Having wrapped up the championship the previous weekend, the THLFC U16s hosted Harvesters at Frederick Knights hoping to set up a second cup final against Luton Town.  

Spurs welcomed back Harley Keenlyside and Iris Isok to the team and were therefore at full strength against an opposition that have proved tough to beat in our encounters against them this season. This was to prove no different and we were again left wondering how they could occupy the foot of the table having put in several good performances against us over the course of the season. 

That being said Spurs dominated the game with Angela McGann’s goal rarely being threatened and were quickly into our stride when after four minutes Danielle Hayes found Siobhan Jones on the right flank who herself fed Latoya Bailey, the latter going on only to see her shot saved by the impressive Harvesters keeper.  Two minutes later some good interplay between Ayse Mustafa and Rosie Kmita resulted in a cross which created havoc in the visitors defence. Latoya went close but the ball was eventually scrambled clear by the Harvesters defence. 

After seven minutes Siobhan Jones played in Latoya who was again unfortunate to see her shot pushed round the post for a corner. The resultant kick, taken by Siobhan Jones, was headed just over the bar by Molly Kmita. 

Spurs continued to press and Ayse had two efforts go close to breaking the deadlock in the next few minutes. With 25 minutes gone Phoebe Eshen intercepted a goal-kick and moved towards goal before firing a shot jut wide of the post. 

Two minutes later a cross from Rosie fell to Nikki Hunnable who fed Latoya who fired a shot against the frame of the goal and out for a goal kick. Harvester themselves fashioned a chance, breaking out of defence, and Katie Mills had to be on hand with a last ditch tackle to cut out any danger. 

With 31 minutes gone Nikki broke down the right and found Latoya whose shot was comfortably saved by the visitor’s keeper. The deadlock was broken two minutes later when Rosie crossed from the left to Phoebe. She turned and found Latoya who tucked the ball home to make the score 1-0 to Spurs. 

Spurs best bit of play in the half came when a cross from Rosie found Shauna Magner on the edge of the penalty area. Shauna hit the ball on the half volley which looked like a second goal only for the Harvesters keeper to pull off a great save tipping the ball over the bar. The corner came to nothing and the half ended with the score at 1-0 to the U16s. 

Spurs had dominated the first half but never really got going in the second. In defence however Harley was as resolute as ever snuffing out attacks at source with Danielle Hayes busy down the right. At the other end of the pitch chances were few and far between with only a few worthy of mention. 

After 50 minutes Siobhan Wilson fired just over the bar from distance. On the hour a great run from Nikki ended in a shot that was saved for a corner. The resultant kick fell to Charlotte Dean who shot over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. 

Three minutes later Ayse went on a mazy run beating three Harvesters defenders before firing a shot narrowly past the post. To be honest this bit of skill really deserved a goal but it was not to be. A minute later Iris broke down the right flank and crossed to Siobhan Jones who volleyed just past the post as Spurs sought to make the game safe. 

With 70 minutes on the clock Iris found Siobhan Jones who again shot past the post. She was again unlucky three minutes later throwing herself at, but just not connecting to, a Siobhan Wilson cross. 

The game petered out and when a Harvesters defender badly twisted her ankle (we wish her well) in time added on the referee sensibly blew up for full time with the final score 1-0 to Spurs.  

We now face Luton Town in both the League and Chairman’s Cup finals in what I’m sure will prove to be entertaining games.

Come on you Spurs.   

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 4 Danielle Hayes

paul mills

9.

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

Spurs arrived at Queens Park Rangers without the services of Harley Keenlyside and Iris Isok knowing that victory would give them the league title.  Queens Park Rangers also had title ambitions, so it was set up for a tight encounter.

The girls looked understandably nervous at the start with so much at stake and took a while to settle. With three minutes of the clock Ayse Mustafa played in Rosie Kmita who saw her shot tipped round the post for a corner.  Four minutes later Shauna Magner played in Rosie again, who saw her shot comfortable gathered by the Rangers keeper. Siobhan Wilson then broke down the left flank and fired in a cross that flew across the face of the Rangers goal without being converted. 

Queens Park Rangers then had a period of possession and fashioned a few dangerous chances. Katie Mills, Molly Kmita and Danielle Hayes all had to be on their toes to cut out breaks from the hosts and on the few occasions that the defence was breached Angela McGann was on hand to make good saves. 

