The THLFC U14s arrived in St. Albans to play Harvesters in the League Cup quarter final without the services of Whitney Tango. 

The first half was a fairly non-descript affair of few chances with both defences in the ascendancy. 

In the early stages of the match Spurs were restricted by Harvesters to a couple of half chances falling to Laura Smith and Siobhan Jones, which were dealt with, whilst Rosie Kmita and Ayse Mustafa both shot from distance narrowly wide. 

Nikki Hunnable made some penetrating runs down the flank, but Spurs were unable to break through.  Spurs’ best chance came on 22 minutes when Renata Inniss took the ball round a couple of defenders before finding Laura in the box who unfortunately had her shot saved. 

At the other end Shianne St. Louis, Charlotte Dean, Katie Mills and Sarah Skipper were dominant with Daisy O’Sullivan’s goal rarely threatened. 

The U14s sought to up the tempo after the break and just after the restart Taylor O’Leary had a good shot gathered by the keeper.  

The breakthrough followed shortly after as Spurs won a corner, which was delivered into the box by Nikki.  Siobhan picked up the ball, but had her shot saved, however, Renata was on hand to bury the rebound to make it 0-1 to Spurs.

After 40 minutes the ball was worked down the Spurs left and was picked up by Renata.  Her cross found its way to Molly Kmita who drilled a shot into the corner of the net to make it 0-2 to Spurs. 

Taylor then had a shot blocked for a corner, which, when delivered by Nikki, fell to Molly who shot just over the bar.  Shortly after Renata reacted quickly by taking a throw-in that found Taylor in space.  Unfortunately for her, her shot flew narrowly wide.  Again the Spurs defence were rarely troubled having been bolstered by the arrival of Harley Keenlyside at the start of the second half. 

On 53 minutes Spurs again won a corner on the left.  This time it was Hannah Lyons' turn to deliver a good cross that eventually fell to Siobhan to side foot into the net making it 0-3 to the U14s. 

Two minutes later a good pass from Sarah down the right flank found Renata, who took the ball on before cutting inside a defender and burying the ball into the back of the net making it 0-4 to Spurs and completing the scoring. 

There was still time before the match ended for Laura to shoot past the post and into the side netting whilst Ayse again drilled over the bar. 

Well done to the girls on progressing to the semi-finals where a very interesting tie with Enfield awaits.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 25 Rosie Kmita

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 Under-14s of Spurs Ladies travelled to South West London to represent London in the Tesco Cup Southern England Regional Final at Roehampton. Spurs were drawn in a group with Queens Park Rangers (Middlesex), Gravesham Girls (Kent) and Southampton Saints (Hampshire).  Unfortunately, QPR withdrew the day before so the remaining teams all picked up two points without kicking a ball. 

Spurs were without Sarah Skipper, who unfortunately hurt her ankle in training, aggravating an injury that had kept her out earlier in the season.  Still she made the journey to support her team mates even though she could take no part in proceedings. 

Our first opponents were Gravesham Girls, who had just drawn with Southampton, so both teams knew that whoever won would be in the driving seat to qualify for the final and whoever lost would be going home. 

Therefore, it was important that Spurs made a good start and so it was with Hannah Lyons swinging in a couple of good early crosses that were cleared by the Gravesham defence.  After seven minutes, Ayse Mustafa shot just past the post as Spurs made the running.  Two minutes later, the Spurs pressure was rewarded as a Shianne St. Louis free-kick was headed onto Renata Inniss, who turned and shot into the net to make it 1-0 to Spurs. 

Hannah then had a shot saved before Siobhan Jones was put through on goal after 10 minutes.  She took the ball on and slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 to Spurs. 

A minute later good pressure from Siobhan forced a back-pass and the clearance of which fell to Taylor O’Leary on the edge of the box.  Taylor controlled the ball, took aim and fired a looping shot over the keeper to make it 3-0 to Spurs at half time. 

