Sun 3 Nov: Colne Valley Blues (H) W 12-1

Even in the most exhilarating seasons, there are one or two matches that don't get the same plaudits. Frequently they're after or before big fixtures, as a team and its supporters either prepare for or come down from a season highlight. Sandwiched between the 9-0 demolition of nearest rivals Kempton Girls and the first ground of the League Cup, maybe this regulation win will prove to be both.

It could have been different. Colne have been struggling to fulfil their fixtures, and kicked off with a player fewer than their league-leading hosts, but they were exemplary in their efforts and gave their all for their coaches. 

Furthermore, Teddington's pre-match preparation had been somewhat reshuffled when it became apparent that goalkeeper Charlotte Ward wasn't available. With her usual determination, Ella V donned the gloves and watched from the back as her team-mates set about their now-familiar domination.

Ella V watches on

Ale Fairn set it all off, and how richly she deserves each goal she scores. Playing up front as a lone striker, Ale never stops working along the line, bending her timed runs and moving into spaces for her team-mates, passing the ball completely unselfishly if the occasion demands; at one point in the second half, Ale unshowily executed a no-look pass round the corner of a helpless defender to where she knew a team-mate would be running. But she started this rout off with a fine finish to show that she certainly knows where the net is.

Forward together: Ale leads the way

As is her wont, though, Ale then determinedly displayed her link-work, and she had a new playmate with whom to wreak havoc. Emily Coulson has been impressive all season but has increasingly grown in importance to Teddington's game plan, with her selfless awareness of her team-mates' runs and ability to find them with exquisite passes. For this game, manager Dave W pushed her forward slightly from midfield, telling her to do her damage in the opponents' half rather than chasing back to get the ball. And how well it worked. 

Total control: Emily calmly commands the ball

Operating in the gap between Colne's midfield and defence with effortless elegance, Emily ran the first half and bagged Teddington's second, third and fourth goals before returning from the bench later on to bag her own fourth. Among the goals were some howitzers from the edge of the area, but as usual Emily was just as happy to contribute a carefully-weighted pass. 

"Stop her!" "I can't!"

With the midfield formation already using two wingers - here, Sinead Morris and Sadie Day, although Phoebe Head came on later and bagged her usual goal - pushing Emily forward into the classic No.10 role subtly switched the attacking formation to a trident behind Ale. It's like the 4-2-3-1 popular in top-level football, except Teddington only use half as many defenders. 

Phoebe is congratulated by Ruby

Sinead was a threat throughout, scoring four goals and promising several others, as Colne became the latest team to fear the flying winger. Although still occasionally tardy in looking up when she's on the ball - once she's as happy passing as dribbling, she'll be truly terrifying for Teddington's opponents - Sinead's joie de jouer frequently inspires her team-mates to compete all over the park. 

As her proud dad watches on, Sinead unleashes hell

Although Colne got a goal back midway through the half and never gave up, they were broken by two quick goals just before half-time - the first of Sinead's four and Phoebe's right on the whistle. Even if Colne pressed, they frequently foundered on the double pivot behind the front four. Ella Parkinson-Mearns and Ruby Rudkin patrolled the midfield, repelling invaders and contributing their own efforts - Ruby eventually bringing up the round dozen by finishing a beautiful team move with an emphatic finish. 

Parky has a crack from distance

In defence, Millie Theobald and Saskia Brewster were as nigh-on impenetrable as ever, with Sas taking the goalkeeper's gloves for the second half to give Ella V a run-out. Such is the joy of this Teddington team: flexible and fluent, diligent and determined. 

Millie: Add your own cartoon "whoosh" lines

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, except Colne didn't get a consolation goal. Instead of Ale starting things off, it was Emily's fourth; instead of Emily adding three in succession, it was Sinead; and instead of the two late killers being from Sinead and Phoebe, it was Ale and Ruby rubbing in the salt, the latter to finish a delightful team move.

Emily makes it four from distance

At the end of the season, this game may not be recalled by many, especially if the girls take their league form into the cup, in which they will hope to start a run at home to Caterham next Sunday. But while it lasted, this was a fine display from a very fine team. Bring on the League Cup.

TEDDINGTON ATHLETIC (2-2-3-1) Ella V; Millie Theobald, Saskia Brewster; Ella Parkinson-Mearns, Ruby Rudkin (1); Sadie Day, Emily Coulson (4), Sinead Morris (4); Ale Fairn (2). Sub: Phoebe Head (1). 10am Bushy Park