Just as it looked as though we would go into the break goalless the game burst into life on 35 minutes. The way the teams were set up it was always going to take something a bit special to break the deadlock between the two teams, and when Siobhan Wilson picked the ball up 35 yards from goal there really didn’t look much on. However, she had other ideas and took aim before firing in an unstoppable shot into the roof of the Rangers net to make the score 1-0 to Spurs. It really was a goal worthy of champions but there was still much work to do before we could hope to claim that accolade.  

Four minutes later, as the referee was checking his watch to draw the half to an end, Spurs broke. Charlotte Dean played in Latoya Bailey who took the ball on before firing in a shot that was saved by the Rangers keeper. However Latoya was first to the rebound and calmly slotted home to make the score 2-0 to Spurs at the break. 

Phoebe Eshen entered the fray at the break and was soon involved in the action breaking and firing just wide of the Rangers post. 

After 50 minutes Rangers won a free kick on the edge of the Spurs penalty area. The resultant kick was well saved by Angela in our goal. A minute later Latoya and Phoebe combined with the latter seeing her shot saved. On 53 minutes Latoya was on hand to intercept a Rangers goal kick and fired a shot at the keeper.  

We then saw a period of Rangers dominance that saw our girls pushed back towards their own goal. We began to look edgy and were there to be another goal in the game it seemed that it would go the way of the hosts. However the girls threw themselves into challenges blocking a number of chances and Angela had to make a couple of vital saves.

In an attacking sense we were restricted to playing on the break at this point and with 65 minutes on the clock Charlotte played in Phoebe who took the ball on before firing just wide of the upright. Nikki Hunnable offered herself as an outlet and her pace proved very useful in taking the ball away from the Spurs goal. 

Ten minutes later Siobhan Jones worked the Rangers keeper with a shot from distance as Spurs sought to see the game out. There was a lengthy period of injury time to contend with before the final whistle blew sparking wild celebrations from girls, coaching staff and parents alike.  

‘Campione, campione, ole, ole, ole’ echoed around the ground and the champagne was taken off ice. The girls were champions of the league and only the most churlish of people wouldn’t agree that this was much deserved and not before time.  

The preceding years had seen the girls play some lovely football only to lose out to Luton Town and Queens Park Rangers (who were themselves worthy champions). Congratulations therefore should go to each and every player who played a part this season and saw us over the finishing line.  

1 Angela McGann – signed this season proving to be an excellent keeper – Champion

3 Rosie Kmita – has been excellent down the left flank all season – Champion

4 Danielle Hayes – new signing from Hampstead, who had a great season – Champion

5 Harley Keenlyside – resolute as always in defence; never taking prisoners – Champion

6 Katie Mills – played across the defence this season. Multi-talented – Champion

7 Nikki Hunnable – terrorised defenders with her pace scoring vital goals – Champion

8 Siobhan Wilson – signed from Enfield with a speciality of scoring from distance – Champion

9 Ayse Mustafa – with Nikki one of the original Spurs players. Always great – Champion

10 Siobhan Jones – centre forward; great at holding the ball up – Champion

11 Shauna Magner – joined from Hampstead adding guile to midfield – Champion

12 Latoya Bailey – new signing and top scorer who has a lot of talent – Champion

14 Phoebe Eshen – pacy goal scorer who is strong in the tackle – Champion

17 Molly Kmita – skipper who leads by example. Dangerous at corners – Champion

19 Iris Isok – new signing with great engine in midfield – Champion

26 Charlotte Dean – capable of splitting any defence with a pass – Champion 

Well done also to Jayne and Graham who put the time and effort in to build a team this season that proved to be the finished article. 

Finally our thanks go to Queens Park Rangers who were today gracious in defeat and pushed us right to the very end of the game – we wish them well for their remaining game this season. 

Having added the league championship to the London FA Cup we now move on to a Chairman’s Cup semi-final next weekend with Harvesters before taking on Luton Town in the league cup final, so there is still much to play for. The girls can now relax in their remaining games this season having achieved their primary goal – Come on you Spurs. 

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: The Whole Team

paul mills

harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

An afternoon start for the girls this week away to Fairlands in Stevenage in our penultimate League match of the season began at a fairly leisurely pace, but soon gathered pace as after ten minutes a great run and cross by Nikki Hunnable on the right wing presented Latoya Bailey with a tap-in to open the scoring. Latoya had another shot a minute later, but it was gathered by the keeper. On 12 minutes a fine long throw from Latoya found the head of Phoebe Eshen to double the score, 2-0 Spurs.  It was now nearly all Spurs attacking and playing some fine football, but failing to capitalise due to some smart work by the Fairlands keeper and a few players from Spurs being caught offside.

