By Dave Puckridge.
A Test Of Character
Charlton provided a real challenge to Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs. Tactically disciplined, out of possession Charlton appeared to set themselves up in two banks of five, packing the centre of the pitch and making it extremely difficult for Spurs to play through them, pressing in a swarm. The punditry cliche is to say that such a high energy plan would see them tire later on, but Charlton showed admirable fitness throughout as well as a commitment to a solid rearguard.
On top of that Spurs struggled with passing. Too often players were just a little bit off their team mates’ wave lengths, surrendering possession cheaply. Meanwhile Charlton kept things simple and made it difficult for us to win the ball back.
A Bench That Can Change Games
It’s been one of the delights this season: looking at our bench and seeing plenty of potential game changers. This match was the perfect showcase for that: Kit Graham most obviously took her goal with aplomb, but another substitute, Matilda Vinberg was particularly effective on the wing, linking up really well with Amanda Nilden. Meanwhile Jessica Naz, as ever, had the turn of pace to worry a tiring backline, Martha Thomas brought composure when in possession and Amy James-Turner provided able cover for Luana Bühler, who appears to be on managed minutes but is looking much more mobile since recovering from injury.
Panto Season Goes On
As a West Ham player, Kate Longhurst made her particular contempt for Spurs well known. It seems that not only has South London life not mellowed her. Rather, perhaps out of a desire to remain the panto villain, she has transmitted her Spurs-antipathy to her Charlton team mates.
As Molly Bartrip said in her post-match video, it wasn’t pretty. Along with their tactical discipline, Charlton seemed eager to disrupt Spurs’ play with frequent trips, kicks, shirt pulls, a variety of types of time wasting and occasional clatterings, the majority of which went unpunished. In there was a particularly nasty late boot into the face of Becky Spencer that lead to a lengthy stoppage in play.
Amongst all this Longhurst got her own ‘special’ moment when she wiped out Eveliina Summanen then landed on top of her. Then, making no attempt to get off, she remained lounging on Summanen as on a chaise longue, while referee Lisa Benn spoke to her. No card was issued. Instead Eveliina had to be substituted and gingerly made her way around the pitch to crowd applause.
Quarter Finalists
Into the last eight! A quarter final! Something to celebrate.
And surprise, surprise, we’ve got Manchester City. Again.
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