Early in the second period Harley Keenlyside found Rosie Kmita who made a great run before crossing to Whitney Tango.  Her shot crashed against the bar before falling to Renata who shot just over.  On 29 minutes Renata and Ayse played a one two for Renata to take the ball on and shoot across goal, narrowly missing the far post. 

A minute later Katie Mills found Whitney who in turn fed Siobhan, who took the ball on only to see her shot saved by the Gravesham keeper.  On 31 minutes Whitney took the ball on a mazy run before having her shot saved as Spurs went for a fourth goal. 

It was not to be, but there was just time before the end of the game for Gravesham to grab a consolation.  Daisy O’Sullivan – a spectator for much of the game - did well to save a shot from a Gravesham attack, only to see the rebound bundled in to make the final score 3-1 to Spurs.  

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

PAUL MILLS

Spurs went into their second group game knowing a draw would be enough to take them into the final.  However, in their way stood a Southampton team who had beaten us on our 2006 end of season tour and who knew that a victory would take them to the final.  This probably explained the nervy match that followed with both sides not wanting to commit too much in attack for the fear of getting caught on the break. 

Southampton had an early free kick cleared by the Spurs defence before Charlotte Dean tried to put the Spurs attackers in with a precision pass, only to see it gathered by the Saints keeper.  Katie Mills was then strong in the challenge as was Ayse Mustafa shortly after.  Nikki Hunnable fired in a couple of corners that Spurs could not capitalise on.  On 11 minutes Renata Inniss picked up the ball and took it on before shooting narrowly over the bar. 

A minute later came Spurs’ best chance, when a long ball from Katie found Nikki, who raced off down the right wing. She found Ayse in midfield, who in turn found Renata, who laid the ball off to Taylor O’Leary whose shot hit the bar Her follow up header was saved by the keeper ensuring that the first half ended goalless.  

The second half was one of few chances and with play interrupted by a number of stoppages to treat injuries.  One of the Southampton players looked to have injured her knee quite severely and had to be carried from the field of play - we wish her a speedy recovery. 

In terms of chances Spurs were restricted to two blocked shots from Whitney as the game entered its final stages.  

The game finished with both sides cancelling each other out for a goalless draw.  This was enough to see the U14s progress to the final where they would meet Herongate winners of Group B and representing Essex.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 7 Taylor O'Leary 

PAUL MILLS

Spurs met Herongate in the Southern England Regional Final for the right to go to Leicester City’s Walkers Stadium for the English National Final the following week.  With so much at stake, it was not surprising that it was a fairly tight game of few chances.

After two minutes Rosie Kmita put in a through ball that was cut out by the Herongate keeper before Whitney Tango could finish.  On seven minutes, the ball was fed out to Nikki Hunnable who took it on and got away a shot only to see it saved.  A minute before half time Ayse Mustafa found Nikki who crossed to Siobhan Jones.  Her shot was saved and gathered at the second attempt by the Herongate keeper before Whitney could capitalise. The first half ended with the score at 0-0. 

At the start of the second half Taylor O’Leary saw her attempt at a through ball cut out before having a shot from distance saved.  Both teams cancelled each other out and the second half finished goalless with extra time looming. 

As the first half of extra time started Renata Inniss fashioned an audacious chance as she flicked the ball over her head before getting off a shot that flew just past the post.  With Herongate rarely threatening the Spurs goal, the U14s looked more likely to snatch victory and had a good chance when a corner fell to Ayse Mustafa whose shot was well saved by the Herongate keeper.  Still the game remained scoreless as the first half of extra time concluded. 

The second half of extra time was a nervy affair, however Spurs did have a great chance to score when the ball flew across the goal to the feet of Hannah Lyons.  Unfortunately, she could not get a shot away and the ball was eventually cleared.  With two minutes to go Spurs gave away a dangerous free-kick on their left flank.  Herongate swung the ball in and the resultant header flew just over the bar.  

