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After two weeks without a fixture Spurs U14s travelled the short distance up the A10 to face Cheshunt Youth FC in the Home Counties Girls League. The game was played on the very wide stadium pitch.  Cheshunt were ninth in the HCGFL prior to today's match and in the corresponding home fixture Spurs had won 4-0.  A win today was imperative to keep Spurs’ chances of finishing in the top three alive.  

The Spurs squad of 17 was reduced to 14, but included new signing Georgina Kam, who started on the bench.  

With 10 minutes played Spurs went 1-0 up when a free kick from Hannah McWilliams was headed in from close range by Jade O’Brien for the first headed goal of the season.  The remainder of the first half saw Spurs totally dominate the game, creating numerous chances, but lacking the necessary composure to finish.

Half time 1-0 Spurs.

It had been a scrappy rather lacklustre Spurs performance, but Cheshunt were resolute in defence and had been pinned in their own half for the vast majority of the game 

The second half began more brightly and with three minutes played a defence splitting through ball from Melody Jones was expertly finished by Helena Scotland.  2-0 Spurs.

15 minutes played and Helena Scotland passed to Georgina Kam, who played in Hannah McWilliams to finish from inside the six yard box. 3-0 Spurs.

Spurs added a fourth with the move of the match involving Melody Jones, Jade O’Brien, Tarjau Louis, Helena Scotland and finally Hannah McWilliams grabbing her second with a simple close range finish.

Final score 4-0 Spurs.  

The second half had been an improvement on the first and Spurs had begun to show glimpses of their ability. A good, if workmanlike win. Despite the win, praise must go to Cheshunt, who kept on trying throughout the 70 minutes and never let their heads drop.  

This Wednesday we play HCGFL champions QPR in the final game of the season. With all the other teams having completed their season today the situation is clear: 

If we lose we finish 5^th (and below Hemel Hempstead for the first time since records began ;o) ).  If we draw we finish 4^th (and above Hemel Hempstead - restoring equilibrium to world football ;o) ) 

If we win we finish 3^rd.
It's in our hands !!

glen jones

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This was the big one.  THLFC Under-14s travelled to QPR FC's training ground in Harlington to face QPR Ladies in the Home Counties Girls League.  QPR are the runaway leaders of the HCL and a win today would see them win the league with two matches to spare.  This was to be Spurs’ first of two league meetings with QPR over the space of two weeks.  The loss at Hemel in the preceding league match had killed Spurs’ outside chance of taking the runners up spot and Spurs had dropped to fourth.  

At the Tesco Southern England Finals the previous Saturday, regular readers will know we were defeated by the narrowest of margins by QPR in the tournament finale, with QPR going on to represent Southern England in the English Final and won, being crowned the ‘best’ team in England.  Despite such formidable opponents hopes were high amongst the girls and the now legendary Spurs 12^th man of ‘turning them over’. 

The Spurs 17 player squad had been reduced to 13 due to the non-availability of three players competing in the London Marathon. 

The game started brightly with both sides creating very early goal scoring opportunities. With 8 minutes played Spurs were 1-0 down when they couldn’t compete with the speed of the QPR centre forward who beat the keeper at the near post.  1-0 QPR.

Spurs responded immediately and a thunderbolt from 20 yards by Xelia Mendes-Jones hit the crossbar, fell invitingly to Helena Scotland, whose shot hit the post, ran across the goal line, hit the other post and was eventually cleared.  

As we approached half time Spurs were on top; they were playing the better football and creating a host of chances, but just couldn’t find the finish.  QPR were defending resolutely, but were unable to contain Helena Scotland, who was looking unstoppable as she attacked down the flanks.  QPR were looking very dangerous on the counter attack, but other than the early goal had created very little.

Half time 1-0 QPR. 

The second half began unfortunately just like the first, when, after 10 minutes QPR made it 2-0 when, what appeared to be a foul on the Spurs keeper, led to the ball being bundled into an empty net.  Sara Whale needed treatment, which reinforced the Spurs claim for a free kick. 

Spurs heads began to drop and after 20 minutes as QPR made it 3-0 when chaos ensued between the Spurs back-line and the keeper allowing a soft goal.  30 minutes played and the game was summed up when a Spurs shot hit the woodwork for the third time in the match and QPR went straight up the other end and made it 4-0 exposing a lack of discipline, desire and communication at the back.  Football is a great, but, at times, cruel game. 

In the dying seconds Spurs scored a consolation goal when Melody Jones showed good determination to win the ball on the edge of the box and scored from the tightest of angles.

Final score QPR 4 Spurs 1. 

A disappointing result which really didn’t reflect the game. QPR took their chances, Spurs didn’t. Where QPR did outshine their opponents was in their desire, their belief and their fitness levels. QPR are a team who believe each week they will win, Spurs need to have more faith and confidence in their ability.  

Still congratulations must go to QPR who, as champions of the HCL, have only dropped two points this season. Until we play them again in a fortnight ?

You never know.                             

glen jones

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Spurs Ladies U14s met Hemel Hempstead Ladies at their new ground (and one of the largest pitches encountered) in the Home Counties Girls League today. 

