Essex girls retain Victoria Dodd trophy

7:33am Monday 12th May 2008

South-East Essex Schools FA Victoria Dodd Under 16s Trophy Final
Essex 2 Suffolk 1 (after extra time)

Essex's name will remain on the Victoria Dodd Trophy for a third successive season after the Under 16s Girls' Schools Representatives produced a convincing 2-1 display at the Len Salmon Stadium.

A determined, gritty performance from both squads produced an entertaining match for all spectators and Essex walked in at half time 1-0 up after another goal from Emma Sherwood. A driving run from Femi Walker and a pin-point cross saw Essex's top goal-scorer slot the ball into the back of the net to take the pressure off Essex.

To Suffolk's credit, they didn't sit back and the second half turned out to be display of tackle after tackle. Their confidence grew as the 35 minutes came to a close and a period of pressure paid off when a free-kick from 20 yards was played to the far post for Suffolk to take the game into extra time.

Extra time proved to be to Essex's advantage and Holly Griffin, who had received an injury in the first half, re-entered the game with impact. Flying down the right wing after beating her marker, she swung in an inch-perfect delivery to the talented Kimilee Day, who chest controlled the ball and wrapped a driving volley into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Jane Swift and Tony Marshall's Essex squad then picked-up the SEESFA Trophy for the third year running, deservedly so according to the team management: "Many of the squad have been representatives of the Essex Schools programme for the past three seasons and have been fantastic role models for the female game."

Emma Wake, Essex County FA Girls' & Women's Football Development Officer, was also over the moon, saying: "They deserved to lift the Trophy once again for their commitment and attitude to the schools teams. Well done and a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved, including players, parents and coaches. You all deserve a piece of the glory!"

Squad: Charlotte O'Malley (Boswells); Chloe Coombes (Chalvedon); Claire Capon (Beauchamps); Amy Bryant (Ramsey); Zoe Marshall (Marshalls Park); Alex Colley (Frances Bardsley); Ella Chapman (Langdon); Amy Cooley (Langdon); Naomi Feltham (Beauchamps); Kimmilee Day (Marshalls Park); Emma Sherwood (St. Clere's); Holly Griffin (Sanders Draper); Amelia Southgate (Colchester C.H.); Megan Jiggins (Honywood); Leanne Stubbings (Great Baddow); Femi Walker (John Bramston); Amy Nash (St. Bernard's, injured); Flo Amess (St. Bernard's, injured).

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