The start of another new season with some new signings for THLFC under-14s following the departure of Tori Tripp, Tianna Carrington and Amy Woff who all joined academy teams.  We wish them every success for the future.

So the new look Spurs line up started brightly if a little nervously. Alexa Rangecroft led from the front as captain getting stuck in through the midfield.  Laura Newby was looking for space up front and Hollie Watson was defending strongly at the back. Unfortunately Charlotte McLucas had to go off injured and was replaced by Lydia Maher.

Lydia was testing out the defence down the right.  Following a Lea Valley attack, Hollie delivered a long ball up field to find Laura who drilled a pass to Sam Pennington, who smashed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 after seven minutes.  Saskia Collins was patrolling down the right; Lea Valley did have a shot which went wide of the post. Clara Littlechild was delivering some great defending in her first League game for the club.

Goal number two came from another newcomer Katie Fray who turned her player and then had a shot from outside the area to squeeze the ball into the back of the net, between post and keeper.  What an excellent strike after 13 minutes.

Sam Pennington was linking up with Laura well up front in her first League game for the club. Vicki Blake was stepping up in the middle of defence and looking for Bobbi Cubberley who was trying to create width on the left. Lydia was battling hard and she managed to win a free kick on the corner of the area. Alexa stepped up to float the ball into the box and Laura pounced on the ball to drill it away and make it 3-0 after 16 minutes. Lea Valley however hadn’t given up and Vicki, plus Becca Dowling were cutting out any runs. Vicki then delivered a long ball herself, which found Lydia, the keeper came charging out and Lydia coolly chipped the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-0 after 18 minutes. The girls were now cooking with gas and probably the best goal of the game came next when Sam crossed the ball to Lydia on the right who ran on and then crossed the ball back into the middle to find Sam who didn’t hesitate to deliver a thumping shot into the back of the net to make it 5-0 after 20 minutes.

Lily Tyrimos was working well with Hollie at the back and she produced a great long kick out to find Lydia who passed to Sam, her shot only just going wide of the mark. Lydia had a shot which also just went over the top. Charlotte delivered a good corner which whistled through everyone and Becca came close to slotting it away. Blerta Berisha had come on the left and made her presence felt by dancing around a couple of players and gliding the ball into the back of the net to make it 6-0 after 29 minutes.

Still the girls had to keep their wits about them and Lily came out to collect the ball, with Hollie marshalling the backline of defence to make sure that no one broke through. Katie was having a marvellous game in the middle of the park, showing great vision and drive. Alexa was also dominating the middle and she eased the ball to Katie who passed it to Blerta, whose shot was just wide of the post at the end of the first half.

The second half saw Lea Valley come more at Spurs with Becca defending on the right and Hollie cutting out the runs in the middle at the back.  Katie was linking up with Blerta, with Alexa starting to link up with Charlotte. Blerta drove through on the left and saw her shot well saved by the keeper. Saskia was stepping up well in the middle, with Laura charging down the ball up front.

Charlotte drifted a lovely ball into the box, looking for Laura and Lydia.  Vicki and Hollie were standing firm in the middle of defence cutting out any through balls. Laura had a great run through and she just saw her shot pass the keeper and hit the post and bounce out. Bobbi was battling really hard in the middle. Whilst Lea Valley were pushing forward, Hollie was still like a rock at the back, delivering long clearances when necessary.

The girls were passing the ball really well with Blerta drilling a ball to Katie who stroked it on to Bobbi, whose shot just went over the top. Bobbi was then involved looking for a pass through to Laura who very nearly tucked it away. Alexa passed a through ball to Blerta whose shot was once again well saved by the keeper.

Finally the breakthrough came when Bobbi floated another ball to Laura who smashed it away to make it 7-0 after 50 minutes. Lea Valley however were still trying to push forward and Becca charged back to clear the ball away. This was followed by Saskia clearing the ball and Clara producing an excellent clearance from near the line, after the defence came under pressure.

