We’re back and a warm welcome from your Chief Sports Reporter.  Over the summer months the Spurs Ladies u17 FDP management team have restructured with Mark Fairs now installed as Team Manager, assisted by Dee Gilbert as Head Coach, Michael Mogridge as Assistant Coach and Debbie Dolby as Fitness Coach.  All under the ever watchful eye of Director of Football, Joanne Fairs.

After winning the Home Counties League Under-15 Division last year we have moved into the Under-17 Female Development Programme (FDP). This should prove to be a very challenging competition facing a number of ex-Academy teams. 

The Spurs management team had been busy over the summer months and a new look 14 player squad has been established incorporating six new players.

On Sunday 4 Sept 2011, Spurs Under-17s FDP faced Spurs Under-15s FDP in a pre-season friendly at Fred Knights. The Under-17s came into this game full of confidence having defeated, a rather depleted Spurs Under-16 team the previous week, 7-0. The Under-17s had a squad of 13 players available.

However, that over confidence seemed somewhat misplaced as the Under-15s (last season’s Under-14 treble winners) had the better of the opening rather frantic 10 minutes.  Two early half chances fell to the Under-15s who were always looking to utilise the pace of their striker.  The Under-15s were passing the ball around well and we had not got going at all. Then on 12 minutes rather against the run of play we went 1-0 up. A cross by Charlie Vaz found Hannah McWilliams who laid the ball back to Louise Bennett on the edge of the box and her well driven shot found the bottom corner of the net. Spurs Under-17s 1 Spurs Under-15s 0.

In the last 10 minutes of the half the Under-17s had two good chances, first Georgia Fairs rounded the keeper only for a last ditch tackle to rob her of a certain goal, then Christie Page with the goal at her mercy was unable to convert a Hannah McWilliams cross from close range.

It had been an even first half; the u15s had created more chances but had only really tested the Spurs keeper Ellie Hawkins on one occasion. However, they were undoubtedly playing the better football. The Under-17s seemed unable to find any rhythm but had improved as the half progressed. Half time 1-0 to the Under-17s.

With the half time team talk still ringing in their ears the Under-17s emerged for the second half. Within a minute they had the ball in the net, but Charlie Vas’ solo effort was ruled offside. The Under-15s were not playing with the same intensity as they had in the first half and the Under-17s began to control the game. The Under-15s still looked dangerous on the counter attack but these became few and far between as the half progressed.

On 18 minutes we made it 2-0. A Tarjau Louis cross was only partially cleared by the Under-15 keeper and fell invitingly to Georgia Fairs who hit home powerfully from close range. The remainder of the half saw the Under-17s dominate the game and start, at times, to play better football.

Final score Spurs Under-17s FDP 2 Spurs Under-15s FDP 0.

At the conclusion of the match the Under-17 Team Manager Mark Fairs said, “I am disappointed with the lack of passing and effort in the first half.  A slight improvement in the second half was enough to win the game although we need to improve before Saturday’s game against Charlton.”

Overall this was a good work out for the new look Under-17s. However, they must very quickly begin to replicate on match day what they produce on the training pitch. The Under-15s also face the challenge of the FDP this season and we wish them every success, on the face of their first half performance in particular, they should do well.

Glen Jones

THLFC  : -
Ellie Hawkins, Faye Picton, Naomi Coulson, Shakira Waithe, Danni Albertsen, Tarjau Louis, Melody Jones, Louise Bennett, Charlie Vas, Donjeta Krasnici, Georgia Fairs, Hannah McWilliams
Subs. : -  Louise Sogar, Christie Page

-

Well no one said it would be easy … The first game of the Female Development Programme saw the Under-17s FDP face Charlton Under-17s FDP at Fred Knights. Charlton had been unbeaten the previous season playing at Under-16 level within the FA Centre of Excellence programme, had a squad all at the upper age limit and had the benefit of a player who had represented England at Under-15 level. This was always going to be a difficult first game for the much younger Spurs side.

The Under-17s had the full squad of 14 players available.

Charlton began the game with only 10 players. The legendary Spurs 12th man was edgy but confident that the Under-17s would acquit themselves well against their ex-Academy opposition. Spurs started brightly and had the better of the opening exchanges. A succession of corners put pressure on the Charlton defence and eventually provided an opportunity for Danni Albertsen but her shot was sliced wide.

However the opening few minutes were to be a false dawn with the Spurs standard of passing, control and decision making at times quite shocking. The team were nervous and playing without confidence seemingly overawed by their more experienced opponents.