This however was not to stop the girls, and after 20 minutes a good run by Nikki resulted in a corner which was picked up by Rosie Kmita and her cross was met by Iris and stroked into the net 3-0 Spurs.  After another couple of runs that came to nothing the Spurs coach decided to make some changes and Siobhan Wilson and Siobhan Jones were brought on in place of Nikki and Latoya. Again there were more attacking moves by Spurs and Fairlands did try to counterattack whenever they could, but the Spurs defence ably marshalled by Molly with the help of Danielle Hayes, Katie Mills and goalkeeper Angela McGann were on top of their game.  Siobhan (J) made a good run through the centre only to see her one on one effort with the goalkeeper hit the keeper’s knees and although she recovered the ball and put it back into the centre there was unfortunately no one available to convert.  There were more shots on goal but all went wide, and a couple of attacks by Fairlands were dealt with very well by Katie and Angela.  On 35 minutes a good ball through to the right corner of the penalty area by Charlotte having a good game in midfield along with Shauna found Siobhan (J) who this time made no mistake with a fine strike into the net, 4-0 Spurs.  Another couple of attacking moves by Fairlands kept the Spurs defence on the toes as the first half came to  a close.

The second half began with some fine play by Siobhan (W) down the left and a good shot from distance tested the opposition keeper, shortly afterwards another fine run and cross by the same player gave Sioban (J) the opportunity for her second of the game which was gratefully accepted, 5-0 Spurs.  Fairlands were by no means allowing Spurs to rest on their advantage and they continued to attack whenever they could, bringing some fine defending out of Danielle and Katie. A good run by Shauna down the right with a fine pass to Siobhan(J) was wasted by once again Spurs being caught offside.

On 55 minutes Fairlands were finally rewarded for their efforts with a fine headed goal coming as a result  of a cross from the right, although the defence probably did not quite live up to their usual high standards. Changes were once again made by Spurs, Katie and Phoebe were replaced by Latoya and Nikki.

Ayse and Charlotte were both having good games in midfield and a number of chances made but none converted and a fine shot from range by Ayse just cleared the opposition bar.  Fairlands again were keeping the Spurs defence occupied and at no time allowed their heads to drop.  However Spurs were not to be denied a final goal and a fine through ball from Ayse found Siobhan (J) and the resulting cross was picked up by Iris who calmly put the ball into the back of the net.  6-1 Spurs.

Not a classic, the second half, but, probably due to the warm weather taking its toll, the Spurs girls did not allow the Fairlands girls too many chances although Angela’s only mistake of an otherwise fine game in handling the  just outside the box did need the resulting free kick dealt with which was well struck by the Fairland’s number 7. The game came to an end and we now go to our final league game of the season next weekend knowing that a win will give the girls the league title. 

COME ON YOU SPURS

Players of the match : -  Iris Isok and Charlotte Dean

barry jones

9.

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

Spurs Ladies Under-16s arrived at Harvesters with a full strength side having taken part in the Tesco’s Cup regional final the day before.  This combined with the hot weather led to the girls making hard work of overcoming a resilient Harvesters side in an intriguing cup semi-final tie.   

There was little action of note in the first few minutes of the game. Our first chance of the game fell to Latoya Bailey having been played in by Ayse Mustafa. However her shot was easily gathered by the keeper who would go on to have an excellent game for the hosts. 

On six minutes Siobhan Wilson broke down the left flank and fired in a dangerous cross that was not converted. A minute later Harvesters breached the Spurs defence but the resulting shot was gathered by Angela McGann.  Spurs began to apply the pressure and in the space of a few minutes Siobhan Wilson had a shot saved, Latoya fired over the bar, Siobhan Jones missed the upright and Latoya lobbed just over. 

On 25 minutes there was some fantastic interplay between Siobhan Wilson and Siobhan Jones with the latter finding Latoya who saw her goal bound shot tipped over for a corner. For Harvesters this proved a stay of execution as the resulting corner from Siobhan Wilson was volleyed home by Molly Kmita to make the score 1-0 to Spurs.     

With Spurs spurning a number of chances in front of goal Harvesters always had a ‘punchers chance’ of getting back in the game and so it nearly transpired on the half hour when the hosts broke and fired narrowly over the bar.  A couple of more chances went begging before the half time whistle blew with both Latoya and Phoebe Eshen firing over. The girls took a break with the score narrowly 1-0 in our favour. 

