Under 14 Girls
Manager – Brian Rogers
Assistants – Louis John, Paul Hindmarsh, Paul Johnson
Contact: Brian Rogers on 0118 934 3561
Latest News
Saturday 11th February – Match postponed due to weather
Saturday 28th January
The great form of last week was continued this week as Comets went up against league leaders Maidenhead. The team showed fantastic commitment and were getting the challenges in to break up avery strong Maidenhead team. Maidenhead were very lucky to go ahead through an unfortunate own goal with Mollie’s attempted clearance ballooning over Ellie’s head. However, the team didn’t lose heart and everyone put in a great team performance. The back four in particular repelled attack after attack, pushing up well to force Maidenhead back. Late in the second half, there was a great solo run from one of the strongest Maidenhead players and she finished well to secure a 2-0 win, but the real winners of the game were the Comets girls who put in a performance even better than last weeks. Player of the game was Sophie for an outstanding defensive display.
Saturday 21st January
Having lost to Reading Girls 7-0 earlier in the season, expectations were not that great going into the game, but our girls demonstrated fantastic team spirit to put in their best performance of the season and get a 2-2 draw and probably deserved a win. Reading were strong from the start and quickly took the lead from a great cross and even better first time finish. However, after that early shock Comets got into their stride and started to pass the ball 
better than they have done all season. Following some strong pressure we levelled the score when Hannah latched on to a defensive error and then Amy put us into the lead with a superb long range shot high into the back of the net. We were worried that with a strong wind against us in the second half we would have lots of defending to do, but we more than matched Reading’s play. Reading did break through to level the score but we were definitely well worth the draw. Players of the Game were Ellie for some great saves including a tip over the bar that we all thought was in and Amy for her great goal and some outstanding passing play.
Saturday 7th January
The last game against Woodley was a tense, tight game and this return fixture proved to be no different. Woodley played very high up the pitch with their defence often on the edge of the Twyford penalty area. As a result our best chances came from through balls for Hannah and Amy to chase though unfortunately we couldn’t convert these to a goal. Leanne came closest with a great shot into the corner of the goal but the celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled it was offside. Woodley struggled to put together a meaningful attack so it was disappointing that the one opportunity they got resulted in a goal. Twyford pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t break down the solid Woodley defence, so the first game of the new year ended with a 1-0 defeat. Player of the game was Holly for leading from the front as ever and keeping the team motivated all the way through.
Saturday 17th December
It was probably a case of Christmas relaxation starting a bit too early as far as this game was concerned! It was the coldest game of the season so far and Thatcham certainly caught us cold straight from the kickoff, walking through tackles to score in the first minute. We were then on the backfoot for much of the first half with only Andi looking as though she had got into the game. Ellie pulled off some good saves but we went into the break 2-0 down. After a halftime roasting from the management the second half was certainly better, especially the last 15 minutes when we were able to maintain good possession. Despite this, two breakaway goals meant we finished up on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline. Not the ideal way to end the year, but a good break now should enable the team to come back refreshed for the new year. Players of the game were Andi for being the standout player in term of enthusiasm and effort and Ellie for preventing the scoreline being worse than it was.
Christmas Party 2011!
Great fun was had by all at the Comets Girls Christmas Party at the Wee Waif! From the whistle you could tell the girls were really going for it – in the first half their tackling of the enormous platefuls was really enthusiastic, getting well stuck in to the yorkshire puds and potatoes though in most cases the sprouts got relegated to the sidelines. The second half opened with confusion as the girls struggled to find their positions on whether they had chosen christmas pud, cheesecake or fudgecake, but soon settled down and attacked with great success, though keeping a clean sheet was difficult with all the foodfights! Great fun for everyone and many thanks to Paul J for arranging it!