Down the other end and Bobbi was looking for the searching ball. Once again Clara was on top form at the back, denying Lea Valley a shot. Back the ball went and Sam had a great shot saved by the keeper. It was end to end stuff as Hollie slammed the door shut in the face of a Lea Valley attack. Lea Valley were pushing strongly with Clara once again clearing her lines on the left. Spurs however were still pushing up the pitch and Blerta crossed over to Lydia who scored on a tight angle to make it 8-0 after 73 minutes. A couple minutes later and Bobbi passed to Lydia who flicked the ball onto Laura on the run and she completed her hat-trick in fine style to make it 9-0 after 74 minutes.

The quality of the football from the girls at times was outstanding.  Lea Valley battled really hard especially in the second half.

Gerry didn’t pick out one player as he felt it was a super team performance with all parts of the team playing their respective roles really well.  Whilst it is always good to start the season with a win, there is a long way to go.  Well done on your first performance.

Why didn’t anyone tell me how strong the sun was, I now look like a tomato !!

DAVE WATSON

belmont united  5     garston ladies  0    
harvesters  8    enfield town  0    
wealdstone  1     buckden girls  3    

Belmont are a tough physical side so the girls knew they would have their work cut out today. The game started with honours even, Laura Newby was looking to find Sam Pennington up front.  Katie Fray delivered a sweet pass to Lydia Maher on the right, whose shot just went wide of the post.

Belmont had a long range shot and Lily Tyrimos carefully watched it into her hands.  Lydia burst through again on the right wing and her shot  just went wide of the post.

Saskia Collins was battling hard in defence on the left , with the defence of Vicki Blake and Hollie Watson holding firm in the middle. The girls were awarded a free kick after seven minutes and Alexa Rangecroft stepped up to take it. The ball was floated into the box and Sam  managed to get a foot on it, to make it 1-0 to Spurs. A minute later and Tottenham were back with Becca Dowling dashing down the right and crossing the ball in to the box, with Sam once again popping up to put the ball passed the keeper to make it 2-0.

Becca was then busy down the other end, making sure that Belmont didn’t penetrate the defence. The ball went back up the other end and Katie had a shot which whistled passed the post. The girls were now starting to link up well, with a sweeping move involving a quick passing sequence between Sam to Becca on to Lydia, who crossed it to Laura whose shot just went wide. Sam then broke through following another move this time with Charlotte McLucas and she was one on one with the keeper who charged out and managed to parry the ball away.

Becca was once again charging down the right and this time crossed a great ball to Lydia who smashed it into the back of the net to make it 3-0 after 12 minutes. Alexa was working hard in the midfield with Katie and they both were looking to find the strikers of Sam and Laura. Vicki was constantly stepping up on a timely basis and breaking up the Belmont attacks. Charlotte delivered a lovely floated pass to Laura who very nearly broke passed the last defender.

Hollie was marshalling the defenders at the back and cutting out any danger balls that broke through the line. Bobbi Cubberley had joined the midfield and was delivering some searching balls through to the attackers. One such ball found Lydia who flicked it onto Laura and the keeper made a super save. A moment later and Sam found herself one on one with the keeper, who once again delivered a great save. Clara Littlechild had come on at the back left position and was getting stuck in. Vicki delivered a good ball to Lydia who nearly found a way through just before half time.

The girls started the second half brightly with Lydia delivering a great ball to Laura whose shot was saved. Bobbi then tried to find Laura with a long ball a few minutes later and she was just denied by the keeper. Bobbi however delivered another brilliant long pass through the middle, to Sam, who shrugged off a couple of tackles and smashed the ball away to deliver herself a hat-trick and make it 4-0 after 40 minutes.

The girls were well on top now and Bobbi had a long range shot from about 30 yards out, which smashed off the crossbar. Still Belmont tried to attack but once again Hollie and her defensive colleagues were slamming the door firmly shut. A few moments later and there was a super charging move from Lydia to Laura who then drilled it to Sam and she scored her fourth goal of the day, making it 5-0 after 42 minutes.