It was no surprise that on 12 minutes Charlton went one goal up when their no 11 hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards which flew into the top left corner of the net.  Spurs 0 Charlton 1.

On 30 minutes they got their second when the Charlton attack split the Spurs defence, the resultant cross was cleared by the Spurs keeper Ellie Hawkins but only into the path of the on-coming Charlton forward who placed the ball into the corner of the net from 6 yards. Spurs 0 Charlton 2. A sloppy goal to concede with the defence not following the Charlton runners.

Half time Spurs 0 Charlton 2. It had been a poor first half. The defence looked especially vulnerable every time Charlton attacked; the midfield couldn’t get hold of the ball and therefore hadn’t created any significant opportunities whilst up front we posed very little threat. It had taken 40 minutes before we had our first shot on goal. We were not playing as a team nor following the coaching team’s instructions to play it simple and pass and move.  Nerves had unfortunately got the better of us.

The second half began with Charlton now at full strength. Within two minutes of the re-start Spurs pulled a goal back. Tarjau Louis won the ball with a great slide tackle and fed Donjeta Krasnici who hit a powerful shot low and hard from the edge of the box into the bottom left of the net.  Spurs 1 Charlton 2.

A couple of half chances quickly followed for Donjeta again and then Louise Bennett but their long range efforts went over the bar. With 20 minutes played Charlton had the ball in the net when a well struck effort from the edge of the box was poorly handled by the Spurs keeper allowing a simple tap in for the Charlton attacker. Thankfully the goal was disallowed for offside but this was to be a warning for Spurs. 2 minutes later the Spurs keeper redeemed herself with a fine save diving to her left and tipping the shot around the post. Almost immediately Charlton then hit the post from close range when Spurs were unable to clear the ball from a corner.

With 10 minutes to go Charlton put the game to bed with another very well hit long range effort from 35 yards which flew over the Spurs keeper. Spurs 1 Charlton 3.

The mood immediately after the game was sombre. We had improved in the second half but still hadn’t performed anywhere near like we can. Upon reflection however the Spurs coaching team can take positives from this performance, although Charlton were technically more assured and consistent we had not been outplayed. Imagine how close it would have been had we played well ?

Final score Spurs Under-17s FDP 1 Charlton Under-17s FDP 3.

The Charlton parents named Louise Bennett as their Spurs player of the match.

Next week we travel to Harlington to face our local rivals, QPR the only other non-Academy team in the FDP.

Glen Jones

THLFC  : -
Ellie Hawkins, Faye Picton, Naomi Coulson, Shakira Waithe, Danni Albertsen, Melody Jones, Tarjau Louis, Louise Bennett, Charlie Vas,  Christie Page, Georgia Fairs, Hannah McWilliams
Subs. : -  Louise Sogar, Donjeta Krasnici, Kitty Lyons

-

This was always going to be the true test of how far we have come. On Saturday 17 Sept 2011 we travelled the short distance across London to face QPR at the first team’s training ground in Harlington. QPR have always been a bogey side for Spurs and their move last season to the Surrey League robbed us of the opportunity to face our London rivals. Our last encounter was two seasons ago in the final of the South East England Tesco Cup where we lost 1-0 in a closely fought encounter, with QPR going on to win the English final.  Last season they won the Surrey league title having not lost a match.  As the only other non-Academy side in the FDP, this was probably the most anticipated match of this new campaign.

With the unavailability of captain Naomi Coulson, the Spurs management team had drafted in Faye Picton from the u18s to play at centre back and also Kathleen Jackson and Ellie Baskett from the u16s to produce a squad of 16 players.  The match was played on an astro turf surface.

The opening 10 minutes was a very even affair with neither side ready to concede an inch across the park. We were playing with much more confidence than last week while the well drilled QPR outfit were proving an equal match. Then on 12 minutes it was deja vu when we went 1-0 down to yet another 30 yard screamer which left the Spurs keeper with no chance. QPR 1 Spurs 0.

The quality of finishing in the first two games has been outstanding; unfortunately it has been the opposition not Spurs taking the opportunity and the responsibility to shoot.

On 20 minutes a collision between Danni Albertsen and the Spurs keeper Ellie Hawkins resulted in Ellie having to be substituted with a knee injury. Faye Picton took over in goal and the omens were not good. However, despite these setbacks Spurs did not let their heads drop. They had struggled to match the physical intensity of QPR, but had limited QPR to this solitary opportunity.

