Last season’s Under 15 Girls Cup champions Blenheim took to the field to open their cup exploits for 2019 and edged to a narrow 1-0 victory over visitors Howard of Effingham.
A solitary goal from captain Darey secured the win, heading the ball home from a corner midway through the first half on a sunny afternoon in Surrey.
While the win sees them through to round 2 it was a patchy performance from one of the teams expected to challenge for trophy come the spring.
Howard keeper Paige was in excellent form, commanding the area and proving a solid last line of defence.
As chances came and went it was Howard who grew more into the game and both Swayze and Leishman looked the most likely to make a breakthrough for the visitors.
Indeed it was Leishman’s rising drive that proved the closest Howard would come to drawing level, her shot just off target.
Despite being short on goals it was a cup tie full of effort from both sides and competitive until the final whistle but it is Blenheim who move into round two where they will face either Steyning Grammar School or Cardinal Newman Catholic School on home soil.
Congratulations to both teams involved! If you would like us to feature your ESFA schools’ cup fixture, Please send your match report alongside pictures of the game to [email protected] – alternatively, please feel free to contact 353 Photography to request his presence at your upcoming match.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.