Lancashire Schools FA report on how their U-14s and U-16s made 6th May an historic day for their County, securing both ESFA national titles at Northampton Town FC.
The achievement which has never happened before and is extremely unlikely to happen again, was enhanced by the fact that both sides had earlier in the season secured their relevant Northern Counties Schools Inter Counties Titles.
Stood in Lancashire’s way were fierce rivals Essex, who had beaten Lancashire in two previous English Schools FA National Finals and were also chasing the same double dream.
Michael Nadal, who was part of both management teams, said of the girls achievements; “The County Schools Association are extremely proud of the players and volunteer staff who have nothing short of sensational in their commitment to their County during the season, both squads have had their ups and downs, however, ultimately they have come together to prove that Lancashire is the heartbeat of County Schools Football. Coupled with that, our thanks go to the players schools and clubs who support the players as and when required.”
Season 2014/15 has been an extremely sad one for Girls & Ladies Football in Lancashire after the tragic death of Melissa Smith from Cadley FC and many of the Lancashire players had the pleasure of playing against, or knowing her and I know the players have carried her memory throughout the season – as a few of the team said after the final, “that was for Mel and all those close to her.”
Lancashire Girls added the ESFA U-16 Inter Counties National title to their Northern Counties Schools FA Inter Counties Championship triumph in 2014/15, with victory at a blustery Northampton Town FC.
Lancashire, who in their five years of existence had secured four Northern Counties titles but without a National title, were still goalless after 30 minutes when Lucy Staunton-Turner rattled the bar and an Olivia Rees volley from the rebound was clawed away by the keeper.
Brenna McPartlan’s 25 yarder skimmed the Essex crossbar in the second half and the opener finally, arrived on 58 minutes, an Ali Johnson corner was turned in by Katie Samuels.
McPartlan then pounced on a defensive lapse 30 yards out to send a delicate lob over the advancing keeper to settle the outcome, while Johnson’s half volley hit the base of the post late on.
Click here for highlights of the game (courtesy of Accrington and Rossendale College)
Lancashire Girls U-14s meanwhile secured a hat-trick of national titles the hard way, in a penalty shoot-out with Essex at the Sixfields Stadium.
Lancashire were without Captain and Goalkeeper, Amelia Size, who was on Wales U-17 duty, so turned to Emma Bradley- Hyndburn for her County debut in goal.
Ebony Stinson was denied by the fingertips of the Essex keeper as she looked to go round her and slide the ball home. with the resulting corner from Hannah Walsh then flashing across the box with the goal gaping.
Essex nearly pinched a late winner but for Lancs captain Naomi Hartley, who put in a double challenge in her own area to deny them.
Lancashire’s Sadie Mitchell was denied by a sharp save at the near post seconds from time and again in the second period of extra-time.
It was Essex who had the final chance of the afternoon on the break but once again the Lancashire skipper lead by example with a stunning block and the rebound ended up on the roof of the net.
So down to penalties and Lancashire saw their first two penalties saved by the outstanding custodian but Essex also missed both of their first two. Lancashire missed a third spot-kick but Bradley turned the Essex third penalty onto the bar.
Stinson put Lancashire in front and another Essex miss saw centre-half Kim Sykes convert to win the national title for the Red Roses.
Click here for Match Highlights (courtesy of Accrington and Rossendale College)
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