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Saturday 3rd December
We didn’t know quite what to expect from the Reading Girls team as their results have been inconsistent – unfortunately for us they turned up with a full strength squad which put us on the backfoot for much of the game. We started very well putting in some great defensive work and they were getting frustrated, but midway through the first half they finally managed to beat the defence and put a couple more away to go into halftime 3-0 ahead. We came out really strongly for the first 10 minutes of the second half and were clearly the better side. However, Reading came back strongly and some smooth passing moves and one particularly excellent finish enabled them to pull away finishing 7-0 winners. Our team though played really well and never stopped trying despite the pressure. CJ was named Player of the Game and her excellent effort was typical of this great team approach to the match.
Saturday 26th November
Having had a very tight game against Caversham Red Swans the last time the teams met, we knew this could well be a nailbiter and that’s exactly how it turned out! Comets started the game well and some determined work up front was well finished by Hannah to put us 1-0 up. Caversham were dangerous on the break particularly from the speed of their wingers, but some strong defence and a couple of great saves maintained the lead to half time.  With both the strong wind and slope in their favour in the second half Caversham were always going to be a threat and they did manage to get the ball in the net but their player was at least 5 yards offside (well spotted Louis!). A very tense final few minutes ensued but we held out for a well deserved win. Player of the Game was Molly for doing what she was told to do really well and putting in a great performance for the team.
Saturday 19th November
This was always going to be a real challenge up against the team that put 13 goals past us the last time we played them. The girls made a strong start, defending solidly and were unfortunate to go into the half time break 3 goals down, two of which must be considered as fortunate. Caversham continued to attack in force in the second half and Comets battled strongly, getting in some good tackles and blocks but Caversham played a skilful passing game. We resisted well but just ran out of steam a bit in the last 10 minutes, not helped by Lauren picking up a nasty leg injury. The final score was 8-0 but this hid a very good team performance and the girls should feel proud. Lauren was Player of the Game for her bravery and solid defending.
 Saturday 5th November
The girls showed they were eager to get back to playing after the half term break and put in one of their best performances of the season. Woodley were a tough team to break down, putting lots of players around the ball and trying to attack on the break. Both teams had chances in the first half with Amy going close down the right before Ellie pulled off a couple of great saves to keep the match goalless at half time. The team came out strongly in the second half, maintaining their momentum and making sure they got the tackles in where necessary. Their efforts got the reward they deserved when Leanne caught a defender in possession and placed a great shot low down to the keeper’s right and Twyford were ahead. Woodley piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes but the defence held strong for a well deserved win. Player of the game was Ellie for some great saves to keep a clean sheet.
Saturday 15th October
This was an exciting game to watch with the advantage swinging repeatedly between these two well matched teams. Caversham had the edge early on and went 1-0 up only for Comets to come back strongly with some great play on the break. Hannah was on excellent form and her first half hat trick put Comets into half time with a well earned 3-1 lead. In the second half Caversham came out strongly, making sure they got to the ball first and taking advantage of their extra pace. This enabled them to get the better of us for much of the half and stretched out to a 5-3 lead as we entered the last 10 minutes when Comets seemed to find their hunger again. Hannah upped her goal tally to 4 after latching on to a long goal kick, but despite a frantic few minutes we couldn’t find the equaliser. Great entertainment even if the result wasn’t ideal. Hannah picked up Player of the Game for her excellent four goals.
Saturday 8th October
Having suffered at the hands of Caversham Black Swans in the league last week it was very unfortunate that we drew them in the first round of the county cup. Despite playing more as a team than last week, Caversham were just too strong and showed no mercy with the final score ending up at 13-0. The girls however showed great team spirit and were not downhearted. Kirsty Hindmarsh bravely stood in as goalkeeper for the day and had plenty of work to do. Her great performance earned her Player of the Game. Next week it is Caversham again – but the much weaker Red team this time, so it should be a more even match.
