With sunshine and blue skies overhead, the footballing conditions were perfect as our hugely talented U13 Lionesses took the field at Oaklands Park in Bristol for the final of the Gloucestershire County Cup.

The challenge before them was huge, Gloucester City Reds. Historically, our girls have always struggled against this well organised team. However, this season is different. Moving up to a full-size pitch has allowed our girls to show their pace and power, too much for all opponents so far this season. But could they continue their unbeaten run and lift the much-coveted County Cup?

Our girls started the game strongly, winning an early corner and asking questions of the Gloucester defence. Our tireless midfield trio of Emily, Harriet and Sophie controlled the early exchanges, doing their best to calm the nerves of their team mates, not to mention the wonderfully supportive families and friends looking on apprehensively.

Reward for the early pressure came in the 18th minute as Harriet picked up the ball 25 yards out and threaded a perfectly weighted ball between two Gloucester defenders for the team’s resident speed machine, Lily. Her pace ensured she was first to the ball and, under pressure, got a shot away that was parried by the goalkeeper. There was only going to be one winner to the loose ball and Lily duly stroked the ball calmly into the empty net. 1-0 to RYFC.

The remaining 50 minutes was a tense affair as RYFC continued to dominate but Gloucester Reds were slowly gaining confidence as they strived for an equaliser. Fortunately, the U13 Lionesses have one of the strongest defences in the county with Lauren, Bessie, Noemi and Tabitha expertly snuffing out all but a few chances. When Gloucester did eventually manage a shot on target, Lionesses keeper Connie adjusted her position well to save confidently.

The U13 Lionesses frontline is spearheaded by Poppy who ran the Gloucester defence ragged. Together with Ava and Abbie, they created a series of chances that were saved by the talented Reds’ goalkeeper who later deservedly won the Gloucester Player of the Match. On another day we could have been more

A second goal would have gone a long way to lowering the heart rates of the RYFC coaches and supporters but it just wouldn’t go in. Lily’s deliveries from corners were sensational, causing havoc in the Gloucester defence but a second goal proved elusive.
At every step of the way our substitutes the two Sophia’s and Elsie were cheering their team mates on, giving the girls the extra boost they needed. They all played key roles in getting us to the final and are a credit to the team.

With full time approaching RYFC went into game management mode, slowing the play down and gaining territorial advantage wherever possible. The strategy paid off and as the final whistle blew, the celebrations began. Poms poms, face paint, a soaking for coaches Simon Harmer and Lou Norden, pizza and scrumptious chocolate brownies all featured. But the big moment came as Emily, U13 Lionesses captain and player of the match, lifted the County Cup to crown a historic day for all involved with RYFC!