Blerta Berisha was carving out space on the left. Shohana Field was sticking close to her attacker in the middle of defence. The girls were still looking for more goals and Blerta found Sam who passed the ball to Lydia, to put away and make it 6-0 after 52 minutes.

Alexa was holding up the ball nicely in the middle of the park. Hollie was delivering some very long balls up front and Saskia was remaining strong at the back. Spurs were passing the ball all around the pitch and moving it nicely. Bobbi had a shot which was saved by the keeper. Clara was defending hard at the back, with Shoshana. Charlotte was looking for Laura and Sam up front.

The girls had suffered a number of injuries during this hard fought contest on a very warm day. Whilst it was very much a team effort, player of the week award went to Sam on her second league game for the club. Well done to all concerned.

DAVE WATSON

lea valley  2     harvesters  6   
garston ladies  0     wealdstone  0    
buckden girls  2     enfield town  1    

It was another lovely sunny day as the girls travelled to just outside Watford to meet up with Garston Ladies in the HCGFL. The girls started to put pressure on early with Alexa Rangecroft bursting through the middle and the ball going off for a goal kick. A moment later and Lydia Maher pulled the ball back to Laura Newby in the middle of the box, unfortunately her shot sailed over the cross bar.  Bobbi Cubberley now had a shot which was well held by the keeper.

Tottenham weren’t having it all their own way and Clara Littlechild was battling on the left of defence to stop Garston driving through. The Spurs pressure paid off after two minutes when Bobbi delivered a great long ball to Lydia who ran through and drilled it into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Alexa was still battling hard in the middle of the park and Bobbi was on the look out for more searching passes.  Becca Dowling was holding the centre of defence well, with good support from Shoshana Field on the right, Saskia Collins in the middle and Clara out on the left.  Indeed Clara delivered a good long pass to Blerta Berisha who ran on and her shot was well saved by the keeper.  A few minutes later and Bobbi had a great chance on the left hand side, with her shot just going past the post.

The second goal came when Laura crossed the ball to Sam Pennington who had a good shot which was saved by the keeper but Lydia pounced on the chance and slammed it into the goal to make it 2-0 after 10 minutes. 

Shoshana was pushing out from defence when she was hurt and Hollie Watson came into the middle of defence with Becca swapping out to the right. Still the girls pushed forward with Alexa having a shot which went wide. This was followed up a few moments later by a shot from Sam which the keeper once again kept out. Garston however were still very keen to attack themselves and Clara was tackling hard to make sure they didn’t get a shot away.

Down the other end and Bobbi floated a good ball to Lydia whose shot whistled over the crossbar. Becca then charged down the right and crossed the ball to Blerta whose shot went wide. Becca was at it again a minute later and crossed the ball brilliantly to Sam whose first shot was saved by the keeper, although she followed it up with a thumping left footed shot which slammed into the back of the net to make it 3-0 after 16 minutes.

Still the girls were pushing forward this time Becca passed to Katie Fray who had come on for Alexa and her shot was saved. The girls were trying very hard and Bobbi had a shot which hit the side netting.

Garston however were still desperate to push forward and Lily Tyrimos held a long range shot well. Clara was involved in clearing the ball away, with Hollie making sure that no one broke through the middle. The ball went down the other end with Lydia looking to find Sam with a searching pass in the box. Saskia was cutting out the through ball well.

Goal number four came from a super run by Lydia on the right and a shot which slid past the keeper's stretched out hands to make it 4-0 after 30 minutes.  The girls still weren’t finished with a good sweeping move from Blerta to Laura to Katie whose shot was well saved.  Just as the first half came to a close Hollie was called upon to clear away the danger of an attack.

