Story added: 10th January 2019
Sprowston Community High gave it their all in the EFL Girls’ U13 Schools Eastern Area finals yesterday afternoon, but fell short of securing a spot at Wembley.
The school were representing the Canaries, as winners of the CSF Girls’ Cup in November.
Held on a brand new 4G surface at Newmarket Town Football Club, and hosted by Cambridgeshire FA on behalf on the EFL, Sprowston – wearing the Canary yellow – were drawn in a group alongside equivalents from Stevenage, Peterborough United and Wycombe Wanderers.
They started the tournament emphatically, defeating Stevenage 4-1. In the second match, they again showed a similar clinical touch in front of goal, finding the net four times against Peterborough United in a 4-0 victory.
Their final group stage match was against a strong Wycombe side, and though the Canaries succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, a second placed finish was enough to progress to the knockout-stages.
A tense quarter final against Cambridge United saw the Sprowston girls keep their nerve, and they edged the hosts 1-0.
In the semis, Sprowston were drawn up against group stage opponents Wycombe Wanderers, once more. Following a tight 2-2 result in regulation time, the match went to penalties. However, it wasn’t to be for the young Canaries, with Sprowston losing out 3-2 on pens.
Above: Sprowston in action at The Nest during qualifiers
CSF Schools Sport Manager Asa Saunders, who accompanied the team, said:
“The girls represented us with dignity and pride; I was so pleased with their efforts.
“They were within touching distance of the finals, but they should take heart that it eventually came down to penalties to decide their fate. It’s been a great tournament, and thanks not only to Sprowston, but all the other fourteen high schools that entered the preceding stages.”
The eventual winners, representing Colchester United, will now get the chance to play on the hallowed turf of Wembley, prior to the Checkatrade Trophy Final in the tournament’s final.
To find out more about the Foundation’s school tournaments click here.
Tournament photos: Cambridge United Football Club
"The girls represented us with dignity and pride; I was so pleased with their efforts."
Asa Saunders
CSF Schools Sport Manager
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