The Schools’ Report with ThreeFiveThree Photography
ThreeFiveThree photographer Garry Griffiths is back again with some quarter final action from the ESFA Under 16 Premier League Schools’ Cup for Girls! The quarter final threw up a mouth watering clash as Maiden Erlegh School (Reading) headed West Lancashire way to play hosts Groby Community College (West Leicestershire).
ESFA Under 16 Premier League Schools Cup for Girls Quarter Final Groby Community College V Maiden Erlegh School
A dramatic game in the Leicestershire sunshine saw Groby Community College edge into the last four and continue their remarkable run in this season’s competition.
The first half ended in stalemate with clear cut chances few and far between but former England Under 15 goalkeeper Lana Timson had to be on alert to snuff out the danger for the home side as the visitors grew into the game later in the opening half.
Katie Guinn did beat Timson to a through ball on the edge of the box towards half time but was forced wide and was unable to get a shot away before the ball was cleared.
The tension was growing with every passing minute and it was the visitors who edged ahead in the second half when Guinn was able to beat Timson and tap home into the empty net for a 1-0 lead.
With the clock ticking down it was time to gamble for the home side, sending keeper Timson up front and bringing a substitute keeper in for the final few minutes and it certainly paid off when the ball fell to Timson who struck a sweet shot past Tilly Harrington in the Maiden Erlegh goal and into the far corner as the seconds ticked down to full time.
Full Time Groby Community College 1-1 Maiden Erlegh School
With extra time coming and going without additional scoring it was down to penalties to determine the winner with nothing between the teams in open play.
Timson, having gone back into goal just before the end of extra time, stepped up to smash home the opening penalty before saving the next two spot kicks and, with Harleen Thandi and Katie Parker converting their spot kicks, the last chance for the visitors to keep the tie alive was missed to see Groby progress.
Groby Community College win 3-0 on penalties
Congratulations to both sides for an exciting game of football played in exceptional spirit. Groby Community College progress to the last four where they’ll host Horizon Community College, best of luck to both teams as they battle it out for a place in this seasons National Final!
