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Lorna's Latest

- 30/09/2008

September 30, 2008

September's exacting fixtures have resulted in seven out of a possible nine points. This is an excellent return as our player resources have been stretched to the limit. Already denied the services of players due to holiday commitments, the taxing three league games have been met at a cost. Injuries have been sustained by players who have over compensated for the withdrawals. New players have been thrown in at the deep end as opposed to a gradual introduction to the demands of the Premier Division. In the thirty-three games played last season, twenty-six players were used. Over the four games this season, twenty have been called upon.

With the squad depleted, our youngest team yet (average age twenty) travelled to Maidstone for our FA Cup tie. Somewhat perversely I viewed this game as a welcome relief. Our priority is always to concentrate on the league. My one and only concern was for the available players to come through unscathed. The four senior players, Nat 2, Debbie Burgess, Wendy and Sarah, led by example throughout. They were exemplary in showing what it takes to play for this team. I would expect nothing less from them, With this encouragement and their own downright refusal to lie down, the younger players took their lead from the seniors.

Captain for the day, Sarah, returned in goal, commanding as ever. Nat (2) Farbrace, centre back for this game, was outstanding with her marshalling of the three-man defence and gave her most disciplined performance yet. I couldn't praise her more highly. She was supported by 17-year-old Kirsty Dowle, who is sure to become one of the best footballers in the Premier Division, and Wendy Smith who, like the absent Jenny Collins, would run through a brick wall, such is her commitment.

Debbie Burgess prompted and organised from midfield. If there is a better footballing brain in the Premier division I would be surprised. It was she, after eighty minutes and 2-0 down who delivered the clever through ball which 16-year-old Micha Bailey bravely converted. In her previous two games for us Micha has shown an appetite for goal and richly deserved to see her name on the scoresheet.

On Saturday morning I had the pleasure of refereeing the Under-12s home game against Folkestone Invicta, which was an example of what came happen when everyone contributes to the spirit of the game. Both managers, Sharon Minton (City) and Francesca Gamgee, obviously had a big influence over the excellent behaviour of all concerned.