After the interval it was much the same with Spurs enjoying the lion’s share of possession and Harvesters defending in depth.  Phoebe fired over on 42 minutes before Molly went close to doubling her tally firing narrowly wide from a Siobhan Jones corner.  The game entered a quiet period with both teams finding the conditions energy sapping. On the hour the game burst into life when Siobhan Wilson had a shot parried by the keeper before gaining possession of the rebound and driving a shot against the bar and away. 

On 65 minutes Spurs were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Nikki Hunnable took aim and curled a shot just over the bar.  As the game entered its last phase a long ball out of the Spurs defence was knocked on by Siobhan Jones to Phoebe who was unlucky to see her effort fly just wide as the Harvesters goal continued to lead a charmed life.   

Just before the end of the game a free kick from Charlotte Dean found Nikki who took the ball down the line and crossed to Siobhan Jones who saw her effort saved by the keeper. The referee then blew for time with the final score 1-0 in Spurs advantage.  

Well done to the girls on reaching the cup final where Luton Town await. The girls all played their part in grinding out a win against a Harvesters team that never gave up and always tried to play football when in possession. Credit to their keeper who made a number of good saves. 

Next week it is back to the league with our penultimate game away to Fairlands – Come on you Spurs.

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 11 Shauna Magner

paul mills

9.

qpr  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

A fine and bright Sunday morning with once again St. Martins as our opponents, started off very well and much better than our previous encounter just a few weeks ago a bright attack down the right by Ayse Mustafa and Nikki Hunnable brought a save from the keeper and her clearance set off an attack by St Martins which was well cleared by the Tottenham defence. 

Further attacks by the home side resulted in some good and some bad shots that were cleared, and after a great cross from Siobhan Wilson came to nothing, St. Martins were once again on the offensive and some desperate defending by Tottenham resulted in a penalty being awarded to the opposition, the idea was right as the forward tried to put the ball wide to the left of Angela McGann, but, fortunately for Spurs, the ball went wide of the goal.  

This however encouraged St. Martins and two corners in quick succession had to be well watched and cleared by the Spurs defence. Tottenham however were by no means subdued by this and a great corner from Shiv (W) found the head of team captain Molly Kmita in the centre of the goalmouth, and the ball was dispatched into the net to make it 1-0 to Spurs. 

The girls were now beginning to play some very good football and Phoebe, Nikki and Ayse all had shots on goal. After 30 minutes Iris Isok was given a rest and Charlotte Dean was brought on, and the game went on with both teams attacking down both flanks with some good defending having to be done by Katie Mills, after having replaced Phoebe Eshen.  

Katie then combined well with Nikki to mount yet another assault on goal, but the shot was blocked and put out for a corner.  Up stepped Shiv (W) again and another fine corner brought the same result as before.  Molly once again putting her head to the ball and despatching it into the net.  2-0 and both headed goals (unheard of apparently in the history of this group of girls). 

Further attacks by Spurs, notably by Danielle Hayes and Rosie Kmita, who, I think, was trying just a little too hard to match her sister, resulted in two offside decisions keeping the score at half time unchanged.

The second half got off to a spate of attacks by Tottenham with Latoya Bailey, on for the second half, caught marginally offside and Danielle forcing a corner on the right which was well cleared by the St. Martins defenders.  

Tottenham were now playing some attractive football, far better than when we last played St. Martins and a good through ball by Molly fell to the feet of Latoya, who beat a hesitant defender to score a good goal.  3-0 Spurs. 

St. Martins were not however lying down and their defensive line caught the Spurs girls a few times forcing them into offside positions.  The girls were however not to be denied victory and another good move between Shauna Magner, Latoya and Phoebe brought Phoebe a well deserved goal. 

Ayse was then given a rest and Harley was brought on strengthening the defence and enabling Danielle to be a little more attack minded. The girls however could not break down the defence of St. Martins and the game, which was played in a fine sporting spirit, came to an end. Come on you Spurs.  

Molly was rightly awarded player of the match for her fine defending and two great goals. 

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 17 Molly Kmita

barry jones

9.

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

We turned up today for yet another cup match against QPR with a sorely depleted squad, this time a quarter final in the Home Counties League Cup.  The match got under way on a good surface and in fine weather, and the Tottenham girls went for it straight from the off and within a few minutes a fine cross from the left by Siobhan Wilson was not held by the QPR keeper and Siobhan Jones was on to it and it was promptly despatched into the net.  