Now this might sound strange given the girls were 4-0 up, but they still weren’t firing on all cylinders and Garston started the second half as they meant business with Saskia clearing the ball away at the back. Vicki Blake had come on to replace Becca who unfortunately had hurt her shoulder, with Charlotte McLucas replacing Blerta on the left of the mid- field.  Hollie cleared the ball up the field, with Bobbi having a shot which was well saved by the keeper.  Sam was charging down the left, as she had swapped over with Laura.  Charlotte was tracking back making sure that the ball was safe. Bobbi had another shot which whistled across the goal.  To their credit however Garston continued to pile people forward and Hollie/Vicki/Saskia and Clara were working hard to ensure that no one broke through to have a shot of any kind.  Spurs however were still pushing forward themselves with Bobbi having a shot that went wide of the post.

Vicki was doing some good step ups and Clara was very busy once again on the left of defence. Bobbi had another shot from distance and the ball whistled passed the post. Vicki and Clara were combining well to keep Garston at bay. Finally all Bobbi’s hard work paid off and she struck a great ball that found the back of the net to make it 5-0 after 50 minutes.  At this juncture Blerta was re-introduced to the game, this time on the right and made an instant impression by carving out a super shot at goal to make it 6-0 after 53 minutes.  Still however Garston weren’t finished and Hollie once again cleared the ball away before they could progress to a shot at goal. Charlotte floated a nice ball into the box, with Blerta popping up once again and delivering her second goal of the game and Spurs seventh after 54 minutess. You would think that Garston at this point would give up, but to their credit they continued to battle away. Goal number eight came from Katie who burst through the middle and buried it away to make it 8-0 after 62 minutes.

Blerta was now getting well into her stride, showing great skills with the keeper pulling of a super block off the line. Blerta wasn’t going to be denied her hat-trick, following a super pass from Blerta, brought the ball down, turned round quickly, danced round the defender and smashed the ball into the back of the net; it was a pleasure to watch as it took Spurs to 9-0 after 67 minutes. The girls were very keen to go into double figures and Charlotte floated in a super corner which Blerta got hold of and her shot smashed against the post and bounced out for a defender kicked it off for a corner. Once again Charlotte delivered a great corner, which Vicki headed at the goal, the keeper managed to grab hold of it in the nick of time.

With only a few minutes remaining, Bobbi floated a good pass to Alexa in the middle of the park, she ran on to just the edge of the box and let fly with a shot, which net the back of the net before the keeper could react, it was a excellent goal and wrapped up a 10-0 win.

Great credit should be given to Garston who battled really hard throughout the whole game and never gave up despite the score-line. Spurs delivered a good win and once again lessons have been learnt. It was very much a team effort with no one player singled out as player of the match.

Well done Girls; let's hope this weather carries on for another few weeks, although I doubt it !!!

DAVID WATSON

belmont united  2     enfield town  0    
garston ladies  -    
harvesters  11    buckden girls  0    
wealdstone  1     lea valley  4    

enfield town  1     lea valley  6    
harvesters  3    garston ladies  0    

Hollie was clearing the ball once again and found Laura with a long pass, as she ran on and tried to find Sam Pennington her strike partner.  There was a good passing move from Charlotte to Sam who nearly found Laura, although Harvesters were on Spurs quickly and the attack faded out.  A few moments later and another good move from Alexa to Katie who delivered a great ball to Laura, whose shot went wide of the mark.

Sam had a great run and her cross was well saved by the keeper with Laura bearing down on the ball.  The movement was end to end stuff and then Harvesters broke through at the back; they had a shot which took a deflection and ended up in the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Spurs were not firing on all cylinders and Lydia Maher tried to inject some more urgency by diving down the right hand side, which showed what could be achieved. The girls however continued to battle away with Becca on the right and Lydia coming back to assist as necessary.  Blerta Berisha came on with Bobbi Cubberley and it wasn’t long before Blerta had a shot, which was well blocked by a defender.  Bobbi started to cross the ball in well, looking for a striker. 

However Harvesters were still dangerous and Vicki had to clear the ball away and tackle, with Hollie also working hard to ensure the defence kept in shape under the pressure from Harvesters.  Still Spurs were pushing forward towards half time with Katie finding Blerta and her shot went wide of the mark. The girls finished the half continuing to battle away.