The half ended with Faye untroubled between the sticks. QPR had probably played the better football, but apart from their goal had not brought a save from either Spurs keeper. Spurs had failed to create a single goal scoring opportunity and shots at goal had been limited to two free kicks from Hannah McWilliams which failed to trouble the QPR keeper. However, the team had definitely thrown off the nerves of last week’s first game against Charlton.

The second half began and on five minutes Spurs had a very strong appeal for a penalty turned down by the ref when a QPR defender appeared to divert the path of the ball with her arm. The next 20 minutes saw the best period for Spurs in the match. They began to pass the ball around in midfield and started to dominate. The defence were coping admirably with a tiring QPR frontline, whilst the midfield were winning the 50-50s and starting to put pressure on the QPR backline. Despite this domination, attempts at goal were few and far between and lacked sufficient conviction. Moreover, the 16 player squad had necessitated a larger number of subs than usual and these substitutions and changes in the positions of players seemed to disrupt the Spurs momentum.

On 30 minutes Spurs produced their best and subsequently only chance of the match. Good work by Georgia Fairs out on the right wing led to a cross to Donjeta Krasnici who, with only the keeper to beat, skewed her shot wide of the post from 10 yards.

The match ended with Spurs in the ascendency but unable to find that killer ball or passage of play to open up a combative QPR defence.

Final score QPR 1 Spurs 0.

The second half had belonged to Spurs, the first to QPR. QPR had one chance and scored we had had one chance and missed. This is a game Spurs could and maybe should have won but a draw would have been a fairer result. But whoever said football was fair. In terms of possession Spurs had ‘bossed’ the second half and seemed fitter than their London rivals (the pre-season and Tuesday’s fitness sessions starting to pay dividends perhaps). This had been a much better performance than last week and the team should be proud of how they bounced back. Confidence is coming back and that’s a good sign.

Of most concern however is the inability of the team and the midfield in particular thus far to create goal scoring opportunities. The domination of the midfield and the ability to open up defences has been the key component of Spurs’ success in recent years. Thus far this potent weapon has been nullified. However, it is early days and the Spurs management team are asking the team to play a different system to last year which will take time to bed in. 

The Spurs manager Mark Fairs said at the conclusion of the match, “I am delighted with the performance of the team, but disappointed with the quality of our finishing, we will work on this in training this week.”

The QPR parents named Tarjau Louis as their Spurs player of the match.

Next week we travel to Garston to face Watford in the first cup game of the season.

On a sad note this was Head Coach Dee Gilbert’s last match as part of the Spurs management team as she heads off for a new challenge at uni in Wales. We wish her all the best for the future.

Glen Jones

THLFC  : -
Ellie Hawkins, Louise Sogar, Faye Picton, Shakira Waithe, Danni Albertsen, Melody Jones, Tarjau Louis, Louise Bennett, Donjeta Krasnici, Georgia Fairs, Hannah McWilliams
Subs. : -  Christie Page, Kitty Lyons, Charlie Vas, Kathleen Jackson, Ellie Basket

-

On Saturday 24th September 2011, Spurs Under-17s FDP travelled the short distance (for some J) to Garston to face Watford Under-17s FDP in the first cup game of the season. The competition is played along the lines of the Champions League structure with matches against Charlton and QPR to follow over the coming weeks.   

With Spurs keeper Ellie Hawkins and Tarjau Louis out injured, Lauren and Faye Picton from the Under-18s were drafted in, producing a squad of 14.  In addition, Manager Mark Fairs decided to make a couple of changes to the starting line up coupled with a return to a 4-5-1 formation.

With five minutes only on the watch we had a bit of luck. Yet another 25 yard screamer from the opposition soared goal bound, only to hit the post and bounce across the goal mouth and into the Spurs keepers’ grateful hands.

During the first 15 minutes Watford played the best football I have seen this season, (I know it’s only been three games but still) they kept it simple, created triangles across the pitch by passing and moving. When we had the ball they put us under immense pressure with a high level of physical intensity and robustness. Spurs were finding it difficult to get hold of the ball and when we had it our technique was letting us down or we were being pressured into making the wrong decisions.

The first 30 minutes played had been very challenging for this young Spurs team. However, with the score still 0-0 the Spurs 12th man were nervous but pleased we hadn’t gone behind to an early goal as we had in the previous two matches.