From then on it was a good open match and QPR were not about to give up easily, as is always the case between these two fine sides but Ayse Mustafa and Charlotte Dean marshalled the midfield very well. A few worries developed during the half with a few of the Tottenham girls picking up minor niggles, but they held their own very well and the half came to a close with the score 1-0 to Tottenham.      

The second half started exactly as the first had and Tottenham very nearly doubled their lead in the first minute; however the goalkeeper kept them at bay. QPR were fighting all the way, and it was only down to some very resolute defending by Katie Mills, Molly Kmita, Charlotte and Danielle Hayes, that kept the score as it was. Tottenham however were always a threat and some good work down the left by Katie and Siobhan (W) almost resulted in another goal for the visitors.  

QPR however were not to be denied and more attacking play led to a corner on the right and Tottenham were unable to clear cleanly and the ball was forced over the line by QPR, 1-1 GAME ON. That certainly woke up Tottenham and a great run by Nikki produced a fine shot/cross which Siobhan (J) tried to force in but the keeper managed to stop it with her knees on the line.  

This was followed by a fine run by Latoya Bailey, who saw her shot saved. Siobhan (W) was causing plenty of problems down the left wing  and fed Latoya who beat the keeper with her shot, but not the post and the resulting attempt from the rebound went over the bar. QPR were still not out of it and from a free kick Angela had to make a good save.

Siobhan (W) went again down the left wing and a fantastic shot from the left wing flew into the top right hand corner of the net, great goal 2-1 Tottenham. This was not the finish though and as in the game last week a certain penalty for a foul on Nikki was once again turned down. This however just made a tiring 11 want more, and the game was not about to be lost.  

Great defending by Danielle and Katie kept the QPR attack at bay in the main, but Angela McGann had to be extremely brave, diving at the feet of a QPR forward to prevent a certain goal. Not to be outdone, Latoya, who was having a very good game went on another run and this time beat both the keeper and the post with a great shot to make the score 3-1 to Tottenham.  

There was time for QPR to try again, but Molly and the rest of the defence did as they had for most of the game and the game ended with the 11 weary girls of Tottenham triumphant.

Siobhan Wilson and Latoya were awarded joint players of the match.

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: Siobhan Wilson, Latoya Bailey         

 barry jones

9.

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

Tottenham travelled to Luton without the services of Rosie Kmita, knowing that a win was essential to retain any hope of winning the league championship.  They also have to overcome a dreadful recent run against our opponents of almost Chelsea-esque proportions (eight straight defeats as Luton love reminding us). 

A win or a draw would suit Luton so it was of little surprise that the opening moments of the game were like two boxers sparring - neither wanting to offer their opponent an opening.  The first half chance of the game fell Luton’s way however the resulting shot was gathered easily by Angela McGann. With six minutes on the clock a run from Ayse Mustafa found Siobhan Jones in space who then saw her shot saved.  

Almost immediately Luton broke and fired just wide of the Spurs post and with 15 minutes gone Ayse shot wide as it seemed both teams had left their shooting boots at home.  Charlotte Dean played a great through ball to Siobhan Wilson on 20 minutes.  The latter got a shot away from the edge of the penalty area only to see it well saved by the Luton keeper. 

Luton again shot wide before Charlotte had a shot saved from distance and there was just time before the break for Luton to have a half chance which was comfortably gathered by Angela. Thus the half ended goalless which suited Luton, but meant that Spurs had little over 40 minutes to save their season. 

Luton definitely started the second half the stronger of the two teams and fashioned a couple of early chances, the latter being saved by Angela’s feet. It was therefore not entirely surprising when the hosts took the lead on 50 minutes when Spurs cleared a corner only to see the ball smashed home from distance by a Luton player.  A good goal that was very well taken meant that Spurs had to come from behind against the league champions who had not lost for 24 consecutive league games. Did the girls have anything left in the tank ? 

On the hour Spurs were denied what looked to be a clear penalty when Siobhan Jones had her shirt pulled before being hauled to the ground. The referee however saw it differently and awarded a Spurs corner.  

Nikki swung in the corner kick, which created havoc in the Luton penalty area before the ball eventually found its way to skipper Molly Kmita. Molly’s shot was belted clear by a defender, but the linesman spotted that it had crossed the line before the clearance and awarded the goal to make the score 1-1.  GAME ON. 

It was Spurs that now looked the stronger of the two teams as Luton tired a little and they again went close after cutting out a goal kick. Nikki found Siobhan Jones whose shot just flew high and wide. 

