The U13 football team at Bolton School Girls’ Division has progressed to the national Independent Schools' FA Finals at St George’s Park after losing a close Northern Cup Final in extra-time.
The girls made it through to the national final after a successful campaign in the northern tournament, which was held at Stockport Grammar School. They started the day well with a convincing 4-1 win against Terra Nova, with Ruby Roocroft scoring two early goals from some great build-up play and one in the last minute of the game to complete her hat-trick. Georgina Stubbs also got onto the score sheet. Their second match saw them up against Newcastle High; it was a tense affair but a great goal by George from a 20-yard free kick saw the team secure victory.
Bolton then needed to win their final group stages game versus Bootham to guarantee top spot in their mini-league. They achieved that with a 2-1 victory, George scoring another two, one in the 3rd minute and her second coming from a rebound scored from a powerful shot by Isobel Plano.
The semi-final against Leeds Grammar School started well, when a low powerful corner from George to the front post was deflected in by a Leeds defender in the second minute of the game. The girls battled incredibly hard for the remainder of the game to claim a coveted place in the final, with the score ending 1-0.
A tense final against Cheadle Hulme remained 1-1 at full time, with both sides trying to play an expansive passing game. However, in extra-time Cheadle Hulme went 3-1 up before both teams scored goals straight from a kick off in the final minute. Both Bolton goals came from Issy, the first to take the lead and the second to make the score 3-2 with just minutes remaining. However, Cheadle were to run out eventual winners by four goals to two.
Both northern finalists made it through to the National Finals at St George’s Park, which will take place next term.
A delighted coach, Ms Farrimond-Goff, said: ‘We wish the girls luck in the ISFA National Finals following a fantastic season. This is a wonderful achievement and a great experience, one we are very much looking forward to. The team has been fantastic all season, having reached the GM County Cup quarter finals, the ESFA last 32 and were winners of the Bolton Schools’ Town League.
‘They are a brilliant group of girls who work incredibly hard for each other, they love the game and always give 110%. It’s a privilege to watch them play and I’m delighted they are having the opportunity to play at St. George’s Park, the home of the FA and where the England stars they aspire to be train!’
