The Essex County Schools FA report on how they have a double cause for celebration, as their Girls U-14s and U-16s Representative Squads sealed titles in the South-East England Schools FA (SEESFA) Girls Competitions at Grange Farm in Chigwell.
Emma Burden’s U-16s and Sharon Brownlie’s U-14s both recorded huge victories recently to cement their places at the top of their respective divisions, building on their experiences in national finals a few days earlier. Burden’s squad were 7-0 victors over Hertfordshire, while Brownlie’s team won 9-0, both against the same county.
The U-16s finished their season in a convincing fashion, climbing above leaders, Kent, in the table. The first 40 minutes of the game generated a cagey affair and Hertfordshire did well to keep Essex out. Herts’ Evie Gallop from Essex & Herts School made her debut but, instead of her usual midfield position, she appeared in goal. Evie stood strong, picking up countless shots from Miagh Downey, Georgie Moreton, Shakella Kemp and Kirsty Jackson.
It took 30 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, with a piece of genius from Moreton. A driving run down the Essex left-hand side saw Kemp drive a cross into the box for Moreton to finish first time into the top right corner of the net. The second half proved to be a different match entirely. After about ten minutes of battling, Hertfordshire, playing with a small squad due to exams and late changes, seemed to tire a little at the back.
Olivia Smith from Barking Abbey, making her 16th appearance for Essex, stepped into midfield and started to dictate the play. Downey scored four whilst Charlotte Kellett netted and Moreton notched again in the second half to gain a brace. The back five were solid for the entirety of the match and they remained disciplined to keep a clean sheet.
It was a fantastic fixture where the scoreline complimented Essex, certainly for the first half. Surrey later conceded their fixture against Essex, giving Emma Burden’s squad an automatic 2-0 win to see them win the SEESFA Trophy once again.
Emma said: “Massive congratulations go to all the players who took part in both the cup and the league this season. We hope you have enjoyed being a part of the representative squads as much as we all have.”
Meanwhile, the U-14s were competing on an adjacent pitch and their comprehensive victory ensured they were able to secure the title on the day too. Amy-Leigh Abrehart and Ellie Nichols both recorded hat-tricks and Holly Foley, Lucy Egan and Beau Parker also converted to ensure Essex finished first ahead of Surrey and Sussex.
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