ESFA PlayStation Under 12 Schools’ Cup for Girls Final: Match Report

Monday 31 July 2017By ESFA Office

Last Updated:
10/02/2021 10:50:09

Shenfield High School 1-2 Thomas Telford School

Thomas Telford School have been confirmed as Champions of the ESFA PlayStation Under 12 Schools’ Cup for Girls after a thoroughly entertaining National Final played at St George’s Park beating Shenfield High School 2-1. Shenfield started the game strongly with a few half chances from in and around the penalty area. As the game went on Thomas Telford started to get a foot-hold in the game with a shot from Brogan Jones that hit the side netting. Shenfield were involved in a goal mouth scramble but Thomas Telford’s defence managed to clear the ball from any danger. Thomas Telford came closest in the first half with a free kick shot from the Captain, Sophie Phillips, which crashed against the crossbar. Brogan Jones’s attacking force was too much for Shenfield as she managed to get the first goal of the game after a brilliant turn in the box to slot past the Shenfield keeper. Shenfield came out after half time with all the work to do and it didn’t take long for the hard work to pay off with a goal from Ellie Denham, the ball was looked into the box from a free kick where Ellie managed to slip the ball under the keeper to get back onto level terms. The game opened up after the equaliser with attacking play from both teams. Thomas Telford got the winner after a free kick was awarded and Sophie Phillips stepped up to power the ball past the keeper to put Thomas Telford back in the lead.

Match Background

This is the fourth season of the Under 12 Schools’ Cup for Girls which starts in January as a “warm weather” competition for Girls. Both teams had successfully navigated seven rounds of football to be able to play for the Trophy at St George’s Park in Burton on Trent. Shenfield saw visits to Winston Churchill Sports College and Surbiton High Senior School and scoring a total of 14 goals on their route to the final, only conceding 1 goal on their way. Thomas Telford’s route to the final saw a local rivalry with Sandwell Academy in Round 2, beating them 11-0! Thomas Telford managed to score an impressive 46 goals in just 7 Rounds of football.

Match Details

Shenfield High School started really well in the game with early shots so show Thomas Telford that they meant business on the day. As the game went on Thomas Telford looked to be growing in confidence on the ball as a shot from Brogan Jones saw it hit the side netting after just missing the post. Shenfield could have gone ahead in the game after the ball wasn’t cleared by Thomas Telford and a goal mouth scramble took place but Shenfield failed to take their chances after the ball was finally cleared. Brogan Jones looked dangerous for Thomas Telford after another shot from her was hit just wide of the post. Thomas Telford were in full flow towards the end of the first half after their captain, Sophie Phillips, managed to come closest with a shot hitting the crossbar. A free kick was taken from 20 yards out and dipped to hit the crossbar. With the half time whistle getting closer Thomas Telford managed to get the goal they had been working for through Brogan Jones. She took hold of the ball and turned inside the penalty area to beat the defence and slotted expertly past the goal keeper to put Thomas Telford in the lead just before half time. Thomas Telford weren’t finished there as they hit the bar again, again from a free kick but the ball deflected against the bar as was cleared.

Half Time: Shenfield High School 0-1 Thomas Telford School

Shenfield came out in the second half looking to get on the score sheet to get back into the game and their patience was soon rewarded. A free kick was awarded and looped into the penalty area, Ellie Denham got hold of the ball after the defence was beaten and slipped the ball under the keeper to get them back on level terms. Since Shenfield got the equaliser the game opened up with efforts from both sides just missing, showing a brilliant show of attacking and defensive football. Thomas Telford managed to get the goal that made the difference. A free kick was awarded to them and up stepped Sophie Phillips to take. She managed to strike the ball hard and right into the keeper, but the power on the shot was too much to handle for the keeper to see Thomas Telford take the lead for the second time in the game. Shenfield did try to get back into the game once again, but Thomas Telford were resilient at the back to keep them at bay until the final whistle was heard and the spectators around the pitch were cheering for all of the players in a great game of football.

Both sets of players were congratulated on such a great game of football and presented with their commemorative medals by ESFA Chief Executive, Andrea Chilton. Thomas Telford were then awarded the trophy to crown the National Champions for season 2016/17 in the Under 12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup for Girls.

Full Time: Shenfield High School 1-2 Thomas Telford School

Squads:

Shenfield High School: Maddie Griffin, Jazmine Heaslip, Freya Tomlin, Sian Hill, Elisa Fisher, Boo Mills, Izzy Tomlin, Ellie Denham, Keedie Drewe, Yasemin Hassan, Summer Sharland, Emma Green, Nina Kennon.

Thomas Telford School: Margaret Preece, Charlotte Bramford, Neve Bowater, Freya Horler, Naimh Harnett, Sophie Phillips, Jada-Mia Lee, Elizabeth Veitch, Brogan Jones, Poppy Smith, Evie Bateman, Libby Rowe.

Match Officials:

Referee: Martin Chilver

Assistant Referees: Oliver Cooper & Chloe Taylor

Fourth Official: Callum Aris

The ESFA would like to place on record it’s thanks to PlayStation for the generous sponsorship of this competition, also to 353 Photography for taking the photos of the Final and finally to St George’s Park for allowing us to host on this prestigious venue.

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