Unfortunately for Spurs, they did not learn their lesson and with a minute to go of extra time gave away an almost identical free kick in virtually the same position.  This time the header found its target and flew into the Spurs net despite Harley Keenlyside’s despairing attempt to hook the ball out to make the score 0-1 to Herongate. 

To their credit the girls did not give up and pushed on again and were unlucky not to equalise when Taylor hit the post with virtually the last kick of the game. 

Unfortunately, it was not to be and Spurs had to be content with runners up medals given out by ex-Wimbledon player Warren Barton, having played the better football in the final.  On a brighter note Shianne St. Louis and Renata Inniss won awards for best defender and best forward in the U14 age group respectively.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 26 Shianne St. Louis

PAUL MILLS

Spurs Ladies arrived for the eagerly awaited return match against Luton Town U14 in good spirits having gone really close the previous day in the Tesco Cup.  As usual, we received a warm welcome from our hosts and looked forward to an interesting match with both teams still in with a shout for the league title. 

As is usual with these two teams, we saw a tight game of few chances.  Spurs had much of the early possession and after four minutes fashioned a chance when the Luton keeper failed to gather a through ball.  Renata Inniss took the ball wide, but could not convert.  Three minutes later Renata again went close when she latched onto a Nikki Hunnable corner and turned, shooting narrowly over the cross bar. 

After 17 minutes and slightly against the run of play, Luton were awarded a penalty after Harley Keenlyside was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box.  Daisy O’Sullivan made a fantastic save from the spot kick to keep the scores level. 

A minute later Spurs were awarded a free kick just outside their penalty area.  Katie Mills drilled the ball up field only for it to be returned straight back over her head.  A Luton attacker was straight onto the through ball and held Katie off before slotting the ball past Daisy to make it 1-0 to the home team. 

Daisy was on hand to clear a through ball, whilst Molly Kmita was on hand to tidy up after a dangerous attack a few minutes later as Luton sought to capitalise on their advantage. 

On 26 minutes, a Charlotte Dean through ball was headed on by Renata, but was gathered by the Luton keeper before Whitney Tango could threaten.  Two minutes later it seemed that Spurs had levelled when Ayse Mustafa danced round a couple of tackles before unleashing a vicious drive that seemed a certain goal.  Only an excellent save from the Luton keeper tipping the ball round the post denied her.  

Just before half time a throw from Katie found Renata who set up Taylor O’Leary for a shot that flew just over the bar. So the half time whistle blew with Luton having the advantage. 

And try as they might in the second half, Spurs could not break through the massed Luton ranks and were restricted to a number of half chances.  Both defences were definitely on top after the break.  Renata went close with a header, whilst at the other end Daisy was again on hand to deny Luton on the break.  Spurs’ best chance came after 50 minutes, when Molly attempted an effort from distance.  The Luton keeper did not gather, but the Spurs forwards could not take advantage. 

As time ran out Shianne St. Louis latched onto another corner from Nikki that slid past the post. 

And so the match finished with Luton defending well and holding out for a victory which pretty much ended the U14s championship chances. Focus is now switched to progression in the League Cup. 

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 6 Katie Mills and 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 U14s hosted Enfield Town in the League Cup semi-final, again without the services of Sarah Skipper (due to an ankle injury) on a very hot afternoon at Frederick Knights.  What was served up by both teams was a great game full of drama right to the end.

First Half
 

In the first minute of the game Spurs won a corner which was delivered into the danger area by Nikki Hunnable. Renata Inniss was first to the ball and turned to fire into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to Spurs.  What a start. 

Whitney Tango had a shot saved after five minutes after combining well with Renata and after nine minutes, Shianne St. Louis had a go on goal from a free kick only to see her effort fly wide of the post.  Whitney again went close, before Charlotte Dean shot from distance after 12 minutes forcing a save from the Enfield keeper. 

