U16 Girls Football Team are County Cup Finalists
Our U16 Girls Football Team performed superbly in their first ever County Cup Final, despite losing 3 – 2 to The Grange School in a closely fought game. The girls were disappointed to come so close to becoming County Champions, but we are incredibly proud that they are the first girls’ team in Denbigh’s history to reach a County Final. It is a fantastic achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
Mrs South-Greaves, who coaches the girls along with Mrs Burrows, has the match report for us:
‘On Monday 17th March, Denbigh’s U16 Girls’ football squad travelled to Arbour Park, home of Slough Town FC, to take on The Grange School in the Final of the County Cup. Mrs South-Greaves and Mrs Burrows started with the same tactical line up, that started the semi-final game against St Paul’s.
The first half saw a great start from Denbigh, with good combinations of play, but we struggled to find the back of the net. After 38 minutes, The Grange’s goalkeeper started an attack which finished with their Number 10 scoring from just outside the box with a strong finish. This meant that we went in at half-time 1 – 0 down and chasing the game. One change was made at half-time, with Layla Allen coming on in goal for Sophie Venables. Our team continued to play some great football, moving the ball into space to create opportunities. However, after 68 minutes The Grange scored with a header from a corner kick to make it 2 – 0.
There was a great reaction from our girls to going 2 – 0 down and an impressive passage of play between Niamh, Grace and Princess set up Tilly who scored with a rocket shot into the bottom right-hand corner to bring the score back to 2-1. After 86 minutes, The Grange scored an excellent third goal from a free kick, making it 3-1 to them. Our girls didn’t give up however and fought until the end, scoring after 96 minutes to make it 3 -2. Our second goal came from a fantastic passage of play involving Princess, Tilly and Maisy which led to Maisy making it 3-2 with a brilliant shot into the top left-hand corner from outside the box. The final whistle then went with the score 3 – 2 to The Grange.‘
We are so proud of the girls and how they have played over this historic season. Their achievements will be long remembered, and we look forward to next season and the continued success of girls’ football at Denbigh.
Team names (alphabetical):
Layla Allen, Tilly Allen, Rebecca Chalmers, Maisy Coleman, Isla Durrant, Isla Featherstone, Daisy Joyce, Grace McCormack, Princess-Stella Mgbemere, Niamh Morris, Kacey Turton, Sophie Venables, Angelina White
