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#Match Report Monday-Clitheroe Royal Grammer School 0- Colne Valley High School 0 (2-4p)

ESFA U13 PlayStation F.C. Schools’ Cup for Girls

A hard fought game in Lancashire saw Colne Valley High School edge into round 2 with a penalty shoot-out win over hosts Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

There was an outstanding performance from Colne keeper Sykes as she kept Clitheroe at bay with some excellent saves denying both Pollard and Lancaster in the second half.

Throughout the game it was a tight affair but it certainly looked like the home side would find a winner late in the second half as they pushed forward in search of a breakthrough but some excellent defending and the tough to beat Sykes were not about to surrender their place in the competition.

And as the game went to a shoot-out, watched by Clitheroe pupils in a classroom behind the goal, it was Sykes again who saved the opening penalty to set the tone for a 4-2 win and a place in round 2.

It will come as no surprise that both sides accepted the outcome with the sporting nature that we expect from girls football although the home side must be wondering how they ended up without scoring.  

Garry Griffiths

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.

featured, Match Reports

#MatchReportMonday- Glenthorne 2 v 2 Westminster School (3-4P)

Westminster School progressed to round 2 on penalties, winning their first ever ESFA National Cup fixture in the process after a hard fought game in Surrey against Glenthorne.

It was the home side who took the lead in the first half when Amuah sprinted down the right and fired a blistering shot into the bottom corner of the net, a fantastic finish.

At this point the home side looked the most likely to add to their lead but were unable to make the most of their pressure around the Westminster box and were made to pay when Plowman drew the visitors level, directing the ball home from a set piece to send the sides in level at the break.

The game was wide open in the second half with both teams having chances to edge in front and it looked as though Westminster would claim their first ESFA Cup scalp when Afram raced clear and slotted home for a 2-1 lead.

With time ticking away, Glenthorne threw bodies forward in an attempt to find an equaliser and it came when they were awarded a penalty for a push in the box following a long throw in and Nividi stepped up to score and take the game to penalties.

And so it proved that keeper Shahbakhti was the hero in the end, saving with his feet to set up Ghai for the winning spot kick and a little piece of history for the Westminster School football programme.

Another excellent cup tie and both schools were well represented by their teams but it will be Westminster who travel to Alexandra Park School in round 2.  

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.