The game seemed to suffer a lull for the next few minutes as both teams struggled to cope with the heat.  It was not until 26 minutes before there was another noteworthy chance when Spurs broke from an Enfield corner with Siobhan Jones eventually finding Whitney, whose shot was smothered by the keeper. 

Just prior to half time Ayse Mustafa had a shot from distance that flew over the bar leaving the score 1-0 to Spurs at the break.

Second Half

Spurs seemed to step up a gear after the break with Renata again going close from a free-kick.  However, Daisy O’Sullivan had to be on her toes after 42 minutes being forced into a save from distance after a well struck Enfield free-kick.  Her resultant drop kick went all the way through to Siobhan who took the ball on before slotting the ball into the net to make it 2-0 to Spurs. 

Katie Mills then served up a couple of defence splitting long balls that found first Siobhan, then Laura Smith both of whom had their shots saved.  Renata had a couple of chances to extend the lead when she shot twice from distance after latching onto through balls only to see her efforts fly just over the bar.  At this stage there only looked like one winner, but as you know football is a funny old game. 

On the hour, Enfield won a penalty after Harley Keenlyside was adjudged to have pushed an Enfield attacker.  The resultant spot kick was dispatched to make the score-line 2-1.  This seemed to rouse Enfield into life as they crafted another shortly afterwards shooting narrowly across the Spurs goalmouth.  

After 65 minutes Enfield won a corner which was taken short.  Spurs did not close down the Enfield attacker, who took aim before driving an unstoppable shot into the roof of the Spurs net making it 2-2 with only a few minutes of normal time remaining.   

There was still time for Whitney to go close again just shooting past the post before the final whistle went with the scores at 2-2.

Extra Time

 
Spurs started extra time brightly with Whitney and Nikki combining to set up Renata who shot just past the post.  Renata again went close before Whitney broke on 72 minutes only to be hauled down by the Enfield keeper to win a penalty.  Renata was calmness personified as she stepped up to make it 3-2 to Spurs.  The first half of extra time ended with this as the score-line. 

The second half of extra time was of few chances as the heat seemed to take its toll on both sets of players.  On 84 minutes a great run from Whitney was followed by a shot that was well saved by the Enfield keeper. 

With three minutes remaining Enfield caught the Spurs defence in possession before crossing to equalise making the score 3-3 with a penalty shoot-out looming.  This was how extra time finished. 

Penalty Shoot-out
 

And so it was down to the lottery of penalties and a question of who could hold their nerve and gain a bit of good fortune.  

Both sets of players gathered in the centre circle as ten girls stepped forward in turn displaying an incredible amount of bottle to take the spot kicks.   

Enfield dispatched the first penalty with Daisy close to making a save (1-0).  Whitney stepped up first for Spurs and dispatched to level the score at 1-1.  

Enfield scored their second penalty (2-1) with Daisy again getting close to making a save before Taylor O’Leary replied to level the scores at 2-2.  

Daisy was very close to saving Enfield’s third penalty only being deceived by a wicked bounce (3-2) and Ayse again levelled to make it 3-3. 

As Alex Ferguson is often quoted it was definitely squeaky bum time as any mistake now could be very costly. The fourth Enfield penalty taker stepped up and blasted the ball over the bar opening the door slightly to Spurs – but could they capitalise ?  Renata stepped forward and blasted the ball into the next to make it 3-4 and advantage to Spurs. 

Enfield’s fifth and final penalty taker scored making it 4-4 and so it was down to Charlotte to take Spurs’ fifth penalty.  She stepped up and calmly slotted to ball home to make it 4-5 to Spurs taking them to the final where Luton await.

Well done to the girls on both sides for a very entertaining game.  Commiserations to Enfield, who having fought back twice to level the game, were denied by penalties.  

BTW – Katie missed the post match celebrations as she rushed off to represent the U14s displaying the Tesco London County Cup to a packed White Hart Lane just before the Liverpool game.  Thanks to Ross (a.k.a. Lewis Hamilton) for getting her there with seconds to spare. 

