Tuesday 25 February 2014

Sun 23 Feb: AFC Wimbledon (H) L 2-6 (League Cup Semi-Final)

Colombian coach Francisco Maturana once said that "every defeat is a victory in itself". Losing is not a concept Teddington Athletic's U12 Girls have previously had to get their heads around, but they can learn much from this maiden loss.

After 15 consecutive victories, plus another five by default, Athletic's 21st game of the season was always going to be a coming of age of one kind or another. The League Cup semi-final pitted them against AFC Wimbledon, a well-established club team leading the Premier League, two divisions above Teddington's tyros. A cup shock would really announce the new team, but if it went the other way, how would they react in adversity?

The answer came quickly enough. Wimbledon forced three corners in the first 90 seconds, and although Athletic cleared their lines well, the first lesson wasn't long coming.

It's possible to sit in your own defence all game long, as Jose Mourinho knows: he calls it "19th-century football" when opponents do it to him, although when his Inter did it at Barcelona he called them "a team of heroes, we sweated blood". But it requires excellent communication and constant vigilance.

Having had the upper hand in every game this season, Teddington knew they were in for a tougher time against Wimbledon, and had been told to keep talking to each other and looking around for opponents - "taking pictures", as the professionals call it. In the third minute, as the visitors crowded the box, they became too concerned with watching the ball and a switched pass across the area produced a first-time shot past home goalkeeper Charlotte Ward.

At that point, a poor team could have crumbled. But Teddington are not a poor team. Three minutes after going behind, a long throw from Ella V found Sinead Morris, whose pass released striker Ale Fairn to calmly lob her 13th of the season.

Starting her first game since November after an Achilles problem, Ale was as industrious as ever, selflessly running the front line to link up with Sinead, right-winger Phoebe Head and advanced midfielder Emily Coulson. The front four were typically threatening, especially in the second half, but Wimbledon caused Teddington problems further back.

Fingers will not be pointed at any players. All the girls played their hearts out, and there were no calamitous individual errors, but the previously impressive defence – Teddington hadn't conceded a goal since Christmas – had more lessons to learn from the Premier League leaders.

The first came in the ninth minute, when Wimbledon retook a lead they were never to lose. Playing a quick 1-2 on the halfway line, the Dons' powerful No.7 burst through a surprised home defence to calmly find the bottom corner of Charlotte's net. Teddington simply hadn't faced an opponent as strong, or a team who could do to them what they've done to every League Two side this season: pass around them.

Teddington have earned plaudits and points all season long by passing to feet, finding each other with happy regularity and outclassing opponents by finding the best way to win battles against despairing defenders. But you don't always have to beat an opponent to find yourself through on goal.

The third lesson lasted the rest of the half. Wimbledon had the triple benefit of the lead, the wind and the slope; sensing that Teddington's defenders weren't happy turning to defend generic through-balls, Wimbledon started to punt passes into the space behind the home defence. On several occasions Charlotte – who has spent much of this season an interested but distant spectator – was called upon to sprint out of her area and close down attacks; on the 15-minute mark, she did well to do so but her clearance was expertly lobbed back over her head into the empty net.

That made it 3-1, only a minute after Teddington might have equalised with an attack of Premier League class. Phoebe, who was beginning to torment the Dons left-back, sent over a dangerous deep cross which Emily at the back post beautifully controlled in the manner of the Dennis Bergkamp statue (although Spurs fan Em may not appreciate the comparison). However, the shot didn't match the take-down, and a minute later Wimbledon doubled their lead with that through-ball.

For the rest of the half the visitors turned Teddington round with balls pumped forward. Let us be clear that these passes into space need not be "long-ball", nor were Wimbledon excessively agricultural; but what Teddington may need to learn is that opponents playing a high line will be susceptible to an angled pass played in front of a flying winger, which the League Two champions unquestionably possess.

It's a lesson learned last season by the U12s' "big sisters" in what is now Teddington's U13 Girls side, of which your reporter was an assistant manager. It need not mean abandoning the pleasing passing which has helped Teddington tear their division apart, but last season's side learnt through happy experience that a well-weighted through-ball played between defenders is often more likely to create a chance than a pass to feet and an attempted dribble.

If that is the lesson for the front four, the back line had their own lesson hammered home in the 18th minute when a free-kick well saved by Charlotte was turned in by a Wimbledon striker lurking unmarked and unseen. Again, this is not to decry any single player, but it should help them all improve: be alert; be vigilant; keep taking photographs.