Tottenham started the second half brightly, with Alexa looking for Becca who was starting to move forward.  A moment later and Alexa delivered a good ball to Blerta, whose shot went over the top of the cross bar.  A few minutes later and it was Katie’s turn to have a shot and see it go wide. Unfortunately, Katie had to come off after receiving an injury to her back.  Shoshana Field had come on and was also getting into the thick of it.  Lily Tyrimos was called upon to make a good save as Harvesters were piling on the pressure and this resulted in them taking their chance of making it 2-0.

Alexa then had to be carried off after receiving a very painful blow to her knee and the girls were feeling the heat, but they hadn’t given up.  Sam then went for a 50/50 ball and unfortunately hit her head on the floor when she came out of the tackle.  The game had to be stopped at this point as Sam was only semi-conscious and an ambulance was called.

It was at this point that I also had to leave with my Son who was refereeing in a County Cup game, so Mrs Watson took over the press book !!

So the game had only 19 minutes left on the clock, the game re-started with Katie now back on.  The girls were determined to battle on for Sam and get back into the game.  From a throw-in, Blerta danced around a couple of players and then smashed the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

A few minutes later and Spurs were awarded a free kick.  Bobbi coolly stepped up to take the kick.  She lofted the ball into the air, it cleared the keeper and nestled itself in the top of the net and slid down into the goal.  The crowd went wild.  

Harvesters still pushed forward with Hollie clearing the ball away. Lydia was also applying her own pressure and had a shot saved as Tottenham were putting the opposition under a lot of pressure, with a number of corners in a row and Katie having a shot at goal.

Saskia cleared the ball away and picking up the ball, Bobbi passed to Lydia, who had another good attempt. The girls built out from the back with Vicki passing to Laura, who flicked it onto Katie with her shot just going wide.  Charlotte had a shot which was also saved and despite all the pressure the girls couldn’t quite find the winner.

Whilst Tottenham didn’t play as well as they can, this must be in part to the effort and strong play of the Harvesters team.  Probably one of the most pleasing aspects of this match was the spirit that the Tottenham girls showed as they had their backs to the wall and they fought back from 2-0 down, sticking to the principles of their style of play in doing so.  Well done to all concerned.

I know that all the girls and parents wish Sam well and hope she recovers quickly.

david watson

enfield town  0     wealdstone  0    
belmont united  1     lea valley  3    
garston ladies  1     buckden girls  2    

The girls travelled to Southgate to meet their old rivals Enfield Town in the HCGFL, with the hosts having seen changes since the FA changed the ruling regarding academy teams, as have indeed Spurs.

Spurs were the first to shoot with Bobbi Cubberley having a long range shot which saw the ball go wide.  However, Enfield pushed forward themselves, with Spurs a little asleep at the back and Lily Tyrimos was called upon to make a save.  This move seemed to spring Tottenham into life, with Hollie Watson delivering a long ball up to Lydia Maher, who had a shot which went wide. A moment later and Bobbi produced a good ball through to Blerta Berisha who also pulled the ball wide.

Spurs won a free kick outside the box. Bobbi stepped up and for the second week in a row smashed the ball past the wall and into the back of the net, making it 1-0 after six minutes.

Katie Fray was pushing forward and crossed the ball to Lydia, who couldn’t quite manage to slot it away and the ball was cleared away from the box.

Still Enfield tried to push forward and Vicki Blake and Hollie were clearing the ball away. Alexa Rangecroft was busy in the middle of the park, cutting out through balls. Spurs were now starting to apply the pressure and Katie popped up on the left, danced past a defender, just inside the area and crafted the ball into the top right hand corner for a peach of a shot, making it 2-0 after 12 minutes.

