U11's North and 12's Girls bag tournament wins!
 
 
Saturday 11th September saw the HGFPL season kick off with a tournament open to each team playing in the league. The u11 girls, having worked hard to perfect their game at the StACY Summer School, had now grown considerably in numbers, resulting in two teams being entered in the HGFPL at this age group. The North side sailed through the group stages with convincing results over strong sides such as Bury Rangers White, Watford and Bedwell with goals provided by Nicola Gosling (4), Evie Wilkinson (2), Rose Noden (2) and Isabelle Poole. This resulted in the girls finishing as winners of their group and finding themselves pitted against Borehamwood in the semi-final. The South side, however, narrowly missed out on qualifying for the next round, finishing third in their group after fine performances culminating in a win against Harpenden Colts courtesy of newcomer Rhiannon Ellis' spectacular goal.

The North's semi-final was a closely contested battle with both sides coming close to scoring early on. Late in the game, however, Mhairi Pennifer unleashed a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the box, which floated high into the top right hand corner of the goal to seal a 1-0 victory. The final was to be against Bury Rangers Red, the only team which the StACY girls had failed to beat last season in the league! Bury went ahead through a polished finish early on in the game, but the plucky StACY girls were not happy to leave it that way! Passion and team spirit shone through and, after a delightful passing movement involving nearly every member of the team, Romy Kelleher and Isabelle Poole combined to pick out Shauna Smith, who turned two defenders and released a powerful shot across the Bury 'keeper to level the score. Extra time followed but, alas, neither side could find the winner! The referee indicated penalties...and up stepped City's heroic 'keeper Millie Leavold. Two Leavold penalty saves later, a win was placed in the hands of captain Mary Leach, who bravely stepped up and capped a fantastic day's performance by sliding the ball firmly into the net. 
 

A brilliant performance by the whole team was witnessed by both manager and supporters, who were overjoyed to take home an early piece of silverware. Well done girls!

The Under 12's Girls came away winners of the tournament after winning two matches and drawing three to win it on points. The goalscorers were Olivia Almond 2, Abbie Sullivan and Kathrine Hatton on her debut for the club.

Photo Credits - Under 11's DE photo

                      - Under 12's Janet Almond