As the game entered the final five minutes Spurs looked to have won another penalty when Nikki was wrestled to the ground by two defenders as she was preparing to shoot. Again the referee waved away appeals and it looked as though Luton would hang on for the draw. 

There was time for one more chance as the game entered the final minute of normal time. Siobhan Jones won the ball on the left hand touchline before taking it on and finding Nikki on the edge of the penalty area. Nikki evaded a despairing defensive challenge and, despite being a little fortunate to see the ball bounce back in her path following an attempted save by the Luton keeper, had the presence of mind to walk the ball into an unguarded net to make the score 2-1 to Spurs. 

There followed five minutes or more of “Fergie-time” where it was all hands to the pump trying to keep Luton out, but after what seemed like an eternity the referee blew for time sparking celebrations from the girls having finally got one over on the champions.  

The 2-1 final score means that Spurs are back in the race for the title and nothing more. The girls need to keep focussed for their remaining league games as any of the teams still to play could take points off us if we are not on our game. 

That being said it was an excellent performance against a very good Luton side. I’ve said before that there is not much to choose between the two teams and I think today’s result proves that.  

All the girls played their part today starting with Angela in goal who gathered cleanly whenever called upon. Danielle Hayes, Katie Mills, Molly and Harley Keenlyside were outstanding in defence with Molly grabbing the equaliser and Katie picking up the player of the match award. 

In midfield Nikki, Charlotte, Ayse, Siobhan Wilson, Shauna Magner, Phoebe Eshen and Iris Isok all played a part in winning crucial battles, regaining possession and driving the team forward with Nikki of course grabbing the winner. Whilst up top Siobhan Jones and Latoya Bailey battled away often outnumbered by Luton defenders holding the ball up to allow midfield to join attack. 

Finally congratulations must go to Jayne and Graham on winning the tactical battle with their Luton counterparts on this occasion.   

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 6 Katie Mills

paul mills

9.

harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
qpr  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

The THLFC Under-16s arrived for today’s Chairman’s Cup tie against St Martins without the services of Iris Isok. To say Spurs started the game quietly was an understatement and there was no action of note for the first fifteen minutes of the game.  

On 16 minutes the game burst out of its slumber when Siobhan Wilson played in Rosie Kmita who took the ball into the St Martins and fired a shot that struck the cross bar before rebounding to Nikki Hunnable who saw her shot saved by the keeper.  

Siobhan Wilson then had a couple of shots before Spurs were awarded a penalty kick for hand-ball with 20 minutes on the clock.  The resulting spot kick was dispatched by Siobhan Wilson to make the score 1-0 to Spurs. 

The remainder of the half was played largely in the middle of the park with neither side causing the other defences too many problems. On 37 minutes Rosie thought she had doubled the Spurs lead but was unfortunate to see her goal ruled out for offside. Thus the half ended with Spurs holding a slim 1-0 advantage. 

The second half started in a similar vein to the first with Spurs struggling to exert any authority on the game. Ayse Mustafa and Latoya Bailey both turned provider however Phoebe Eshen and Nikki respectively saw their shots gathered by the St. Martins keeper. 

St Martins broke from defence quickly on a couple of occasions and first Angela McGann then Katie Mills had to be on hand to cut out attacks on the Spurs goal. At the other end Danielle Hayes was unlucky to see her header go straight to the keeper from a corner kick whilst Latoya went close also. 

The closest that Spurs came to increasing their lead in the half came on the hour Ayse saw her shot tipped onto the crossbar by the keeper, who was then able to push the ball round the post from the resulting scramble without a Spurs player being able to get a touch. 

In the final minute of the match a corner from Siobhan Wilson caused havoc in the St Martins penalty area and there were claims by Spurs that the ball crossed the line and for a handball from a Siobhan Jones effort. The referee called it differently and awarded and infringement against Spurs and so the game petered out with a final score of 1-0 to Spurs, which should ensure progress in the competition. 

I always like to take the positives from each match. Today was difficult in that respect – another clean sheet was welcomed and a win is a win. There were also some good individual performances however the girls collectively will need to perform much better next week against Luton if they are to keep their league hopes alive. Hopefully the girls can put this down as a one off poor performance and rebound – which is what quality teams do.