Saturday 1st October
Another very tough game following on from Tilehurst last week. Caversham Black Swans clearly demonstrated in the first half their greater experience in playing 11 a side as they made good use of the space on the pitch to pass the ball around and were 4-0 up at half time. Comets couldn’t get into their stride in the first half and unusually were not playing as a team, but a stiff half time talk from the management did the trick with a much better second half performance. Despite this, Caversham were able to add a further three goals through shooting from distance, the pick of the bunch being from former Comets player Izzie. Whilst we struggled against this strong side the girls can feel proud, in particular of the second half performance and now we know how to tackle them for next week’s cup game! Player of the Game was Andi for showing great determination, following what the managers said at half time and putting in a great midfield display.
Training
We are now training on Fridays at Goals in Woodley, 6.30 – 8.00.
Saturday 24th September
This was always going to be a tough match against last season’s champions but the team played their best football of the season and the final 4-0 losing scoreline did not reflect how even the game was. Tilehurst went ahead early before we had really had a chance to get into the game – a lob over the keeper. Twyford then produced some good football with a great shot from Leanne well saved by their keeper and a near chance from a Chelsea free kick. Just before the break Tilehurst scored a second with a shot going in off the post. Twyford again played well in the second half, with Hannah having a great chance on the break only for the keeper to save them again. Tilehurst applied the pressure and there was resolute defending but this couldn’t prevent a well taken volley into the corner for the third goal. A fourth followed but overall this was a great performance against one of the strongest teams. Player of the Game was Louise for a fantastic defensive display, very effectively neutralising the Tilehurst ’star’.
Saturday 17th September
This proved to be a very enjoyable game with Comets notching up their first win of the season against Winnersh. The game was played with great sportsmanship with Twyford loaning Shannon to the opposition and also reducing to 10 a side in the first half as Winnersh were short on players. Shannon had a great game in defence for Winnersh and was one of the reasons it was still 0-0 at half time. The Winnersh goalkeeper had an outstanding match, making some great blocks, including one from a great effort from Amy. Fortunately though the rebound came out to Holly who unleashed an excellent shot to score off the post. Twyford continued to apply lots of pressure and were rewarded with a second goal when Hannah went through one on one with the keeper who did well to block, only to see the ball drop into the net. The back four put in a great display, managing to keep a clean sheet and Sophie Adams was selected as Player of the Match for her excellent defensive work.
Saturday 10th September
The new season kicked off with a really challenging game against our old sparring partners Charvil. Playing 11 a side on a full size pitch meant it was a completely different experience for our girls but they tackled it with great enthusiasm and effort. Holly, the newly appointed captain, lead from the front, encouraging the team throughout. In the first half it was fairly even as the girls found their feet and were unlucky to go into the half time break 1-0 down to a goal from a corner. The second half performance was much stronger and there was a 10 minute spell when we dominated the game but couldn’t quite get the goal that was needed. Charvil managed to get a couple of good breaks, beating the offside trap, and were able to score against the run of play. It was a tough way to open the season but the team showed great promise and it looks like it will be an entertaining season. Player of the game went to Amy Long for her great running and enthusiasm.
New League Website
We are playing in the Berkshire County Girls league this year and the league has set up it’s own website. You can find it at www.bcgfl.co.uk. We’re in the U14 11 a side league along with all our old friends from Charvil, Tilehurst etc. The fixtures for the season are on the website.
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Facebook Group!!
We have a Group on Facebook called Twyford Comets U14 Girls. We’ll use it for the latest information and to share our news. To join, click through to Facebook here.
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We currently have an 11 a-side team playing in the Berkshire County Girls League. The girls have been playing together for about five seasons. We train on Friday evenings during the season and Saturday mornings out of it.Â
We have a squad of 15 players and the girls mainly come from different local schools. The main aim is to enjoy ourselves, but each game is played to win! Previously our girls have won the FA Respect Award for their excellent approach to fair play.Â
The team and their families do many activities together apart from football: Laser Quest outings, trip to see an England Ladies match, bowling, girls v mums games and we have provided the Guard of Honour at a Reading FC game. We also had some of the parents running in the Reading half marathon, providing much needed fund raising for the teams.Â
New players are always welcome to join our very friendly team.Â
Our team sponsor for the 2011-12 season is Footcare Supplies (www.footcaresupplies.com). Visit the Footcare Supplies website for high quality footcare products and professional advice.
