Girls Football Academy play National Final at the home of championship club Queens Park Rangers FC

The Girls Academy finished off a hard season with a memorable day by representing the school and its Football Academy programme in the National Youth league Trophy final against a strong Arsenal Oaklands side.

Abbey’s confidence was high after a string of good results. The game proved to be an end-to-end game, within two minutes there were two early goals! Arsenal Oaklands struck in the 2nd Minute, when their strikers combined well to open the Abbey back line, before Arsenal’s No 9 striker slotted the ball under Abbey goalkeeper Garwood.

Almost Instantly, Abbey responded. A poor touch from an Arsenal defender allowed Javine McKnight to nip in and out strip the chasing defender before sliding the ball under the advancing Arsenal Goalkeeper.

The game become a close encounter with both teams looking dangerous on the break. However, Arsenal took the lead again in the 25th Minute, a poor Ruby Gillman back pass was intercepted by the lively Arsenal striker, who managed to round the on-rushing Abbey Keeper Garwood and stroke the ball home from a tight angle.

The second half Abbey made several substitutions to try and get the equaliser, Abbey came close on three different occasions, Mc knight was stopped with a brave save at her feet. There were still two more good chances to equalise but somehow the final touch just eluded the Abbey Strikers.

Abbey continued to push forward to search for the equaliser and were dominating the game with good possession. However, Abbey were hit with a counterattack in the 60th Minute, when Arsenal broke away after a misplaced Abbey pass. Arsenal’s No 11 evaded the Abbey back line for a second time before hitting a well struck shot that beat Garwood at her near post.

Abbey pushed hard for another goal scoring opportunity, but just couldn’t find that killer touch or pass to open up the resilient Arsenal defence. Unfortunately, the final whistle came to soon for Abbey and Arsenal were crowned this year’s trophy winners.

“The girls gave absolutely everything out there! We are so proud of the Girls effort; we kept going right to the final whistle to try and get back into the game. It was not the result we wished for, but what a great experience for the girls to play at the home of Queens Park Rangers FC. In a few years' time the girls we look back on this experience with fond memories”.

Carl & Ross