitney Tango rattled the cross-bar after 33 minutes.  There was time for Ayse Mustafa to go close and for Renata to hit the post via a defender before the half ended 0-3 to Spurs. 

The second half resumed with Spurs on top.  Good work from Laura found Rosie whose long distance effort was well saved by the Parkfield keeper. 

Nikki Hunnable began to make tracks down the right wing and set up a few half chances that Spurs were unable to convert.  Ayse shot narrowly over the bar after being found by Whitney who herself forced a good save from the Parkfield keeper after 44 minutes. 

Laura picked up a throw-in from Rosie and turned and shot seeing her effort saved again by the Parkfield keeper who was in good form.  Shianne St. Louis was on hand to tidy up whenever Parkfield threatened to force their way back into the game.  

After 50 minutes a blocked shot from Rosie fell to Nikki who had her shot saved.  Whitney then had a shot saved as it looked only a matter of time before the U14s extended their lead. 

The inevitable came to pass after 55 minutes when an effort from Ayse could only be parried by the Parkfield keeper.  Laura was quickly onto the resulting loose ball and shot into the Parkfield net making it 0-4 to Spurs. 

Four minutes later Harley Keenlyside picked out Whitney with a pinpoint long pass.  Whitney took the ball on and fired into the roof of the net to make the score-line 0-5 to Spurs. 

Tottenham pushed on in an attempt to score more goals and won a number of corners as the Parkfield defence blocked on target efforts from Nikki, Whitney and Laura.  The game ended with the score at 0-5 to Spurs with the girls progressing safely into the quarter finals of the Cup.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 13 Siobhan Jones 

PAUL MILLS

Enfield Town -    
Queens Park Rangers  -    
Fairlands Youth  -    
St. Albans City Youth -    
Denham United -    
Hoddesdon Owls -    
Garston Ladies -    
Parkfield Girls -    
Stevenage Borough Vixens  -    
St. Martins -    
Luton Town  -