Hemel were one place behind Spurs in the HCGL prior to today's match. Matches between these two teams have traditionally been close, however earlier in this campaign Spurs won 6-0 and inflicted Hemel’s heaviest defeat of the season. 

The Spurs squad was reduced to 12. 

This report is somewhat briefer than usual as your reporter has lost his notes and is working from a fading memory. In addition the least said about this performance the better.  

Worst of the season, painful to watch, outplayed in every department from back to front, no desire, no determination, lost 3-1 Xelia Mendes-Jones scored our consolation goal. 

The dreaded c word is the problem; (as with many teams) we suffer from a lack of ‘consistency.’   

Let’s move on ...

glen jones

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This was the big one.  Well, until we play the current leaders QPR which is the real big one, but for now this was the big one.  Spurs entertained Bedford Ladies at Fred Knights in the Home Counties Girls Football League this week.  Bedford were second in the HCFGL prior to today’s match.  Spurs had dropped to fourth after their disappointing draw last week. In the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season Spurs had lost 3-1 and were eager to show that this result was not a true reflection of their abilities. 

The Spurs Ladies 17 player squad had been hit by injury, illness and non-availability and was reduced to 14. Captain Naomi Coulson replaced goalkeeper Sarah Whale between the sticks for the third time this season and we wish Sara a speedy recovery from her injury. Naomi in particular wishes her a very speedy recovery  !  

The game started brightly with both sides creating early goal scoring opportunities. To their credit Bedford did not appear at all affected by only being able to field ten players.  After eight minutes Spurs took the lead.  Helena Scotland played the ball down the line to Jodeane Smith whose cross was met by Xelia Mendes-Jones at the far post who drove the ball home from 10 yards. 1-0 Spurs. On 15 minutes Spurs went 2 -0 up when Hannah McWilliams slid a through ball to Xelia whose cross/shot from the right wing flew in over the Bedford keeper.  Just before half time Spurs went 3-0 up when Jodeane latched onto a Hannah through ball and calmly slipped the ball past the on-rushing keeper. 

Half Time Spurs 3 Bedford 0.

Spurs had dominated the first 35 minutes and had returned to the high standards of their passing game that had so deserted them last week. Bedford did occasionally look dangerous when their centre forward got the opportunity to run at the Spurs defence but she had been well marshalled by the central defensive pairing of Kathleen Jackson and Shakira Waithe.  

The first 15 minutes of the second half was a more even affair. Spurs failed to return to the rhythm of the first half and Bedford noticeably improved. However, after 15 minutes Spurs again began to dominate the game, especially in the centre of midfield with Hannah, Danni Albertsen and Melody Jones running the game, with Helena, Xelia and Jodeane a constant attacking threat. However, although Spurs were unable to extend their lead in the second half, they put in a classy performance; the only thing lacking was conversion of the chances. On 32 minutes Bedford were rightly awarded a penalty after a good run by the centre forward.  Naomi got her hand to the penalty but couldn’t stop it hitting the net. Spurs 3 Bedford 1.  

This was a very good game. A really good contest with Bedford looking dangerous on the counter-attack and defending robustly, but finding the Spurs game of pass and move almost unplayable at times. 

Overall an excellent performance from the entire squad. Well done girls. In particular Kathleen Jackson put in a strong, stylish performance at the back and Melody Jones put in a truly commanding performance in the middle of the park.

glen jones

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After the disappointment of last weeks penalty shoot-out cup exit, Spurs U14s returned to Home Counties Girls League action this week and travelled to Harrow to face Headstone Manor Ladies. Headstone were sixth in the HCGFL prior to today’s match, Spurs third.  In the corresponding home fixture earlier in the season Spurs inflicted Headstone’s biggest defeat to date, running out very comfortable 5-0 winners. Hopes were understandably high for a similar result. 

However, the Spurs 17 player squad had been hit by injury, illness and non-availability and was reduced to 12. Captain Naomi Coulson replaced goalkeeper Sarah Whale between the sticks for the second time this season and a number of players were played in different, although not unfamiliar positions.  

On a very heavy and uneven pitch Spurs found it difficult to get a foothold in the game. Headstone’s direct style of play suited the difficult conditions and resulted in them having the better of the first 10 minutes. Spurs were nervous in possession and devoid of attacking flair. However, on 10 minutes Melody Jones played a through ball to Xelia Mendes-Jones whose cross was met by Helena Scotland, her initial drive being blocked by the keeper only to rebound to Helena who made no mistake at the second time of asking. 1-0 Spurs.  

10 minutes later Spurs went 2-0 when Tarjau Louis showed great tenacity and determination to win the ball in midfield, the resultant ball ending up at the feet of Helena who drilled the ball past the keeper. This should have been the time for Spurs to relax and start to play confident football. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be. Almost straight from the kick off Headstone brought a superb save from Naomi who pushed the ball wide for a corner. The resultant corner caused panic in the Spurs six yard box and was hooked into the net by the Headstone striker taking advantage of the indecision in the Spurs back line. Spurs 2 Headstone 1. With 30 minutes played the Spurs backline was out paced and the Headstone striker hit a low drive which Naomi got a hand too, but the power took it into the net. Spurs 2 Headstone 2. The first half had seen Spurs score twice, but miss a hatful of chances, many from within the six yard box whilst we looked vulnerable at times from the ‘big boot up field.’ 