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 8 Siobhan Wilson 

paul mills

9.

qpr  -    
harvesters  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

harvesters  -    
st. martins  -    
fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
letchworth garden city eagles  -    
stevenage borough vixens  -    

On a cold and miserable St Valentine morning Tottenham Hotspur Ladies' Under-16 girls, who could only muster the bare 11 due to absentees on holiday, arrived at Headstone Manor to play the first round of the League Cup (the only type of matches we have these days). All started brightly and within five minutes a fine passing move between Rosie Kmita, Phoebe Eshen and Siobhan Jones found Latoya Bailey in the box and the first goal arrived.  

From then until the 20^th minute the goal was well peppered by the Tottenham players, and only the opposition goalkeeper and some wayward shooting kept the score down. That was until Phoebe struck the ball from the edge of the box with some venom to make the score 2-0. 

On 30 minutes an unfortunate collision between Siobhan, an opposing forward, and Angela McGann on the edge of the box let the ball run loose and with Angela flat out the referee allowed play to go on allowing Headstone to score. Thankfully it was only a minor knock and Angela bravely continued. 

The onslaught continued and apart from the infrequent forays into the Tottenham half which Harley and the rest of the defence snuffed out very quickly, some stumbles on the pitch which was rough and heavy, and a penalty for a trip on Nikki, that was denied by the referee the game continued and another goal from Latoya just before the half came to an end with the score 3-1 to Tottenham. 

Although the football was far from pretty, the second half started as the first had finished and within seven minutes after a glut of corners, Nikki, who was having a fine game, had a shot which was well saved by the keeper, but she could not hold onto the ball, which was deflected into the path of Latoya to get her hat-trick.  So the game went on and the defence held firm against everything that Headstone had to offer with Harley Keenlyside marshalling well as the wing backs Molly Kmita and Rosie pushed forward at every opportunity.  

The only things stopping goals coming were misplaced passes, giving the ball to the opposition, with which the Tottenham coaching staff was quite vocal about. Nikki was in her element whenever she had the ball at her feet on the right wing and had it not been for the crossbar could have had a hat trick (along with the penalty).  

There was however time for one more goal when a corner from Siobhan found Nikki, whose shot was saved, but went straight to Shauna Magner to plant into the net and end the game at 5-1.

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 5 Harley Keenleyside

barry jones

9.

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After last weekend’s success in the London FA Youth Cup, Spurs were again in Cup action this weekend – this time in the Home Counties Chairman’s Cup against one of our strongest rivals Queens Park Rangers. 

The match started well for Tottenham with attacks from the start with Siobhan Wilson making her mark on the left wing. Her first attempt flew just wide before shortly afterwards another cross shot went over the bar. With five minutes on the clock Ayse Mustafa crossed to see a back header from Siobhan Jones falling into space with no one able to capitalise. 

QPR however were not to be outdone and an attack down the middle saw Danielle Hayes make a great saving tackle. The game was then quite entertaining end to end football with both teams not wanting to give way. 

Tottenham however had the edge in the middle part of the half playing good attacking football that eventually resulted in a cross/shot from Rosie Kmita squirming under the QPR keeper and into the net on 20 minutes making the score 1-0 to Spurs. 

QPR pushed forward seeking an equaliser and an attack down the right saw Angela McGann gathering the ball in the box.  Tottenham continued their attacking football and after 30 minutes Siobhan Jones had a good run into the opposition penalty area, but saw her shot well saved by the QPR keeper, pushing it over the bar for a corner. The resulting kick from Siobhan Wilson saw the ball reach the head of Siobhan Jones, but the header went narrowly wide. 

It was real end to end stuff by now and following a QPR break Katie Mills was called upon to defend strongly preventing the opposing forwards gaining access to the Spurs penalty area.  The game continued to be hard fought by both teams and only more good defending from Katie Mills and Charlotte Dean kept QPR out of the danger areas.  The half time whistle blew shortly afterwards with the score Tottenham Hotspur 1 QPR 0. 

The second half started in much the same vein as the first finished with both teams attacking trying to breach the others defences.  With 41 minutes gone a good break and cross from Siobhan Wilson was gathered by the QPR keeper.  A minute later some comedy defending by the Spurs defence presented QPR with a chance to draw level, but fortunately for us (and unfortunately for them) the resulting shot flew just wide of our upright. 

With 45 minutes on the clock Iris Isok fired just over the QPR bar and five minutes later Siobhan Jones and Wilson combined only for the latter’s shot to fly just wide.  A minute after that it was QPR’s turn to see a shot fly just over the Spurs bar. 