A number of physical battles were taking place across the pitch; one particularly challenging one was between Georgia Fairs and the Watford left back, which the referee had failed to get a grip of. Unfortunately, on the half hour a poor challenge by the Watford player resulted in Georgia being ‘taken out’ with both players retaliating and ending up on the deck.  Louise Bennett made an intervention into the mêlée which eventually resulted in Louise and the Watford player being sent off for violent conduct and the match reduced to 10 v 10.

After a lengthy stoppage we restarted and within five minutes Watford were awarded an extremely controversial penalty when Faye Picton was alleged to have fouled the Watford striker. Despite the remonstrations of the Spurs manger and 12th man, what was a straight forward shoulder charge was deemed worthy of a spot kick. Watford duly dispatched the penalty with ease. Watford 1 Spurs 0.

Spurs heads visibly dropped now and within five minutes we were two down when a simple one-two by the Watford frontline coupled with Spurs’ defenders not tracking their runners led to a clinical finish past the Spurs keeper Lauren Picton. Within a minute Watford almost made it three but a good save from Lauren saw the ball turned past the post. Half time Watford 2 Spurs 0.

It had been an eventful first half. The physicality of the match had increased since the red cards had been shown and this was proving to be a difficult game for the referee to control. 

The second half began and Spurs seemed more up for the challenge. On nine minutes Spurs had their best chance. Good work by Georgia Fairs on the right wing resulted in a cross into the box. Charlie Vas was about to connect when a last ditch challenge by a Watford defender intercepted the ball just as she was going to ‘pull the trigger’. The Spurs 12th man had barely time to recover when Watford went straight up the other end and scored their third. A combination of poor defending and a tame shot which slipped under the body of the Spurs keeper made this a disappointingly soft goal to concede. Watford 3 Spurs 0.

Despite this setback Spurs started to play much better football. The extra space the 10 v 10 created seeming to suit Spurs more. On 20 minutes we scored. Georgia Fairs closed down a Watford defender and managed to block her attempted clearance, she then ran through and with the Watford keeper coming off her line dinked the ball past the keeper. The keeper did well and got a hand on it, it bounced agonisingly towards goal in what seemed like slow motion, hit the post and then defying all the laws of science span back into the net just as a Watford defender attempted to clear it ... Watford 3 Spurs 1.

This got Watford rattled and we had them on the rack. The physical nature of the Watford challenges increased, but on 29 minutes we had a strong penalty appeal for handball turned down (two games in a row now) and continued to press Watford for the remainder of the match without creating any clear cut goal scoring opportunities.

Final score Watford 3 Spurs 1. It had been a much better second half but the game had taken its toll in terms of injuries. In particular Hannah McWilliams managed only the first five minutes of the match before having to be withdrawn. It’s going to be a busy week on the physio’s couch. Also there seemed to be a notable difference between the Spurs and Watford players in terms of their fitness and this is why the Tuesday fitness sessions are so key to the development of the team.

Player of the match, as chosen by Watford, was Georgia Fairs.

At the conclusion of the match Team Manager Mark Fairs said “We made another poor start to the match but I was pleased with the gutsy performance my injury ravaged team put in the second half and in particular the last 20 minutes.”

Regular readers of this column will know it is not easy to please your Chief Sports Reporter. I have high expectations of the team because I know how well they can play and share in the frustrations of the Spurs 12th man when performance levels drop. Although far from our best, praise must be given for the way the team bounced back from 3-0 and for a period had a very good Watford team worried. That’s three games now where we have been unbeaten in the second half. All we need to do is start like we finish!

I leave you with this thought. The complete footballer has four attributes: technical ability; physical ability; football intelligence; and desire/determination. To be the very best you must work on all 4 aspects. To rely on one or two is not enough if you want to compete at the top level.

Next week we return to league action away at Reading.

Glen Jones

THLFC  : -
Lauren Picton, Louise Sogar, Shakira Waithe, Naomi Coulson, Danni Albertsen, Tarjau Louis, Georgia Fairs, Kitty Lyons, Louise Bennett, Hannah McWilliams, Christie Page, Charlie Vas
Subs. : -  Donjeta Krasnici, Melody Jones, Faye Picton

-

What a weekend, our first win on Saturday and then we beat the Arsenal the following day. It really doesn’t get much better than this!

