National Under 15 Cup for Girls - 6th Round

Thomas Telford 6 v 1 Dukeries College Thursday 17 April

As this important semi final approached bad news hit the Dukeries camp with two of the squad unable to play due to having their appendix out - Jodie Stapleton being the biggest blow as she was the team’s influential goalkeeper.

Having travelled down to Telford the team were still enthusiastic about their chances even as they commented on “Is this a private school? “ as they saw the facilities and the students all wearing impressive burgundy and gold tracksuits.

Final preparations included playing inspirational music and going through the stats of their route to the semi final.  It had been a tough decision to put Emma Connington in goal as she formed a major part of the Dukeries defence but having  seen the goal tally of Thomas Telford it was important to present a strong keeper in the defensive line up.

Unfortunately the Dukeries side didn’t start too well - Telford capitalised on indecision between the centre halves and a strong shot wide of Emma set them off with an early lead.  Not to be outdone Megan Howard had a chance at the other end putting the ball just wide of the right hand post.

Quite early on the crowd swelled with many PE classes turning out to cheer on the home side.  This was quite intimidating to the players on the right but the players fought on to get into the game.  Despite this Telford continued to play confidently and won a corner.  Having taken it short the right wing for Telford crossed the ball which wasn’t cleared.  The centre forward pounced on it and slotted the ball easily into the goal from three yards out.

The Dukeries side continued to battle to stay in the game and had further attempts on goal.  Telford also had their share of possession.  Further short corners were taken but didn’t produce rewards. Another attack down the left gave Telford another goal - a fast run to beat the Dukeries right back resulted in a one on one with the keeper.  Emma tried to close the angle but an excellent finish added to the Dukeries troubles.  At 3-0 the still increasing crowd cheered for more.  Up until half time the Dukeries girls tried to regain their winning mentality – all the players worked hard to defend against the strength of Telford and when the opportunities came, to get the ball to the forwards.  Howard had several other opportunities but the Telford keeper was confident to command her area and to cover any long ball over her defence.  The last 20 minutes of the first half gave the Dukeries side optimism  - they had halted the goal tally from Telford and given themselves a chance to  get back into the game in the second half.

In the second half Jayne Cowlard took over the reins in goal and the team went out heads held high ready to battle into the final!  Some promising opportunities went begging with chances for Megan Howard and Beth Taylor.  How close could we get – further attempts hit the bar and the keeper pushed another shot from onto the post. The Dukeries side put the ball in the net but unfortunately the assistant referee judged the player offside.  After all their hard work going unrewarded the next bitter blow came in the form of a 30yd shot from the dangerous no. 7 who hit the top corner - nothing the keeper could do about it.  At 4 -0 the Dukeries girls, although not beaten, were finding it tough to play their usual fluent football – Telford capitalised again and as the defence struggled to close down the ball after a Connington challenge another midfield talent took charge to slide the ball past the diving Cowlard.  Natalie Gibson followed up with another chance for the Dukeries but again the bar came to Telford’s rescue.  Goal no. 6 came shortly afterwards - an exquisite chip leaving no chance for the keeper to clear.  Further attempts continued to come for Howard but the Telford keeper was quick to stifle any shots.  In the last ten minutes Dukeries eventually got their best opportunity - a free kick. Emma Connington, one of several dead ball specialists, lifted the ball over the wall and comfortably over the keeper for a consolation goal.

The final result of 6-1 didn’t reflect how close the two teams were – Telford were certainly deserving winners on the day but the Dukeries side shouldn’t feel too disappointed.  It was an immense achievement to get to the semi final and this team will live to fight another battle in next years’ county cup competition.

Thanks to all the parents and staff that have supported the team in all the previous rounds and well done to the girls for giving us such a successful cup run.  Being in the last four of over 500 teams is no mean achievement.