The U16 Girls Individual Schools Hilary Swinn Cup
West Bridgford School 7 2 Dukeries Community College
There was a thrilling first half to the final of the Hilary Swinn Cup which was also a decider to determine which school would represent Nottinghamshire in the national rounds of the English Schools’ F.A. Royal Air Force Cup in the Spring Term. West Bridgford probably started as favouites by virtue of the fact that they were the holders of the Cup having defeated Elizabethan School (Retford) 2-0 in last season’s final. Most of that successful squad were playing in this game but they were shocked after only five minutes when a stunning free-kick from Megan Howard wide on the right gave Zoe Shipley no chance in West Bridgford’s goal
Within a minute, Phoebe Penfold put Bridgford level with a shot which Emma Connington in the Dukeries goal allowed to slip through her hands. This was an unusual goal as Penfold is usually Bridgford’s first choice keeper while Connington was in goal for her school only because an ankle injury prevented her from taking up her usual central defensive role.
Connington made amends within minutes with a brilliant save from Alexia Smith. Howard had another free kick blocked before a fine run across field from the left saw her set up Natalie Gibson for a well taken second goal for Dukeries. The dangerous Howard, a member of the Nottinghamshire Under 16 representative side, hit the bar a minute before half-time but instead of the score being 3-1 at the interval, Bridgford equalised with the final move of the half. Charlotte Taylor and Laura Smith combined well on the right and the latter’s cross was cleverly hooked past Connington by Alexia Smith.
West Bridgford started the second period with Penfold forcing Connington into a good save before the same player’s fine pass set up Alexia Smith who shot powerfully home to put her side ahead for the first time. Another shot from wide on the right from Laura Smith made it 4-2 and following that goal, West Bridgford took full control against a tiring Dukeries side which consisted mainly of players in Year 10 who will be eligible to play in the competition again next season.
Despite more fine saves by Connington, West Bridgford were now unstoppable and after Danielle Zambon had made it 5-2, two further goals, her third and fourth of the game, from Alexia Smith completed the scoring.
The final score reflected unkindly on the Dukeries team who were the equals of the winners before half-time but had no real answer as Bridgford raised their game after the break.
West Bridgford will now go on to represent Nottinghamshire in the 1st National Round of 64 teams as the Nottinghamshire representatives. They have a home tie against Wisewood School from South Yorkshire and the match has already been arranged for Wednesday 9 January.
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