On Saturday 1st Oct 2011, Spurs u17s FDP made the short 2 hour trip down the M4 to Thatcham (no I’ve never heard of it either) to face Reading Under-17s FDP.  Our hosts had graciously set a 10am kick off and with a 09:15am meet many of the Spurs 12th man were not in the best of moods.  Suggestions to our club hierarchy that the team and 12th man be put up in first class hotel accommodation from the Friday night had unfortunately fallen on deaf ears. 

The ever growing injury list saw Spurs keeper Ellie Hawkins out for a second week as she recovers from a knee injury. In addition a number of players were carrying injuries and due to uncertainty surrounding their fitness, Lauren and Faye Picton from the Under-18s and Ellie Baskett from the Under-16s were drafted in, producing a squad of 16.

The opening few minutes were an even affair, but as the half progressed Reading began to pass the ball around well. They seemed to always have a spare player but the difference this week was that Spurs were pressing hard and were not allowing the opposition to dictate the pace of the game. Reading were showing signs of why they have won all three of their opening games this season. Whilst their attack was dangerous the defence seemed less than watertight and early on a powerful header by Louise Bennett from a Georgia Fairs corner was goal bound only to be diverted on the line past the post. A minute later good work by Melody Jones and Christie Page led to a shot from the edge of the box by Louise Bennett which had the keeper scrambling across the goal line.

On 25 minutes Reading went one up, rather against the run of play. A quick counter attack opened up the Spurs backline and a clinical finish from ten yards gave the Spurs keeper no chance.

On previous weeks heads would have dropped. However, this time the response from Spurs was excellent. Having taken on board the need to shoot more frequently and earlier, first Melody Jones then Georgia Fairs had powerful attempts from 25 yards. The pressure on Reading was building; Georgia Fairs was released by Melody Jones and was only just beaten to the ball by the on-rushing Reading keeper. Then on 30 minutes the best chance of the match fell to Tarjau Louis who had been put through by Louise Bennett.  With only the keeper to beat from 15 yards Tarjau was unable to properly connect with the ball and her shot limped apologetically wide.

But Tarjau soon made amends when two minutes later she was found in an identical position this time by Hannah McWilliams.  The left back being unable to cope with Tarjau’s powerful running and with the keeper narrowing the angle she finished hard, low and across the keeper. Reading 1 Spurs 1. The Spurs 12th man went wild and shall we say reassessed their views on Tarjau's finishing J

Half Time Reading 1 Spurs 1. This had been the best first half this season from Spurs and with the team always improving in the second half the Spurs 12th man were eagerly anticipating the next 45 minutes.

We didn’t have to wait long. On six minutes a swift counter attack by Spurs led to Tarjau Louis turning provider when her powerful run and subsequent cross found Donjeta Krasnici, who finished very well from a tight angle. Reading 1 Spurs 2. 

As the half progressed Spurs continued to have the upper hand and created a number of half chances. Reading were unable to reach the heights of the first 15 minutes of the match and increasingly the standard of their play dropped. Although playing better Spurs were still not at their best but were able to stifle the increasingly rare Reading attacks with consummate ease.

On 35 minutes Spurs put the game to bed when a through ball from Christie Page found Georgia Fairs in acres of space out on the right wing. With the keeper off her line and from an acute angle Georgia calmly lobbed her from 25 yards. Cue for the Spurs 12th man to go wild, your reporter getting caught up in the moment and hugging a fellow member of the 12th man. My apologies, you know who you are sir.  J

This had been a much improved Spurs performance. We had won the all important battle for midfield supremacy and had found an increasing robustness in the tackle. Second balls and 50-50s were being won by Spurs all over the park. This platform had led to more of the ball, more shots on target and more goal scoring opportunities. There is still significant room for improvement but this was a very important step in the right direction. The team should be proud of their performance but recognise where they can do better.

Final score Reading 1 Spurs 3.

Player of the match, as chosen by Reading, was Donjeta Krasnici.

At the conclusion of the match Director of Football, Joanne Fairs said, “The team approached the match with a totally different attitude this week and showed that we are more than capable of matching these ex-Academy teams.”

We now go into the international break and in two weeks time face Northampton at Fred Knights.

Glen Jones

THLFC  : -
Lauren Picton, Louise Sogar, Naomi Coulson, Faye Picton, Christie Page, Charlie Vas, Melody Jones, Kitty Lyons, Louise Bennett, Donjeta Krasnici,  Georgia Fairs
Subs. : -  Shakira Waithe, Danni Albertsen, Hannah McWilliams, Tarjau Louis, Ellie Baskett

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-

-

THLFC  : -
 

-