2011-12 Squad
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Back row: Paul Hindmarsh (assistant coach), Sophie Adams, Chloe Rogers, Megan Lewis, Kirsty Hindmarsh, Paul Johnson (assistant coach), Holly John, Hannah Palmer, Chelsea Chadwick, Lauren Johnson, Brian Rogers (coach)
Front row: Amy Long, Louise Etherington, Molly Lowe, Ellie Reid, Leanne Prescott, Chloe (Andi) Howse, Chloe JohnÂ
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Saturday 11th February – Match postponed due to weather
Saturday 28th January
The great form of last week was continued this week as Comets went up against league leaders Maidenhead. The team showed fantastic commitment and were getting the challenges in to break up avery strong Maidenhead team. Maidenhead were very lucky to go ahead through an unfortunate own goal with Mollie’s attempted clearance ballooning over Ellie’s head. However, the team didn’t lose heart and everyone put in a great team performance. The back four in particular repelled attack after attack, pushing up well to force Maidenhead back. Late in the second half, there was a great solo run from one of the strongest Maidenhead players and she finished well to secure a 2-0 win, but the real winners of the game were the Comets girls who put in a performance even better than last weeks. Player of the game was Sophie for an outstanding defensive display.
Saturday 21st January
Having lost to Reading Girls 7-0 earlier in the season, expectations were not that great going into the game, but our girls demonstrated fantastic team spirit to put in their best performance of the season and get a 2-2 draw and probably deserved a win. Reading were strong from the start and quickly took the lead from a great cross and even better first time finish. However, after that early shock Comets got into their stride and started to pass the ball better than they have done all season. Following some strong pressure we levelled the score when Hannah latched on to a defensive error and then Amy put us into the lead with a superb long range shot high into the back of the net. We were worried that with a strong wind against us in the second half we would have lots of defending to do, but we more than matched Reading’s play. Reading did break through to level the score but we were definitely well worth the draw. Players of the Game were Ellie for some great saves including a tip over the bar that we all thought was in and Amy for her great goal and some outstanding passing play.
Saturday 7th January
The last game against Woodley was a tense, tight game and this return fixture proved to be no different. Woodley played very high up the pitch with their defence often on the edge of the Twyford penalty area. As a result our best chances came from through balls for Hannah and Amy to chase though unfortunately we couldn’t convert these to a goal. Leanne came closest with a great shot into the corner of the goal but the celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled it was offside. Woodley struggled to put together a meaningful attack so it was disappointing that the one opportunity they got resulted in a goal. Twyford pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t break down the solid Woodley defence, so the first game of the new year ended with a 1-0 defeat. Player of the game was Holly for leading from the front as ever and keeping the team motivated all the way through.
Saturday 17th December
It was probably a case of Christmas relaxation starting a bit too early as far as this game was concerned! It was the coldest game of the season so far and Thatcham certainly caught us cold straight from the kickoff, walking through tackles to score in the first minute. We were then on the backfoot for much of the first half with only Andi looking as though she had got into the game. Ellie pulled off some good saves but we went into the break 2-0 down. After a halftime roasting from the management the second half was certainly better, especially the last 15 minutes when we were able to maintain good possession. Despite this, two breakaway goals meant we finished up on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline. Not the ideal way to end the year, but a good break now should enable the team to come back refreshed for the new year. Players of the game were Andi for being the standout player in term of enthusiasm and effort and Ellie for preventing the scoreline being worse than it was.
Christmas Party 2011!