And watch the through-ball. Three minutes after that followed-up free kick made it 4-1, yet another pass beyond the back line brought yet another brave interception from Charlie which was once again turned in by a visitor following in – all this a minute after the increasingly impressive Sinead saw a fizzed shot from the edge of the area turned wide. What could have been 4-2 and game on became 5-1 and a daunting task – which got worse, cruelly, with the last kick of the half, via another template goal: a through-ball, well taken.

Many teams could be forgiven for throwing in the towel at this point: 6-1 down, in the stinging wind, to the confident leaders from two divisions higher. But manager Dave W calmed the team down, insisted they could get back into the game and gave them the confidence to do so. Tactical tweaks passed on, the teams retook the pitch.

Two minutes into the half, the plans need reworking when a visibly distraught Jelly was forced off with a shoulder injury. Playing in a new position slightly in front of the two-girl defence, "Jelly" had as usual been the team's driving force, but the injury added to the insult of losing for the first time clearly affected her. Sadie Day bounced on to add more forward thrust and belief, and six minutes later the home side got overdue recognition for their efforts.

Fittingly it was Phoebe who got the goal back, bursting through from the right wing an arrowing in a shot. When the goalkeeper parried it, "Pheebs" simply lashed the ball back past her and into the top corner: 6-2.

Wimbledon continued to look dangerous but Teddington had learned lessons. Saskia Brewster has impressed all season long with her covering defensive runs and willingness to create in possession, and twice in the second half she hoovered up a hopeful through-ball, shepherding the striker away from goal and recycling possession into Teddington's midfield. Alongside her, Ella Parkinson-Mearns was typically tenacious despite carrying a knock from a first-half collision: "It hurt, but I adjusted my face so it just looked like I was concerned about losing."

In front of them, Ruby Rudkin was as enjoyably robust as ever, while Millie MacEacharn came on to add quiet determination. And when Sadie was flattened by a fair but firm challenge, Jelly rejoined the fray and Teddington really took the game to the visitors.

A second half that had started with Sinead skinning three successive Premier League defenders continued with her fellow winger Phoebe stinging the hands of the goalkeeper. Had that shot made it 6-3, with 15 minutes to go and Teddington enjoying the slope and wind as well as increased confidence, we might have seen a Hollywood comeback. As it was, Wimbledon just about managed to hold the hosts at bay, typified in the last minute by another Phoebe effort clawed off the line by a combination of three defenders.  

Teddington didn't win the game but they won the second half and a lot of admirers, and learned a lot of lessons. With the championship won, promotion is merely a question of whether the league promote the team by one or two divisions, if they don't restructure. Whatever division Teddington find themselves in next season, harder opponents will come, and manager Dave W is already scheduling friendlies against higher-level teams. Life is a process of education and improvement, and sometimes the best lessons are hardest learnt. Teddington can, and will, take victories from this defeat.

TEDDINGTON ATHLETIC (2-2-3-2) Charlotte Ward; Saskia Brewster, Ella Parkinson-Mearns; Ella V, Ruby Rudkin; Phoebe Head (1), Emily Coulson, Sinead Morris; Ale Fairn (1). Subs: Millie MacEacharn, Sadie Day. 10am, Teddington Cricket Club, strong wind.

Sunday 16 February 2014

Sun 16 Feb: Kempton Girls (H) W 5-0

"It's too hard," said the bedraggled defender. "They shouldn't be in our league." Her coach implored her to carry on but it's hard to argue with the Kempton player's plaintive wail halfway through the first half of a game which finally mathematically confirmed Teddington Athletic's under-12 girls as Division Two Champions in their maiden season. 

Dave W's side have been here before, of course: in late November, after 12 straight wins had cemented Teddington into top position, Kempton's inability to raise a side for the forthcoming weekend fixture meant the debutants were uncatchable within the 15-game fixture list. The league's decision to extend the six-squad division's season by a further round-robin of games merely delayed the inevitable. Athletic still haven't lost. In fact, they've only conceded in one game since November. 


That Teddington have only played four games in those two-and-a-half months says as much for the fear factor as the winter weather. Twice in December and twice already in February, teams have pulled out of playing the champions-elect and taken the default 3-0 punishment rather than let their players face an unstoppable team. 

This fixture could have gone the same way. Kempton's affable coach was winningly honest with Teddington's management: they could only rustle up seven players, a couple were borderline unfit and they feared a Bushy Park beating. Only Dave W's offer to play 7v7 saved the fixture, to the delight of both sets of coaches: since that first cancelled game between the sides, each team had only played three games in 11 Sundays. 

