Ex-Newcastle ace praises team

11:49am Thursday 8th May 2008

FORMER Newcastle and England defender Warren Barton hailed the performance of Swanscombe Tigers Ladies at the Southern England regional final of the Tesco Cup last weekend, writes Alex Varney.

The Kent Girls and Ladies League side were representing the Kent FA at the finals day in London and drew all three of their group games 0-0 to narrowly miss out on a place in the final.

But despite missing out on a place in the Tesco Cup UK Final at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 18, Barton believes some of the Swanscombe squad have the talent to go a long way in the game.

He said: "The standard was very high, higher than it has been in years gone by.

"The plan is to see some of these players progress to the highest level.

"It would be great in a couple of years time if someone who played here goes on to play at the top level just to prove what can be done.

"There are a lot of talented players here and I'm confident we won't be hearing the last of some of them."

Swanscombe hammered Deal Town 4-1 to reach the showpiece finals day on Saturday and manager Terry Sherwood believes his players will benefit from the set up and professionalism of the Tesco Cup.

"It is great for girls football, it is a great professional set up and has been really well organised," said Sherwood, whose daughter Ciara is in the Charlton Academy.

"I hope everyone enjoyed the day as we have done well.

"The players have all done well to get here and hopefully the experience will stand them in good stead. I am really proud of them all."

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