And in the Ladies' Football...

 “Chris Walls the referee walked Caz and the stocky Dearne Valleys captain to the centre circle. 'Heads or tails' he asked the visitor. 'Heads yer puff' she replied and stole his pound coin. They had won the psychological battle.”

When the seasoned old campaigner Phil Nelson took over as coach of TRC Ladies Football many people thought that his time had passed, and maybe it was the last desperate throw of the dice for the team that had a record that even Sheffield Wednesday fans could sneer at.

It is true that the team contains quality playersbut the 32 2 defeat by Barnsley College had not inspired confidence, leading to the eventual resignation of the rookie coach Wendy Kettleborough.

Phil'sregime was built on discipline much to the delight of Tanya Oades until she realised this meant more training and learning defensive techniques. The first game promised, much but sadly failed to deliver. But holding Barnsley College to a 10 3 defeat was a signal tothe adoring TRC fans, that perhaps fortunes maybe beginning to change.

Everyone looked forward to the next home game against Dearne Valley College on the 1st of November.

Theday came and into college gingerly walked the nervous squad the weight of expectation heavy on their young shoulders. The new Captain Caz Davison discussing formations with Vice Captain Becci Hackett. The lessons that day seemed todrag - more than usual.

Dearne Valley arrived that afternoon early accompanied by a manager from Doncaster Belles on a scouting mission to watch two of their players.

 

The early signs were not good.

For over an hour they sat waiting for kick off, staring forward in steely concentration lighting matches off their chins and smoking Woodbines. Some flexed their biceps to open walnuts, others their backs to best show off their tattoos.

As the clock struck 3.28, into the Coliseum came Caesar Nelson flanked by his Centurions, Caz and Becci. Caz fixed the opposition her hardest Paddington Stare, and then retreated to the changing room for a double blast from her inhaler.

Phil gathered his troops around 'remember' he said 'this is for TRC - give it your all'.

Chris Walls the referee walked Caz and the stocky Dearne Valleys captain to the centre circle. 'Heads or tails' he asked the visitor. 'Heads yer puff' she replied and stole his pound coin.

They had won the psychological battle.

Within a lightning first three minutes, some physical  interchanges and nifty footwork TRC were 2 - 0down and heads were beginning to drop. Phil knew he must make some changes and suddenly a thought came into his mind - shall I go to Tesco or Asda on the way home…. quickly he remembered he would have to concentrate on the match in hand.

A quick change was made - out strode Laura Clarkson. She did not know then that this would be a major turning point in her young life immortality was twenty minutes away.

The ball broke to Laura on the half way line, she beat one player then a second, a gap opened up and a sweet flick with the outside of her size 4sthe ball was in the back of the net. The theatre erupted in cheers.

Then as play resumed the ball rebounded towards Laura on the edge of the penalty area, a sweet volley neatly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner. The confidence flooded into the whole team at this point, in Catcliffe like proportions.

In midfield Sarah Griffin and Tanya Oades began to boss the game. Remembering the Shankly influenced teachings of their new coach, they began to pass and move the ball in silky patterns around the arena.

In defence Donna White was a rock carrying the ball forward and gloriously getting on the score sheet herself. In goal Sarah Hall made key saves. Laura netted three further goals the stuff of legends.

The home side began to ask more questions of Dearne Valley. Is my hair better up or down asked Sam Reed. Couldn't you use Immac on those knuckles asked Heather Newton.

The final score was 10 3 to TRC. As the celebrations began Caz congratulated the defeated captain. 'Well played' said the Young skipper holding out her hand confidently.

'How we lost to you donkeys I'll never know' replied the grim faced Dearne Valleyer as she crushed Caz's fingers.

After the game Phil declined the offer of an interview, but he did say that it was a game of two halves and that he preferred to let his players do the talking for him on the pitch.

As the champagne flowed in the dressing room, Phil was in the frozen food section of Asda.

 

Phil Nelson