Eagles spurred to first win by sudden death of club founder

Letchworth Eagles Ladies paid a fitting tribute to club founder Vince Paige by gaining their first points of the season with a 3-0 win over Sandy Ladies.

Their fine victory over the table-toppers came just days after Paige, who established the Eagles in 1979, died from a heart attack.

A statement on the club’s website said: “How do you replace the irreplaceable? Vince will be sadly missed by his many friends in the football world.”

All three senior Letchworth teams won their respective games over the weekend following Paige’s death.

Every single Letchworth side – men, women, boys and girls of all age groups – started their games with a minute’s silence followed by a minute’s applause in his memory.

Momentum

The Eagles, who hadn’t won or drawn in their previous eight matches, started strongly against Sandy with a strike from Amy Atsma after just 10 minutes.

The black-and-blues kept up the momentum and continued to pile the pressure on the league leaders, who had only lost once going into this fuxture.

Two more goals followed in the second half. Ellie Watson slotted home just after the hour mark, and Louise Mylles sealed their first win of the season in the 85th minute, showing quick reactions following a saved shot.

Sandy came up against an Eagles backline in resolute form, and Letchworth manager Warren Shimell said: “That’s why I run a team, for days like today.

“On the way out, their manager came over to me and said he hasn’t met a defence like ours all season. It was such a solid performance from everyone in every position.”

Letchworth’s captain Tasha Reynolds added: “The win was more than deserved, and I’m very excited to see what we can pull out of the bag for the rest of the season.”