On Wednesday 10 May, the U16 squad travelled to Sleaford Town Football Club to compete in the County Cup final. 

The girls were in high spirits for the game where they were to face Kesteven and Grantham girls' school.

The team were without their 'shot-stopping' goalkeeper, Lucy, due to injury, however Katie was happy to step up for the team and go in goal. Playing a slightly more defensive game, to support Katie in goal, all girls settled into the game well.

Testing Kesteven's defence early was Ella MB, who found herself in a space to receive a ball from Violet, which placed her 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper and she slotted it home calmly (1-0).  Kesteven weren’t giving up and, after breaking through the defence, they placed a shot in the corner, bringing the game level (1-1). Kesteven, now with fire in their bellies, continued to hammer on the door and a penalty decision saw Kesteven’s second goal of the match (1-2). Deepings regrouped and took control of the game.  Great play in midfield from Millie gave great disruption to both Violet and Annie on the wings, which caused Kesteven problems and Ella MB collected the ball before slotting it into the top right corner, to bring Deepings back level (2-2). With half time looming and Deepings still on the attack, Ella MB strikes again, after collecting the ball, to put Deepings back in the lead (3-2).

Half time and Deepings changed the shape slightly to get better control of the game. Up steps Megan with great holding play and, teamed up with Millie, this led to Annie making a break down the right wing.  A fantastic cross into the box, perfectly placed by Bethany, saw Deepings extend the lead (4-2). Bethany, still hungry for more, found herself driving into the box where another shot on target took Deepings 5-2 up.  Possession was constantly changing and this found Deepings playing defensively. Great defensive displays from Sophie and Megan kept Kesteven away from Katie until the last 5 minutes of the game, when Kesteven managed to pull one goal back.

The final score was 5-3 to The Deepings and the girls walked away County Cup Champions!

A fantastic display from all involved! Special mention to: Katie for stepping up into goal and playing spectacularly; Sophie and Megan for being rocks in defence making Kesteven really work hard; and Annie for great work rate on the wings, directing balls into the box, and helping set up numerous chances and goals.

Well done girls!!

Team: Ella Mai Bale (3), Annie Spriggs, Megan Owens, Millie Mills, Katie Guest, Niamh Wray, Ella Pratt, Violet Cook, Lauren Brawn, Ebony Wright, Bethany Rotherham (2), Sophie Hall.