Becca Dowling and Vicki were doing well at the back and Vicki delivered a great long ball to Blerta on the left, who took it down, took aim, with the ball whistling over the top. Laura Newby then got into the action by having a shot that was saved by the keeper. Shoshana Field was doing well on the left of defence making sure that Enfield didn’t break through. There was a goal mouth scramble involving Laura and Blerta, but Enfield managed to get it away. A moment later Laura found Bobbi, whose shot was well saved. Blerta was causing problems on the left, swerving past three players, she tried to get around the keeper, but the ball was kicked out.  A minute later and Blerta found Laura with a good cross with her shot being saved.

Alexa had to rush off at this point to go on holiday to Poland!!, so she was replaced by Charlotte McLucas, with Katie dropping back into Alexa’s position.  Blerta was looking dangerous using her many skills, she then delivered a lovely cross into the box, which Bobbi got on the end of and delivered the third goal for Spurs after 25 minutes.  Just one minute later and Tottenham were 4-0 up when Charlotte crossed the ball to Lydia from the right, she laid the ball off to Laura who finished it off.

Bobbi was now in the thick of things, producing a searching ball for Lydia on the right.  Becca dived down the right hand side, using her pace to cruise passed a number of players, then cross the ball to Blerta whose shot just went past the post just before half time.

The second half got under way with Hollie delivering a long ball to Becca, who ran on, battled passed a number of players and her shot was well held by the keeper.  The break-through came early on when Blerta carved herself some space on the left and floated the ball into the back of the net to make it 5-0 after 38 minutes.

The girls were pushing forward, with Becca crossing the ball to Bobbi whose shot just went wide. Enfield were very much on the back foot with Blerta, now finding Bobbi, whose shot went wide.

Saskia Collins came on for Shoshana Field who had played well on the left of defence.

Lydia was battling hard down the right, she crossed it over to Bobbi in the middle, who smashed the ball over the top, into one of the nearby gardens. Becca turned defence into attack when she cleared the ball up the field to Laura whose shot just missed the target.

The Tottenham pressure paid off when Bobbi took the ball down well just outside the area, sized up the shot and like a missile it went smashing into the back of the net to make it 6-0 and of course also deliver Bobbi’s hat-trick for the game.

Tottenham were now dominating the game with Blerta having a couple of shots that missed the post by a couple of inches.  Saskia, Becca, Vicki and Hollie were making sure the defence held firm, clearing any dangerous balls very quickly and moving the pressure back up the other end.

Katie was showing what a tricky little player she is as she moved effortlessly through the midfield, passing the ball to Lydia whose shot was well saved by the keeper. After a few minutes Lydia was then finding Bobbi in the area, whose shot was well saved by the keeper.

Becca pushed forward, ran about 30 yards past a number of players and her shot was very well saved by the keeper.  A moment later and the girls were attacking again, this time Becca shot again, the keeper saved it, but it fell to the feet of Bobbi, who made no mistake in slotting it into the back of the net to make it 7-0.  Spurs were now camped in the Enfield area and Katie finished off, after Blerta had a shot which was blocked off and fell to Katie’s feet, making it 8-0.

A super free flowing move happened with Lydia charging down the right, delivering a great ball to Katie, who drilled the pass to Laura, who unfortunately couldn’t put it away on this occasion.

Shoshana had come on for Vicki and was doing a sterling job in the middle of defence.  Blerta had a shot which went wide, but the last goal was scored by Lydia, following a great individual effort of the right and was no more than she deserved given all the work undertaken throughout the game.  So it ended 9-0.

The girls had played well, with Bobbi quite rightly being awarded player of the match for her four goals and all those she had contributed to.

It was good to see Sam at the match, although not quite fully fit, I am sure it won’t be long before we see Sam and Clara return to the field of Play. Get better soon girls.

david watson

lea valley  4     garston ladies  1    
wealdstone  0     harvesters  2   
buckden girls  0     belmont united  1    

belmont united  1     wealdstone  2    

Following a trip round the M25 the THLFC U14 girls were up against Wealdstone, who are a new Team to the League this year, although there were a few familiar faces from the old Denham Team.

