Balague: Delighted at young United keeper's success

Nicole, who is just 14 already plays for the Biggleswade United Under 16 girls side. On November 12 she successfully negotiated South East v South West trials held at Thatcham Town FC and will now take part in a North v South final trial on December 10.

After that match 16 players will be selected for the final squad with training weekends arranged at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in January and February.

To say I am thrilled doesn’t even get close to describing how I felt when I heard this wonderful news.

It is truly a great honour for her but also a tribute to the superb coaching and help she has received from our excellent Academy staff and of course the guidance and wise counsel she gets from her supportive family.

Her commitment, positive attitude, enthusiasm and total dedication are a credit to her.

Of course we shouldn’t really be that surprised at Nicole’s success because the spirit and camaraderie that exists within so many of our younger Academy sides is conducive to achieving success.

On December 3 Academy chief, Fran Constancio and his team are organising a FIFA style tournament that will incorporate six different drills with prizes for the winners and other events like the raffle of two replica shirts signed by Premier League players.

It is events like these that help to nurture and build up the spirit between players, coaches and parents that is so vital and is precisely what will eventually take this club to where it wants to be.

Back to the first team, and after a more than respectable draw against unbeaten league leaders Berkhamsted, a fairly toothless display against Hoddesdon meant we left with nothing to show from our efforts following a 1-0 defeat.

We need to get back on track and quickly if we are to salvage something from what has up to now been a season as frustrating, as it has been disappointing.

And we can’t expect any favours from Harpenden Town who call into Second Meadow on Saturday and who will be going all out for a win as they try to narrow the gap at the top.