English Schools' Football Association

ESFA U16 Schools Cup for Girls

Heckmondwike v Queens School

Queens' School

This game started at a very high tempo with chances coming at both ends, Isabelle Legood had an early chance which she put wide before Jordan Littleboy had a shot turned away for Queens’ School. A moment later Legood found some space on the edge of the box and hit a looping shot over the Queens’ goalkeeper in off the post to make it one nil. Queens pressed hard and kept Heckmondwike pinned back in their own half, Cassandra Chase found herself in some space and struck a shot from the edge of the box which flew into the top of the net to make it 1-1.

Laura Hooper shot a freekick from 20 yards which skimmed a few yards over the bar a few moments later before Littleboy found room down the side of the box and crossed for Julia Waller who was free on the penalty spot to score.

2-1 at half time to Queens’ School

The game continued at a frantic pace with both sides moving the ball well up the pitch. Jordan Littleboy had a number of good chances and the Heckmondwike goalkeeper Annie Lorimer had concentrate fully to keep the ball out. Laura Hooper then had an effort which looped onto the roof of the net. Queens were possessing the ball better and making it hard for Heckmondwike to break forward. The pressure continued from Queens’ and only a superb double save from Annie Lorimer and her accompanying defenders kept the ball out after a goal mouth scramble. A few minutes later, after some superb counter attacking football Charlotte Hoyle played a deep ball forward into Isabelle Legood who superb took it forward to release Charlie Cassidy who slotted home the equaliser.

Queens' School lift the trophy

A superb pattern of play brings a just reward. 2-2 with all to play for in the game.

That goal clearly roused Heckmondwike and they picked up the tempo and gained momentum, Cassidy and Hoyle both caused problems going forward but couldn't beat Ana Martins in the Queens’ goal. Clarisse Patel took the ball forward superbly with a 30 yard run and tried to release her forwards but the Heckmondwike defenders recovered well. Both teams looked tired after giving it their all for 70 minutes. Just as the game seemed set for extra time Patel had a great shot and sent the goalkeeper scrambling to her left hand side, Jordan Littleboy capitalised on the loose ball that fell to her inside the box and without hesitation she slammed it home for the decisive goal.

3-2 and all eyes were on the referee who would be signalling the end of the game any moment. Before the whistle could be blown Queens’ School had the ball in the goal once more as Lilly Clark scored to finish the game at 4-2.

Team Line-ups:

Heckmondwike Grammar School

Annie Lorimer, Isabel Maguire, Chloe Feather, Alex Bailey (C), Rebecca Banks, Charlotte Hoyle, Charlie Cassidy, Isabelle Legood, Alix Mallett, Emma Stirling, Rebecca Shotton, Abigail Ngong, Rebecca Davis, Isabelle O’Brien

Queens School

Ana Martins, Abigail Layman, Frankie Webster, Megan Gallagher, Clarisse Patel, Julia Waller, Aimee Durn, Lilly Clark, Jordan Littleboy (C), Cassandra Chase, Laura Hooper, Florrie Holland-King, Lauren Hall, Molly Wheeler, Sophie Faulkner.

Match Officials

Paul Tapp (Referee), Kirsten Davies & Rebecca Clarke (Assistant Referees), Robert Ryan (Fourth Official)

To view photos and a match DVD please visit RWT Photography

ESFA Under 16 Schools' Cup for Girls Fixtures and Results