A SPIRITED ladies football team have just completed a disastrous debut season which saw them become probably the worst team in the land.

But now Wycombe Wanderers' skipper Keith Ryan hopes to inspire the players by giving them tips.

Holmer Green Ladies' FC remain determined despite conceding 166 goals and scoring just five in 16 games during their baptism of fire into the world of Sunday football.

After losing their first game of the season10-0 in a match where one of their defenders broke her arm, the unlucky lot were harshly beaten by every team in the Southern Region Women's Football League (northern division).

Jennifer O'Neill, editor of On The Ball national women's football magazine, said they were among a handful of teams in the country who scored no points in the league.

"It's difficult to say, but they (Holmer Green) could very well be the worst in the land," she added.

But as words of encouragement from Wanderers captain Keith Ryan show, the only way is up.

"It's all about loving the game which they obviously do and as long as they stick at it they are bound to improve," he said.

He has now promised to see if he can help them.

Captain Maria Stratton shares his optimism and has praised her team's efforts.

"We realise we've a lot to learn about football but what we have got is bucket-loads of spirit," she said.

"We never give up on a match regardless of the score and the other teams respect us for that."

The ladies are aged from 16 to 52 and train at Holmer Green FC in Watchet Lane, where there are five football pitches.

A group of mums formed the team after an impromptu match against a boys club at a local fun day.

After their first disastrous few games, injury began to take its toll and by March they were struggling to find 11 players on match day. Their lowest point was being thrashed 19-0 by top team Tring with only ten players.

But two days later they bounced back to face leading team Wycombe Wanderers Ladies and managed to keep the score to 0-0 for the first 22 minutes.

"That felt great," said Maria. "They were really getting frustrated that they hadn't scored by then.

"They did beat us 14-0 in the end though!"

Holmer Green's best player is goalie Kerry Thompson, 17, and despite letting in about 10 goals per game, Kerry is usually voted player of the match.

"If you knew how many goals Kerry has saved for us, you wouldn't think letting 166 go in was bad at all," laughed Maria.

If you want to join the team, visit their website at:

www.holmergreenladies.co.uk or call them on 01494 717771.