Great fun was had by all at the Comets Girls Christmas Party at the Wee Waif! From the whistle you could tell the girls were really going for it – in the first half their tackling of the enormous platefuls was really enthusiastic, getting well stuck in to the yorkshire puds and potatoes though in most cases the sprouts got relegated to the sidelines. The second half opened with confusion as the girls struggled to find their positions on whether they had chosen christmas pud, cheesecake or fudgecake, but soon settled down and attacked with great success, though keeping a clean sheet was difficult with all the foodfights! Great fun for everyone and many thanks to Paul J for arranging it!
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Saturday 3rd December
We didn’t know quite what to expect from the Reading Girls team as their results have been inconsistent – unfortunately for us they turned up with a full strength squad which put us on the backfoot for much of the game. We started very well putting in some great defensive work and they were getting frustrated, but midway through the first half they finally managed to beat the defence and put a couple more away to go into halftime 3-0 ahead. We came out really strongly for the first 10 minutes of the second half and were clearly the better side. However, Reading came back strongly and some smooth passing moves and one particularly excellent finish enabled them to pull away finishing 7-0 winners. Our team though played really well and never stopped trying despite the pressure. CJ was named Player of the Game and her excellent effort was typical of this great team approach to the match.
Saturday 26th November
Having had a very tight game against Caversham Red Swans the last time the teams met, we knew this could well be a nailbiter and that’s exactly how it turned out! Comets started the game well and some determined work up front was well finished by Hannah to put us 1-0 up. Caversham were dangerous on the break particularly from the speed of their wingers, but some strong defence and a couple of great saves maintained the lead to half time.  With both the strong wind and slope in their favour in the second half Caversham were always going to be a threat and they did manage to get the ball in the net but their player was at least 5 yards offside (well spotted Louis!). A very tense final few minutes ensued but we held out for a well deserved win. Player of the Game was Molly for doing what she was told to do really well and putting in a great performance for the team.
Saturday 19th November
This was always going to be a real challenge up against the team that put 13 goals past us the last time we played them. The girls made a strong start, defending solidly and were unfortunate to go into the half time break 3 goals down, two of which must be considered as fortunate. Caversham continued to attack in force in the second half and Comets battled strongly, getting in some good tackles and blocks but Caversham played a skilful passing game. We resisted well but just ran out of steam a bit in the last 10 minutes, not helped by Lauren picking up a nasty leg injury. The final score was 8-0 but this hid a very good team performance and the girls should feel proud. Lauren was Player of the Game for her bravery and solid defending.
 Saturday 5th November
The girls showed they were eager to get back to playing after the half term break and put in one of their best performances of the season. Woodley were a tough team to break down, putting lots of players around the ball and trying to attack on the break. Both teams had chances in the first half with Amy going close down the right before Ellie pulled off a couple of great saves to keep the match goalless at half time. The team came out strongly in the second half, maintaining their momentum and making sure they got the tackles in where necessary. Their efforts got the reward they deserved when Leanne caught a defender in possession and placed a great shot low down to the keeper’s right and Twyford were ahead. Woodley piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes but the defence held strong for a well deserved win. Player of the game was Ellie for some great saves to keep a clean sheet.
Saturday 15th October
This was an exciting game to watch with the advantage swinging repeatedly between these two well matched teams. Caversham had the edge early on and went 1-0 up only for Comets to come back strongly with some great play on the break. Hannah was on excellent form and her first half hat trick put Comets into half time with a well earned 3-1 lead. In the second half Caversham came out strongly, making sure they got to the ball first and taking advantage of their extra pace. This enabled them to get the better of us for much of the half and stretched out to a 5-3 lead as we entered the last 10 minutes when Comets seemed to find their hunger again. Hannah upped her goal tally to 4 after latching on to a long goal kick, but despite a frantic few minutes we couldn’t find the equaliser. Great entertainment even if the result wasn’t ideal. Hannah picked up Player of the Game for her excellent four goals.