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

PAUL MILLS

LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL
Luton Town  1      Garston Ladies  0    
 

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

Tonight’s final league match saw the U14s host another one of the title contenders Garston Ladies.  The game was watched by some interested guests from Luton with one eye on the championship and one on Sunday’s Cup final.

Spurs welcomed back Sarah Skipper from an ankle injury, but were without the services of Taylor O’Leary and Harley Keenlyside.

It seemed Sunday’s marathon semi-final against Enfield had taken something out of our girls as in the first half they struggled to get their game going but still did enough to keep Garston at bay.  In the early stages Spurs’ only chance of note was a long shot from Molly Kmita.  At the other end, Renata Inniss was on hand to help the defence out when Garston threatened, whilst Daisy O’Sullivan made the first of what was a number of good saves.

Spurs tried to open up Garston whenever possible but had to be mindful of the quick counter attack so by half time had only been able to force a couple of half chances.  However, the Garston keeper tidied up both following a great run and cross from Siobhan Jones and a Charlotte Dean through ball to Whitney Tango, which left the half time score goalless.

The second half was much livelier as Garston came out after the break and forced a number of chances.  They had several shots that flew wide of the post, whilst Daisy was having an inspired game saving everything on target.  Spurs' best chance during this period saw Siobhan Jones put Whitney Tango in on goal.  Unfortunately for the U14s she shot past the post.

Sarah Skipper returned to the fold and was quickly on hand to clear under pressure as Garston went for the jugular. On 51 minutes they finally broke through firing a shot beyond the arms of Daisy and in to the net making it 0-1 to the visitors.

Many teams would have packed it in at this point, having played extra time and penalties a couple of days before, but not Spurs, who picked themselves up and sought to force their way back into the match.  The defence tightened up with Sarah’s introduction and she, Katie Mills and Shianne St. Louis began to cope better with Garston’s dangerous attackers.  The midfield began to get to grips and gradually Spurs began to threaten.

Notwithstanding this, Daisy still made a couple more fine saves before Spurs nearly equalised after 55 minutes when a Nikki Hunnable free-kick was close to being diverted into the net by a Garston defender.  Two minutes later another free-kick from Nikki was cleared to Siobhan.  She put the ball back into the danger area, where it was picked up by Ayse Mustafa, who calmly slotted the ball home to make the score 1-1.

Both teams then went for victory as the game opened up and became end-to-end.  Renata played in Whitney shortly after, but the ball had just too much legs running through to the Garston keeper.  After 57 minutes Laura Smith had a shot saved, whilst a minute later Garston struck a post with Daisy beaten.  Rosie Kmita battled away in midfield as the game became stretched.

Garston had a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs penalty area shortly before full time that was saved by Daisy. 

So the full time whistle blew on an entertaining match with the score level.  The result did neither side much good as far as the championship was concerned and it was the Luton folks that left the happiest.

Well done for the girls for forcing their way back into the game after going behind against a very good Garston side.

THLFC U14 player(s) of the match: 1 Daisy O’Sullivan, 26 Shianne St. Louis, 13 Siobhan Jones

PAUL MILLS

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

"It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low.  And we of Spurs have set our sights very high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory." 

These were the words of the late great Bill Nicholson and very aptly sum up our loss in the League Cup final.  It was a game where we played almost all of the football, but were edged out by a last minute sucker punch on the break.  Fair play to Luton who emerged victorious, having withstood sustained periods of pressure, and whilst our girls should be really proud of their efforts on the day, based on the balance of play they surely deserved more than a second successive final defeat. 

In so far as the match was concerned Spurs had much the better of the opening stages. There was good interplay between Katie Mills and Taylor O’Leary whilst Renata Inniss and Rosie Kmita combined well on the other side of the pitch. 