Shoshana Field was called into action early on down the right hand side of defence and managed to drive the opponents back.  Hollie Watson delivered a long ball forward, which found Laura Newby whose shot went wide of the target. Charlotte McLucas was battling away in midfield and she delivered a good ball to Lydia Maher who was looking to create some space on the right.  Vicki Blake headed the ball away in the middle of defence on a number of occasions from long kicks from their keeper.  Alexa Rangecroft and Bobbi Cubberley were starting to link up in the midfield. Bobbi had a shot which was well held by the keeper.

Becca Dowling was called onto make some swift defending on the left hand side of defence following a Wealdstone attack. Once again Shoshana was holding firm on the right against some strong pressure. Lydia on the right delivered a nice ball into Alexa, whose shot went wide this time.  A moment Lydia was teaming up with Katie Fray whose resultant shot also just went wide of the post.  Still the girls needed to keep their wits about them with Becca tracking back well and Shoshana fending off on the right hand side.  Katie was showing her skill and looked for a thru ball to Laura which was just cut out.  Then Laura broke through herself and her shot was held by the keeper.  Alexa delivered a lovely ball to Katie, who performed a step over and the ball flew out to Lydia on the right.

The girls won a free kick on the left and Hollie delivered a shot which found Bobbi, who flicked it just over the bar.  Vicki produced a great step up to deny the Wealdstone attack.  Lydia on the right delivered a good ball to Charlotte whose shot was held by the keeper.  Vicki and Shoshana continued to defend well and Lily Tyrimos had to collect the odd through ball.

Alexa then charged on, with the keeper coming out, the ball bounced out to Katie whose shot was then cleared off the line by a defender.  It was nice to see Sam Pennington back from injury and she let fly with a shot that just missed the post.  The breakthrough came with a super series of one-twos between Alexa, Bobbi and Katie, with Katie finally finishing the move off in style to make it 1-0 after 30 minutes.

Shoshana blocked off a breakaway ball and Charlotte showed good skill and battling qualities on the left. The first half finished with Sam having a shot that just went wide of the mark.

The second half started with Hollie delivering a long ball to Katie who flicked it on to Blerta Berisha whose shot was cleared away.  The girls were now putting Wealdstone under a lot of pressure, with Alexa, Katie and Blerta moving the ball around just outside the area, looking for a shooting opportunity.  Still Spurs needed to be careful and Becca was doing the well on the left of defence. Sam burst through on the left and was just beaten to the ball.

The ball fell out to Alexa, who took aim and smashed the ball towards goal, the keeper parried it away but Sam pounced on the rebound and slammed it into the back of the net to make it 2-0.  The girls now were pushing further forward and Bobbi had a shot saved off the line by the keeper, from a good Katie pass.  Alexa was throwing herself around the pitch and battling very hard.  Sam then burst through into the box and was one on one with the keeper, she was taken down, but nothing awarded, she was patched up and carried on.  Another great move, involving Alexa to Bobbi to Katie to Blerta, who then drilled it back to Katie, who couldn’t quite get the shot away.  A minute later and the ball fell out to Blerta on the right, who took aim and smashed the ball into the top right hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.

Alexa then was looking for Laura in the middle.  Shoshana continued to defend well on the right. Laura had a shot saved, following a breakaway move.  Lydia had a shot that went wide as did Blerta. Shoshana produced some powerful headers away and finally Bobbi had a shot saved by the keeper.

The girls had battled hard on a difficult sloping pitch, which I am sure takes some getting used to.  Wealdstone to their credit had also battled away and kept Spurs thinking.

Player of the match went to Shoshana for her total effort and hard work on the right of defence. Well done to all.

Off now to see the fireworks and see if Lewis Hamilton can win the World F1 Championship (Oh yes he can, hooray!!!).

david watson

garston ladies  0     harvesters  12   

The game against our visitors from Hertfordshire kicked off and a back header by Spurs let Garston breakthrough and they very nearly scored within the first few minutes. The girls were going to make this an interesting fixture. Becca Dowling broke down the right and crossed the ball in, but no one could get on the end of it.