Saturday 8th October
Having suffered at the hands of Caversham Black Swans in the league last week it was very unfortunate that we drew them in the first round of the county cup. Despite playing more as a team than last week, Caversham were just too strong and showed no mercy with the final score ending up at 13-0. The girls however showed great team spirit and were not downhearted. Kirsty Hindmarsh bravely stood in as goalkeeper for the day and had plenty of work to do. Her great performance earned her Player of the Game. Next week it is Caversham again – but the much weaker Red team this time, so it should be a more even match.
Saturday 1st October
Another very tough game following on from Tilehurst last week. Caversham Black Swans clearly demonstrated in the first half their greater experience in playing 11 a side as they made good use of the space on the pitch to pass the ball around and were 4-0 up at half time. Comets couldn’t get into their stride in the first half and unusually were not playing as a team, but a stiff half time talk from the management did the trick with a much better second half performance. Despite this, Caversham were able to add a further three goals through shooting from distance, the pick of the bunch being from former Comets player Izzie. Whilst we struggled against this strong side the girls can feel proud, in particular of the second half performance and now we know how to tackle them for next week’s cup game! Player of the Game was Andi for showing great determination, following what the managers said at half time and putting in a great midfield display.
Training
We are now training on Fridays at Goals in Woodley, 6.30 – 8.00.
Saturday 24th September
This was always going to be a tough match against last season’s champions but the team played their best football of the season and the final 4-0 losing scoreline did not reflect how even the game was. Tilehurst went ahead early before we had really had a chance to get into the game – a lob over the keeper. Twyford then produced some good football with a great shot from Leanne well saved by their keeper and a near chance from a Chelsea free kick. Just before the break Tilehurst scored a second with a shot going in off the post. Twyford again played well in the second half, with Hannah having a great chance on the break only for the keeper to save them again. Tilehurst applied the pressure and there was resolute defending but this couldn’t prevent a well taken volley into the corner for the third goal. A fourth followed but overall this was a great performance against one of the strongest teams. Player of the Game was Louise for a fantastic defensive display, very effectively neutralising the Tilehurst ’star’.
Saturday 17th September
This proved to be a very enjoyable game with Comets notching up their first win of the season against Winnersh. The game was played with great sportsmanship with Twyford loaning Shannon to the opposition and also reducing to 10 a side in the first half as Winnersh were short on players. Shannon had a great game in defence for Winnersh and was one of the reasons it was still 0-0 at half time. The Winnersh goalkeeper had an outstanding match, making some great blocks, including one from a great effort from Amy. Fortunately though the rebound came out to Holly who unleashed an excellent shot to score off the post. Twyford continued to apply lots of pressure and were rewarded with a second goal when Hannah went through one on one with the keeper who did well to block, only to see the ball drop into the net. The back four put in a great display, managing to keep a clean sheet and Sophie Adams was selected as Player of the Match for her excellent defensive work.
Saturday 10th September
The new season kicked off with a really challenging game against our old sparring partners Charvil. Playing 11 a side on a full size pitch meant it was a completely different experience for our girls but they tackled it with great enthusiasm and effort. Holly, the newly appointed captain, lead from the front, encouraging the team throughout. In the first half it was fairly even as the girls found their feet and were unlucky to go into the half time break 1-0 down to a goal from a corner. The second half performance was much stronger and there was a 10 minute spell when we dominated the game but couldn’t quite get the goal that was needed. Charvil managed to get a couple of good breaks, beating the offside trap, and were able to score against the run of play. It was a tough way to open the season but the team showed great promise and it looks like it will be an entertaining season. Player of the game went to Amy Long for her great running and enthusiasm.
New League Website
We are playing in the Berkshire County Girls league this year and the league has set up it’s own website. You can find it at www.bcgfl.co.uk. We’re in the U14 11 a side league along with all our old friends from Charvil, Tilehurst etc. The fixtures for the season are on the website.
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