U12s Girls Football Somerset Cup Final

The day we have been waiting for a long time - the cup final vs Gordano school. This was played at Wedmore JFC.

We knew that this was going to be a very tough match as Gordano have a great reputation especially for football, and In last years final Gordano beat us 1-0.

The girls were told believe in themselves and let their football do the talking, it was a very hot day and the short walk to Wedmore JFC from school was perfect for our warm up! 

Hugh Sexey’s won the toss and opted for the kick off. Our captain and goal keeper Edie Pargeter was sadly unable to play due to illness, Cerys Webb stepped up and played between the sticks.

After a few minutes Freya Wills latched onto a superb pass from Maddy Durrant to race through and score a superb finish, putting Hugh Sexey’s in the lead.
Gordano came back in the game, only to find superb defending from Alice Steckler and Sarah Weaver who didn’t let anyone pass them. Midfield trio Jemima Seagrove, Olivia Fuller, and Jocelyn Rigby worked tirelessly running from box to box battling to win the ball and defending superbly under pressure. Katie Radford, playing attacking midfield played her best game this year.  She caused havoc for Gordano using her skills and superbly linking with Maddy Durrant, who was in great form and was Gordano’s goal keeper's nightmare with her shooting; she smashed the cross bar twice.
Gordano captain who is a great player, saw goal keeper Cerys Webb off her line and decided to go for a 30 yard screamer, only to see it bounce over Cerys and bobbled in the goal.

Half time 1-1. A positive team talk from the girls and especially captain for the day, Olivia Fuller, who said “Don’t give up, let’s keep on playing attacking football!”
After few minutes we brought on some fresh legs, Asha Leavey and Bryher Wright, who came on and immediately made a huge impact - we could clearly see that Gordano were struggling with the pace and energy these two girls were bringing to the game.
A superb tackle from Redford who then set Seagrove through on the wing who then slipped the ball to Durrant who smashed home a superb goal to give us the well deserved lead. For some time Gordano just couldn’t get near us, our passing football was superb moving the ball around the park which then enabled Durrant to race through and score her second of the game. We then changed our tactics and started to defend to protect our lead. Finally the whistle went and we were over joyed that we had won 3-1 and became Somerset Cup Champions.

A truly well deserved win and definitely our best performance on the pitch by far this season.
Special mentions to Jemima Seagrove who was chosen by Gordano players as player of the match. Also to Cerys Webb for a superb display in goal; she was fantastic and put in some great saves.
Well done girls.  You have been a superb bunch of players to coach this season and your school is very proud of you.

Mr Waterfield