Hollie Watson made a good tackle at the back. Blerta Berisha was looking for space on the left.  A moment later and Blerta found Bobbi Cubberley whose shot went wide.  Hollie delivered a long ball to Sam Pennington who tried to find Lydia Maher up front.  Vicki Blake was strong in the middle of defence, with Shoshana Field on the left and Becca on the right.

Charlotte McLucas managed a shot that went over the top. Tottenham won a corner and Vicki had a shot that was saved. A moment later and Lydia had a shot that went over the crossbar. Spurs were pushing forward with Charlotte finding Sam, she had a shot which went over the keeper and bounced off the crossbar. The girls continued to push forward with Becca finding Bobbi whose shot went wide of the mark. Then it was Blerta to Bobbi to Charlotte and the shot whistled passed the post.

Alexa Rangecroft was looking to create some space in the middle. Bobbi went forward brought the ball down and passed it to Blerta whose left foot shot went wide.  Hollie delivered a good ball to Becca who charged down the right, passing it to Blerta, who smashed the ball over the crossbar. It was then Blerta’s turn to pass to Sam who also managed to sky the ball over the top. You just got the feeling at this point it was going to be one of those days!

Saskia Collins had come on for Charlotte and there was a re-arrangement of positions to see if a goal could be carved out.

Blerta had another shot which went over the top again.  Garston didn’t stop pushing forward and Vicki and Hollie were called upon to defend well.  Shoshana was very active on the left and kept Garston at bay. Lydia was looking to find Blerta and her shot was saved by the keeper, Lydia tried to get to the rebound but it was just cleared away on time.  Alexa started a good move passing to Bobbi who passed it onto Blerta, there was a goal mouth scramble and still the ball didn’t go into the net.  Alexa had a shot that was well saved. Lily Tyrimos was called into action to make a save and Hollie cut out a dangerous ball just before the end of the first half.

Charlotte cleared the ball away at the back.  Becca was showing her pace down the right.  Alexa had a shot that hit the side netting. A moment later and Alexa found Bobbi whose shot went wide.  Blerta managed to beat a number of players and was basically one on one with the keeper, unfortunately she couldn’t get her shot away, due to defender pressure. Bobbi burst through passed the ball to Sam whose shot hit the side netting.  Becca delivered a super cross to Bobbi, whose shot sailed over the crossbar. The girls were piling on the pressure, with Blerta finding Lydia whose shot was held by the keeper. Finally, after 48 minutes, Spurs found the breakthrough when Lydia passed to Sam who smashed the ball into the back of the net from the right to make it 1-0.  Charlotte looked to find Becca who nearly broke through. A few minutes later and Becca did break through her shot re-bound off the keeper, Sam pounced on the ball and unfortunately it hit the under side of the crossbar and bounced out. Still Garston were pushing up themselves and Hollie delivered some great defending at the back. Vicki was called on to also defend well.

Shoshana crossed the ball well to Sam whose header was held by the keeper.  Blerta had a shot that was held by the keeper. Bobbi did the same a few minutes later and the keeper held onto the ball once again.

Blerta produced a super run through a crowd of players and delivered a good ball to Sam; unfortunately she couldn’t find the back of the net. However a moment later and Becca crossed a good ball to Sam, who headed it brilliantly into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Blerta was showing some great individual skill on the ball.  Becca showed great pressure and had a shot which was saved. Goal number three came about when Blerta had a shot that Becca finished off.

Shoshana was defending at the back well with Charlotte.  Blerta had another shot that went wide of the mark.  Becca had another great run and shot saved, with Blerta looking for a goal to be denied once more.

Garston had battled really well throughout the whole game and great credit should go to them. To put it bluntly the girls didn’t have their shooting boots on today and it showed.

A win is a win, but the girls know that they will have to improve as the weeks unfold.

david watson

lea valley  4     enfield town  1    
harvesters  5    belmont united  0    
buckden girls  0     wealdstone  1