English Schools' Football Association

Somerset County Schools’ FA v Staffordshire County Schools’ FA

Somerset CSFA v Staffordshire CSFA rounded off the six matches held at Birmingham City FC over the 9^th – 11^th May with a great match representing the importance and success of Girls’ Football at U16 County level in England.

Staffordshire started the better of the 2 teams early on with an early attack after only 3 minutes. Shania Hales broke through on the left side and struck low, but the keeper got down to make the save.

Somerset got a chance to score on 14 minutes after Megan Robinson found herself through on goal but she hit the ball just over the bar to keep the scores level.

Staffordshire looked dangerous from set pieces as a corner was floated into the area, but the Somerset keeper was in charge to make sure they couldn’t score.

With 10 minutes to go before half time, Staffordshire were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area for a foul. Hampton stepped up to take the free kick which was spilled by the keeper, but Somerset defenders managed to clear the ball from any danger.

Somerset weren’t afraid to try for goal from distance with a shot from outside the area, but was hit straight at the Staffordshire goal keeper.

With 5 minutes to go Staffordshire could have been in front. A shot from Shania Hales was hit hard from the centre of the area but Somerset’s keeper made a fingertip save to push it around the post.

Anna King for Staffordshire had the last chance at goal in the first half from a corner. The ball was put in from the right but the header went wide of the post.

The second half started and we saw a few half chances or both teams in the first 10 minutes, but nothing to trouble to goal keepers.

Megan Robinson had another great chance for Somerset as she got though the defence once again but the Staffordshire keeper made the save with her knees to keep the scores level.

Somerset came close again after the half way mark from a corner. The ball was headed at goal from inside the 6 yard box but the Staffordshire keeper was at hand to make a fine save to keep the ball out of the goal.

1 minute later and Staffordshire got themselves in front. Hanna Hampton made a great run down the middle of the pitch and struck for goal, but was saved, only to deflect into the path of Shania Hales who hit first time into the empty net.

2 minutes left on the clock and Staffordshire get their second. The keeper got the ball back from a defender, but took a heavy touch with Shania Hales close enough to charge the ball down, the keeper tries the clearance but it hits Hales and falls for her to place into the open goal.

1 minute into extra time and Somerset got a consolation goal. The ball was put into the box from the left wing and Ellie Stripple got her head on the ball to put into the back of the net.

Plenty of substitutions after this goal from both teams saw the game end after 5 minutes of added time.

Both teams were presented with their medals and Staffordshire’s Anna King lifted the trophy to crown them National Champions for 2015/16.

Team Line-ups

Somerset County Schools’ FA

1. Freya Light 2. Georgia Coward 3. Beth Barzotelli 4. Charlie Pettinger (Captain) 5. Charlotte Buxton 6. Demi Webber 7. Imogen Stocker 8. Emily Syme 9. Ellie Stripple 10. Megan Robinson 11. Chloe Gilroy 12. Annie Chalmers 13. Lauren Filer 14. Bethany Channon 15. Hannah Thornton 16. Jessica Smailes. Phoebe Payton, Elise Halkyard.

Staffordshire County Schools’ FA

1. Charlotte Clarke 2. Lydia Burgess 3. Beth Roberts 4. Molly Bruton 5. Alex Buck 6. Harriet Wellings 7. Tasia Brough 8. Anna King (Captain) 9. Hanna Hampton 10. Phoebe Warner 11. Shania Hales 12. Charlotte Jarvis 13. Tiffany Whelan 14. Katie Jones 15. Lana Titley 16. Ellie Bruton.

Match Officials

Referee: Darren Amor

Assistant Referees: Daniel Ellis & Richard Lethbridge

Fourth Official: Tom Freeman

All photos from the day, courtesy of 353 Photography are available to view and purchase by clicking here.

A huge thanks to 247.tv for streaming the game live, which can be found on our YouTube Channel and copies can also be purchased from 247.TV/live/shop