English Schools' Football Association

Action from the Proact Stadium

Monday 20th May

Didcot Girl's School v Thomas Estley Community College

We were greeted by a great atmosphere in the crowd at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium, as both set of fans combined to create a colourful and raucous atmosphere.

Didcot Girls school shot into an early lead after only two minutes as Freeleigh Parnell crossed for Mollie Dyer to score the opening goal.

The game continued at a frantic pace, to match the excitable crowd, with both teams looking to break away and score. Neither side could capitalise on their opportunities as the game stayed 1-0.

Thomas Estley Captain, Holly Moore looked lively as she constantly worked the back four of Didcot Girls School never giving them a minutes peace!

Freeleigh Parnell, a bundle of energy throughout the game, ran through and evaded the 'keeper, only to be tripped and awarded a penalty. Mollie Dyer stepped up and expertly converted into the bottom corner.

2-0 to the Girls’ from Didcot.

Almost immediately from kick off Katie Miller seized possession and played a wonderful defence-splitting pass to Mollie Dyer who broke away into the clear and converted for her hat-trick and a third goal for Didcot.

Imogen Hunt deserved a mention here, as regardless of the score, she has played like a rock at the back keeping out the Didcot attack on a number of occasions.

Both teams have played some great football, but Thomas Estley have found it hard to create more than a half chance as the defence of Didcot has stood strong throughout.

Just before half time though Libby Smith offered Thomas Estley a lifeline, scoring a vital goal to make it 3-1 and suddenly Thomas Estley look alive again! Libby then broke through again a moment later and flashed a shot across goal to scare the 'keeper in the Didcot goal.

And just like that Thomas Estley are back in it! Latching onto a through ball Annya Lane fired a shot against the far post and into the goal! 3-2 and game on just as the half time whistle is blown.

Thomas Estley will be proud of their achievements as they have got themselves back into this game valiantly.

The second half continued at a rate of knots as both schools tried desperately to score the goal that would turn the game. Parnell went through on goal for the best chance of the second half, but a excellent save from Emily Gurney kept her out.

With both teams struggling to create chances, and possession being fought for in midfield the minutes ticked down with the score staying at 3-2.

Neither side could fashion any other chances as they continued to disrupt each other’s rhythm in an attempt to gain a foothold.

As the referee blew for full time, signalling Didcot as National Champions, both teams could come off the pitch knowing they had given their all for the cause.

Well done to all the Girls involved in yesterday’s final, we hope to be seeing you again in the years to come!

Didcot Girl's School Celebrate

Team Photo supplied via RWT Photography.