Teddington needed the match practice ahead of next weekend's League Cup semi-final clash with Premier Division leaders AFC Wimbledon. Kempton may not be in that league but they're no slouches: second in the league, with a strong team sprinkled with good players, the division's toughest opposition alongside Caterham, with whom Kempton are tied on points – both teams have won every league game except those against Teddington. (They now play each other four times in five weeks to contest the runners-up position, which may or may not mean promotion.) 


Although those parents who could do so selflessly delayed half-term holidays until after the game, roaring off at the final whistle, Teddington were short of several players – Millie Theobalds and Saskia Brewster at the back, midfielder Sophie Wallman and wide forward Amy Hallett – while striker Ale Fairn wasn't rushed back from her Achilles injury, with Wimbledon in mind.

The nine-girl squad became eight when Ella Parkinson-Mearns pulled a groin in the warm-up, and eight became seven when Kempton commendably turned up despite being down to six, Sadie Day cheerfully bolstering the opposition numbers in a shirt two sizes too big for her.

That Dave W was able to put out a winning side says much to the strength of his squad, and its members' willingness to develop. In defence alongside an initially reluctant but typically effective Ella V was Millie MacEacharn, playing in a two-girl back line for the first time and eagerly learning as she went. Ahead of them, Emily Coulson and Ruby Rudkin added silk and steel, while the potency of wide attackers Sinead Morris and Phoebe Head meant Athletic were still dangerous without a central striker, as Kempton struggled to pick up runners from deep. 


Such was the genesis of the opening goal, after 12 minutes in which Phoebe had scorched the right wing with intelligent runs and testing shots, one hitting the far post. Always a danger to the opposition, Phoebe has got increasingly good at looking up for team-mates and as the Kempton defenders raced toward her, she noticed the central runs of Emily and Ruby and slipped a pass inside; Emily got there first to calmly slot home.

Within three minutes it was 2-0. Again the trouble came from the right wing, but from a new pest: Phoebe's best mate Ella V, marauding forward for a corner (and leaving Millie Mac minding the shop), ran down the flank and  crossed in for Ruby to sweep in a first-time shot which the goalkeeper could only parry in.    

Two minutes later it was 3-0 and effectively all over with a finish belonging to a higher division. With the ball pinging around the Kempton area, Phoebe had the vision, skill and confidence to loft a gentle left-peg side-foot into the far top corner of the goal. 

The second half didn't turn out as badly as it might have for Kempton, who must have feared the worst when three became four right at the start of the second period with another confident goal. This time Emily was first to a Kempton goal-kick, controlling it past a defender with her left foot before firing home with her right for her 22nd of the season. Not bad for a midfielder who, for reasons bewildering, is played at full-back by her school team.


Thereafter Teddington withdrew slightly, leaving Kempton to clear their lines unharassed, the better to practice winning the ball back in midfield: no point scoring a dozen times from opponents' goal-kicks if next week's Premier-topping opposition will reach the halfway line every time. 

Not that Kempton unduly worried Teddington goalkeeper Charlotte Ward, whose most troubling decision was heads or tails at the captain's toss-up. In a microcosm of their season, despite being well clear, Athletic didn't cease trying. Particularly prevalent in the second half was left-sided attacker Sinead, who can beat any opponent in the division but always seems short on confidence if she hasn't scored herself. Terrorising Kempton's bedraggled right-back, she waged a one-woman war but was unable to get the goal she deserved. Not that she needs worry: she too has scored 22, and terrified every opponent she has come across. 

The only girl to have scored more than Sinead or Emily is Phoebe, and she completed the scoring in the last minute. Fittingly, she was set up by Millie Mac, alertly collecting a loose ball, looking up to assess her options and finding a team-mate running cleverly into space. 

Such is the way with this squad. These are girls who trained in howling wind and horizontal rain on Friday. These are girls who have beaten every single team they've faced. These are girls who are deservingly champions of their division, and as they prepare to play the finest team they can possibly face in this league, they have little to prove but everything to gain. 

TEDDINGTON ATHLETIC (2-4-0) Charlotte Ward; Ella V, Millie MacEacharn; Phoebe Head (2), Ruby Rudkin (1), Emily Coulson (2), Sinead Morris. Sub (inj) Ella Parkinson-Mearns; temporary loanee Sadie Day. KO 10am, Teddington Cricket Club, bright and dry



Friday night training: Breezy












Wednesday 12 February 2014

A Very Successful Fundraiser!