After a rousing half time talk, Spurs reacted well and after five minutes a Spurs corner resulted in a goal mouth scramble with the ball eventually being drilled home by Danni Albertsen, 3-2 Spurs. Spurs now began to take control of the game. The Spurs midfield began to dominate the game in the middle of the park and started to pass and move. Headstone’s only threat was through the long ball trying to hit their forwards. However, although not pretty to watch Headstone did look dangerous on the counter-attack. This was the time to put the game to bed, but despite creating a number of chances our finishing was poor, hurried and lacked finesse. Spurs took their foot off the pedal and allowed Headstone to get back into the game and with 16 minutes played the Headstone winger out paced the Spurs backline and finished with a low drive past the keeper. Spurs 3 Headstone 3. The remaining second half was an even affair with both sides creating goal scoring opportunities. With 15 minutes to go Spurs switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 in an attempt to secure all three points but to no avail. Final score 3-3. 

This was a really disappointing result and a distinctly under par Spurs performance. Despite playing far from their best Spurs still should have won the game and played the better football. However, Headstone battled well, repeatedly broke the game up, closing down space and didn't allow Spurs to play.  

A special mention should go to Tarjau who took a blow to the face and went off covered in blood from a nose bleed, her only thought was ‘When can I go back on’. That’s the fighting spirit we need to display. Bad luck girls. However other results went in Spurs favour today so our aspirations for the season whilst dented are by no means over. Next week is a real six-pointer when we take on Bedford Ladies currently second in the HCGFL. This is as they say, the ‘big one’.

glen jones

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Spurs Ladies Under-14s returned to cup action this week and travelled to St Albans to face last year’s runner up in the Home Counties Girls League, Harvesters FC in the Quarter Final of the HCGFL U14 Cup. This was always going to present a tough challenge against a very strong and well drilled team many of whom have benefited from playing together for a number of seasons. Having already played Harvesters twice this season in the HCGFL, honours were even with a Harvesters and Spurs win.  

Spurs had the benefit of a squad of 16 players.  

The first 10 minutes were an even affair with both sides nervous in possession and unable to create any clear opportunities on goal. However with 15 minutes played Spurs were caught by the electric pace of the Harvesters centre forward and only a brilliant save from Sara Whale diving bravely at the on-rushing attacker kept the score at 0-0.  Five minutes later Harvesters had an identical chance when again Sara saved coming off her line, narrowing the angle and pushing the ball wide of the post. This should have been a warning for the Spurs back line but on 23 minutes Harvesters scored, once again the backline couldn’t cope with the centre forwards’ speed who made no mistake with her finish. 1-0 Harvesters. 

Spurs reacted well and began to take control of the game. The Spurs midfield began to dominate the game in the middle of the park and Harvesters only threat was through the long ball trying to hit their centre forward. However, despite significant possession all too often good passing moves failed to result in clear goal scoring opportunities, and when they did, uncharacteristically our finishing was poor. 

The second half began as the first had ended with Spurs dominating the play. However the Harvesters centre forward was a constant threat. With 15 minutes played Spurs pressure finally paid off with what is becoming a trademark goal from Hannah McWilliams who hit a screamer from 30 yards to the utter joy of the Spurs 12th man.  A contender for goal of the season.  Once back on level terms Spurs began to play with more confidence and Harvesters looked for a while a beaten side.  However the best chances fell to Harvesters as on two more occasions Sara Whale made superb saves as she was left exposed by the back line and went one-on-one with the Harvesters centre forward only to save each time.  Despite significant Spurs pressure the score remained 1-1 and the game went into extra time.   

The story in extra time was the same as the first 70 minutes, Spurs in total control creating attack after attack but constantly meeting a determined and well organised Harvesters back line and, when we did break thorough, chances were spurned.  Whilst at the other end Harvester’s relied on their centre forwards pace. Final score 1-1 after Extra Time.

Then the bit we all hate, the dreaded penalty shoot out. This was unfamiliar territory for Spurs, in fact we haven’t even had a penalty yet this season. So a huge amount of praise must go to the five girls who very bravely volunteered to put themselves on offer. Suffice it to say we eventually lost 3-1 on penalties. Sara continued her heroic display saving one penalty and almost diverting another. 

This was a disappointing result and an under par Spurs performance. Despite playing far from their best Spurs still dominated the game and played the better football. On another day the score could have been 5-1  but we failed to trouble the Harvesters keeper enough despite overwhelming possession. However, Harvesters had probably the better chances and on another day they also could have scored 4 or 5. 

To end on a couple of positive points. Despite an under par performance we took last years HCGFL runners up to Extra Time and outplayed them for the majority of the 90 minutes. This shows the significant progress this team has made under the Spurs coaching staff already this season. The final mention must go to Sara Whale who put in the best goal keeping display I have seen from any keeper this season. Very well done Sara and bad luck girls.

glen jones

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