Ladies pride in defeat

Spurs Ladies gave as good as they got against high-flying Sheffield FC Ladies but bowed out of the FA Women's Premier League Cup on Sunday.

Having played in two preliminary rounds already, the team made the long trip to Sheffield to take on the Northern Division leaders in the first round of the competition.

Erika Campesi made her debut as Karen Hills was forced into a few changes and fielded a new-look central defensive pairing of Natalie Grafton and Jenna Schillaci. Benedite Pambani also came off the bench for her first appearance.

Karen reported: "We settled into the game after a few rushed passes in the opening 10 minutes and started to keep the ball well with Wendy Martin, Katie O'Leary and Shannon Maloney working tirelessly in midfield.

"Unfortunately there were few chances for us at the other end and the decisive blow came just a minute before half-time, the only time we allowed their left-back to break and deliver a ball that Lynn Goodman volleyed home.

"Toni-Anne Wayne kept us in it with some fine saves as we continued to push for an equaliser and their goalkeeper did well to keep Avilla Bergin at bay late on. Avilla also had an excellent game.

"We're disappointed to go out but I'm proud of how the players conducted themselves in what has been the most physical test for us so far.

"It was a strong physical performance from us and that shows me that we have that side to our game as well.

"We now face West Ham in the London Cup and we'll look to both compete and put in a footballing performance to match."

The teams meet for the third time this season at Ware FC, kick-off 2pm.

Spurs Ladies v Sheffield: Toni-Anne Wayne, Sophie McLean, Jenna Schillaci, Natalie Grafton, Leanne Mabey (Benedite Pambani, 75), Shannon Maloney, Wendy Martin, Kaite O'Leary, Erika Campesi (Andra Marcoci, 65), Avilla Bergin, Lucia Leon.

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