Well after a couple of months of preparation, head scratching (not head lice) frustration, high's and lows, sleepless nights worrying if anyone would turn up, the Wine/Beer tasting event was upon us. Yes !!!! The local community of Teddington and members of TAFC turned out in their numbers, almost 140 of them packed into St Mary with St Alban Church Hall. A rush on the bar as people arrived appeared to go on for hours. The event was started by Tim Syrad from The Teddington Wine Society and with help from the incredibly hard working U12's  parents being Wine pourers/bar staff and food servers, the night got into full swing. 
Photo with thanks to Carlos Zanerotti
The Wine tasting and Aroma challenge was followed by Heads & Tails which helped swell the coffers. Then the Girls U12 Sponsor, Moidul, appeared with enough amazing food to feed 140 hungry, slightly tipsy guests. With dozens of comments about how Delicious, Incredible and Excellent the food was from Moidul's Restaurants, our guests settled down for the Beer tasting. After Tim had finished his knowledgeable and fun tasting session, the Auction began with the very enthusiastic and funny auctioneer, Simon Day. 

Thankfully the guests were feeling very generous and the auction raised over £1,600. If that wasn't enough, the raffle then took place with the help of Ella Parkinson-Mearns picking the lucky tickets. An amazing effort from all the parents and friends of the Squads and Club saw that almost 800 tickets were sold. The raffle and auction prizes on offer were all donated from International/National and Local Teddington businesses, with a very generous donation from our Club Chairman, Matt Morey and a very kind cash donation from Sophie WaIlman's Grandfather. 
The "Heads & Tails" game

I have to say that the local businesses have been incredible with a large number donating to us following relationships we have built via Twitter, @TAFCU12GIRLS So after this great event we are delighted to announce that our Wine & Beer Fundraising Event raised over £4,330.  This has exceeded our expectations and is down to the fantastic support of our local community, TAFC parents and friends, plus our amazing sponsor Moidul's Restaurants. We would also like to say thank you to all those who bought tickets and attended the event itself.

This event would not have taken place if it wasn't for Caroline Smith from Teddington based Do Events. She gave up hours of her own time to make this the successful event it was, so a huge thank you Caroline. 
Empties!

So our special thanks goes to the Teddington Wine Society for hosting the evening and to Do Events for managing the event and the best sponsor a team could ask for Moiduls Restaurants. The funds raised will help the U12 & U13 Girls with their tour to Holland.

Thank you to the following companies who donated items for the raffle and auction:
  
 Extra Special Thanks to:
www.do-events.co.uk

www.moidulsofteddington.com







Sunday 2 February 2014

TAFC Girls Tour Wine & Beer Tasting Evening





Tickets are now sold out for our Fundraising Event on Friday 7th February.  The event hosted by the Teddington Wine Society with the help of Do Events will raise funds for the forthcoming U12 & U13 Girls Football Tour to Dunreil in Holland.  Moidul's Restaurant, the U12 Girls Team Sponsor has kindly donated a number of prizes for the event and their delicious curry will be available to buy on the night.

Raffle Tickets will be on sale throughout the evening - £1 per ticket / £5 per strip. Please remember to bring your cheque books along so you can bid on the fantastic Auction Lots.  The Auction is open to those who are not attending, bids can be placed by any guest attending on their behalf.

We would like to thank the following businesses and companies who have supported the event by donating Raffle and Auction Prizes:


Raffle Prizes Include
  • 2 Pairs of Tickets to Dead Parrot Society Comedy Nights at the Royal Oak, Teddington
  • Branche d'Olive Room Diffuser (200ml), donated by Heirloom, Teddington 
  • Bottle of Negroamaro Wine, donated by Shambles, Teddington
  • Case of Kingfisher, donated by Moidul's of Teddington and Kingfisher
  • Selection of goodies including Orange Tea & Guatemalan coffee, donated by Starbucks, Teddington
  • Breakfast for 2 at Diners Delight, Teddington
  • A £25 voucher to spend on something of your choice at the gorgeous AlcheBee.com 
  • Scented candle; Ladies silk scarf; Matching 100% Cashmere Hat, Gloves (iPhone touch) & Scarf; Leather Belt & Jewellery Item, donated by TK Maxx
  • Various iPad Cases, donated by TK Maxx
  • Primal Scream poster signed by Bobby Gillespie and Andrew Innes
  • Box of Dove products for Men, donated by Unilever 

    Auction Lots Include
Special Thanks to:

www.moidulsofteddington.com
www.do-events.co.uk