County Finals
The SCD u16 and u18 girls football teams had both reached their respective County Cup Finals, kindly hosted by Harpenden Town FC.
The u16 team faced Sandringham and were unfortunate to make a slow start to the game, finding themselves 4-0 down. Sandringham had been highly clinical with their opportunities and this score did not reflect the more equal balance of the game. St Clement Danes grew into the match and forged a number of good opportunities. Just prior to half time, Abi C made the breakthrough and the teams went in at half time with the score at 4-1.
The second half saw a dominant display from SCD, with strong performances from Chloe H in central midfield and some more assertive defending from Lois E at right back. There were a number of chances created and further goals from Abi C and Nisha E put the score at 4-3. The game was an exciting game of two halves for the spectators and the SCD team pushed for the equaliser. Unfortunately, the fourth goal was a step too far and Sandringham held on to be County Champions. A number of lessons learned from a talented squad who will go again next year for the title.
The u18 final was the following week and against Beaumont School. This senior game was the final game for 3 students who have committed to school football for the last 7 years; Matilda B, Yahvi T and Katie W. Beaumont started the game strongly and found themselves 2-0 up after two well engineered attacks down the left hand side. St Clement Danes were able to pull a goal back via Matilda B, but this was quickly responded to by yet another Beaumont goal.
St Clement Danes were still strongly competing in the game, Katie W had a strong performance, drifting in off the wing, towards the centre of midfield which led to a change of shape which aided the team. Katie W scored to bring the team back within touching distance. The team then managed to find an equaliser through Matilda B and were creating further chances which were putting Beaumont under pressure. The game was looking likely to go to extra time before Katie W won a free kick on the edge of the area. Katie W struck an excellent free kick which looked to be making the top right corner before clipping the post. In the dying seconds of regular time, a long ball reached the Beaumont striker who used their pace to round the goalkeeper and score. It was an unfortunate end to a hard fought comeback performance, but Beaumont were the Cup winners.
We wish the three Y13's all the best in their future footballing endeavours, and hope the team can be back next year to make another final!