At the other end Luton had a shot gathered comfortably by Daisy O’Sullivan whilst Katie was on hand to snuff out a rare Luton attack before the forward could get off a shot.  The game came to life on 11 minutes when Taylor attempted a lofted pass into the Luton box which was gathered by the Luton keeper as Rosie closed in.  A minute later Renata found Siobhan Jones on the edge of the penalty area who controlled, turned and drove a shot past the post. 

On 13 minutes Spurs won a free-kick on the edge of the Luton box.  Nikki Hunnable stepped up and her shot cleared the wall but was well saved by the Luton keeper.  Two minutes later Luton broke and appeared through on goal before first Katie then Harley Keenlyside put in excellent challenges to avert any danger.  Shortly after Shianne St. Louis cut out a long ball a minute later to deny Luton a shot on goal. 

On 23 minutes it looked as though the under 14s had scored when Molly Kmita found Whitney Tango on the edge of the area.  She put a precision pass into the feet of Rosie whose goal bound shot was turned round for a corner by the keeper at full stretch.  Three minutes later a free kick from Shianne found Charlotte Dean who had a shot well saved.  In the 27th minute, a good run from Renata played in Rosie who crossed across the face of the Luton goal.  Unfortunately there was no one on hand to finish. 

The Spurs defence then comfortably tidied up a couple of Luton breaks before Ayse Mustafa played in Whitney just before half time. Whitney controlled and shot past the post meaning that the half ended goalless.  Just after half time Spurs had a shout for a penalty when the Luton keeper appeared to impede Molly from getting to a loose ball in the area; however, the referee waved play on.  On 39 minutes Taylor shot just past the post before putting a ball through to Whitney that was cut out by the keeper. 

Spurs were playing the better football and so it came as a surprise when the U14s were hit by a goal against the run of play on 42 minutes, when a high hopeful lob flew over Daisy’s head ending up in the back of the Tottenham net to make it 0-1 to Luton.  

Spurs continued to press with some slick passing football to put Luton on the back foot.  They won a free kick when Laura Smith was manhandled on the edge of the penalty area.  Nikki swung the ball into the box but the referee blew for a foul on the keeper. 

On 52 minutes Whitney Tango nicked an equaliser when she seized on some hesitant Luton defending following a good run from Renata who found Nikki in the box.  She beat the keeper to the ball and crossed for Whitney to pass into the empty net to make the score 1-1. 

Luton then won a couple of free kicks that were dealt with comfortably by the defence as Spurs pushed for a winner.   

Nikki won a free kick on 62 minutes after being hacked down having slipped her marker.  She needed the referee’s assistance to retrieve her boot and did well to play on with a foot injury.  The resultant free kick was scrambled away by the Luton defence.   On 65 minutes it seemed certain that Spurs would score when Katie played in Ayse, who had the time to control and slot home.  Unfortunately, the ball seemed to get stuck under her foot and she was tackled before she could execute a shot. 

Two minutes later Renata had the shot of the match when she drove a vicious drive towards the Luton goal.  Again the Luton keeper was their saviour making another great save before doing well to punch away the resultant corner when under pressure.  

Just when it seemed certain that the match would go to extra time, a long punt forward was picked up by the Luton right winger.  The ball was crossed into the Spurs area and Katie found herself in the unenviable position of having two players to mark.  Despite her best efforts the Luton players combined to bundle the ball home to win the game and the cup leaving the Spurs girls distraught.  

Over the course of this season our girls conducted themselves excellently playing some breathtaking football at times whilst never resorting to gamesmanship, cynical fouling of opponents and abuse of match officials.  On the day they were great ambassadors for Tottenham Hotspur FC playing the type of football that the club is renowned for and conducting themselves with dignity in defeat. 

So lets take the ‘echo of glory’ as encouragement to return next season even more determined to claim one of the major prizes on offer that their ability and sportsmanship so richly deserve.

The girls now have one more big game this season – the annual clash against the parents scheduled for Tuesday night – let battle commence!

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

PAUL MILLS

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