On the hour Angela saved well from a shot on goal.  The next goal was going to be vital and when it came on 61 minutes it was in Spurs favour.  Rosie passed the ball to Nikki Hunnable, who took the ball into the penalty area and returned it to Rosie, who made no mistake grabbing her second goal of the game making the score 2-0 to Spurs. 

If we thought that was the game settled we were wrong, as QPR came again and both Katie and Danielle had to be on their toes to cut out attacks threatening our goal.  When our defence was breached on 65 minutes Angela bravely dived at the feet of a QPR attacker to save. 

As the game entered its final period Ayse Mustafa fired just past the post before, on 77 minutes, slipping a ball through to Nikki, who saw her goal-bound shot tipped round the post by the QPR keeper.  Nikki found Siobhan Jones with the resulting corner, who passed the ball back to Siobhan Wilson on the edge of the penalty area.  She needed no second invitation and lashed the ball home from all of 25 yards to make the final score 3-0 to Spurs.  

Well done to both teams for putting on an entertaining match on a cold wintery day.  It is my belief that these type of games benefit the players of both teams irrespective of the final score line.  On another day QPR could have had one or two goals and we look forward to future meetings between the two teams.  

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 1 Angela McGann 

paul mills

9.

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The U16s finally got to play their London Cup game against Parkwood on a chilly morning, such that the start was delayed for 30 minutes to allow the ground to soften.  Parkwood were quick out of the blocks and in the second minute had their first shot on goal, which went wide.  

This seemed to wake up the home team and they soon started to take control.  A corner from the left by Nikki Hunnable reached Siobhan Jones whose back header was cleared off the line.  Between that in the fifth minute and the seventeenth minute Tottenham had another nine chances, but failed to convert any.  On 18 minutes a good through ball from Ayse Mustafa sent Nikki free right of centre and her great shot from almost 20 yards flew into the net. 

Siobhan Wilson turned provider after 23 minutes when she whipped in a dangerous corner that Siobhan J forced home with some part of her body other than her foot.  After another couple of missed chances Jayne decided to ring the changes with 30 minutes gone, bringing on Katie Mills, Charlotte Dean and Latoya Bailey to replace Phoebe Eshen, Iris Isok and Harley Keenlyside, making another five chances that went begging and half time was on us. 

The second half began much the same as the first had finished and a fine passing interchange between Ayse and Charlotte resulted in a good save by the opposing goalkeeper with her feet.  Another couple of chances went unconverted before Parkwood had their first shot at goal after 10 minutes of the half. After 15 minutes Jayne again rang the changes and both Siobhans and Shauna Magner gave way to Phoebe, Iris and Danielle Hayes. 

Immediately after the changes Parkwood gained a corner, which was cleared under pressure by Katie.  Ayse, as normal, was having a fine game in midfield within the next five minutes created three chances for the forwards before on 65 minutes Latoya forced home the ball after it fell to her from a save made by the visiting goalkeeper from Phoebe’s shot. 

Phoebe, Nikki and Molly Kmita all had shots saved before Parkwood had another shot on goal which again went wide, Angela was having a very quiet afternoon, but dealt admirably with anything that found its way into the box. Spurs extended their lead on 70 minutes when a through ball from Ayse found Latoya who controlled and a fired home making the lead 4-0.  

Before the restart, Ayse and Nikki were given a well earned rest being replaced by Siobhan J and Shauna. Molly was then taken off shortly afterwards to be replaced by Siobhan Wilson. The defence had to be wide awake as Parkwood continued to show that they did not want to lie down and Angela was called upon to make a save. This encouraged Parkwood and another attack saw Siobhan Wilson clear the ball up field to Siobhan J, who was caught offside. 

Continual instructions from the bench were making sure that the Tottenham girls kept their minds on the job in hand. More opportunities came and went, noticeably a shot from Siobhan J that was deflected on the bar and a good shot from Phoebe that the keeper saved, and not to be outdone the opposition had another effort saved by Angela.  

The Tottenham defence dealt with everything that Parkwood had to offer throughout the game.

Danielle Hayes was busy on the right hand side of midfield and Shauna on the left as Spurs pushed forward seeking more goals.  

All in all a very workmanlike performance although well handled under difficult underfoot conditions, and considering this was only their second game since the beginning of December the girls of Tottenham will only improve. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL PLAYERS AND COACHING STAFF ON WINNING THE LONDON CUP.

THLFC U16 player(s) of the match: 10 Siobhan Jones

barry jones

9.

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fairlands youth  -   
luton town youth  -    
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