Wed 27 August 2014, 10:45
Tottenham HotspurKaren Hills said she couldn't have asked for more after Spurs Ladies kicked-off their FA Women's Premier League South campaign with a 3-0 win against Gillingham.
Title-challengers last season, Gillingham only lost four of 20 league matches and were runners-up to Coventry by just two points.
But they were swept aside by an impressive Spurs display at Ware FC thanks to two goals from Lucia Adrianna Padilla and one from Bianca Baptiste.
It was an opening-day test and the ladies passed with flying colours.
The team's summer recruits made a real impact with Lucia linking well with Northern Ireland international Avilla Bergin as part of a front three with Bianca.
Goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne, Leah Rawle and Shakire Waithe also started.
Manager Karen Hills takes up the story. "In the first 20 minutes we actually looked a little nervous on the ball and Gillingham settle into the game quicker," she reported.
"We opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Bianca broke into the box, had a one-on-one well saved but the ball bounced back to her and she headed back over the goalkeeper and home.
"That settled us, we got into our stride and started to control the game with Sophie McLean and Jenna Schillaci pushing forward to join attacks.
"We made it 2-0 a minute into the second half when Avilla hit a cross-shot that Lucia made sure hit the back of the net for her first goal. It wasn't long before they combined again, this time Avilla's cross was turned home by Lucia at the far post.
"Toni-Anne made a great late save to maintain the clean sheet.
"Overall, once we started to relax, we controlled the game well.
"I was pleased with how many chances we created through our front three and to start the campaign with three goals and a clean sheet is what every manager would want from their opening game."
Spurs Ladies return to action on Sunday with a local derby against Enfield Town in the League Cup at Ware FC. Enfield play in South-East Division One.
Spurs Ladies v Gillingham: Toni-Anne Wayne, Sophie McLean, Leah Rawle, Fran Gamble, Jenna Schillaci, Shannon Maloney, Katie O’Leary (Shakira Waithe, 80), Wendy Martin, Bianca Baptiste (Andra Marcoci, 75), Lucia Padilla, Avilla Bergin (Lucia Leon, 65). Sub (not used): Tasha Smits.
