MATCH REPORT - 12th SEPTEMBER 2004
Clapton Orient res 0 (0) v 6 (4)Tottenham Hotspur res

PLAYERS:
Gel; Nicky Maggs, Bucky, Clare, Niki M; Jo, Jude (Harriet, 60), Libby, Sandra; Mooch, Estelle

So,the reserves season kicked off on a sunny(ish) day at Douglas Eyre in Walthamstow. A nice feature of this ground over the years are the geese who distract you from the hustle and bustle of city life (and from the game if you're an animal lover or birdspotter) and had apparently renewed their season tickets for another year.

We faced a young, strong and fit Spurs side and were soon to learn our first lesson of the season - keep it tight and don't give away early goals - as the opposition netted within the first five minutes. Gradually, we found our feet and improved as we adjusted to the new season, new personnel, new positions etc. COWS rallied and competed, building a few attacks of our own, but were to concede another three goals before the end of the first half.

One of the most notable features of the game was the amount of positional changes, mainly at half time - wait for it...Clare took her rightful place up front, Mooch dropped back into central midfield, Niki M came to centre back, Nicky Maggs switched to left back, Harriet replaced Jude and made her debut at right back. Meanwhile, in midfield, Libby switched to left midfield and Sandra came into the centre.

The second half was much improved, and less work for Gel, with COWS conceding only two goals and building a few attacks themselves, with Clare and Estelle linking well. This was especially true in the final 20 minutes where we had periods of controlling the game through commitment in the challenge and patient, intelligent passing, prompting Spurs to complain because the COWS simply refused to give up!

After this game it was clear that the season ahead will be full of a great team spirit, enjoyable football, endless effort and steady improvement. Well done and thanks to everyone who played and watched. Stay tuned!

Player Of The Match: Jo Wade

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