The U11 North Devon finals are a big moment in the local football calendar, representing a chance for the winners of October’s local heats to lock horns in an exciting showcase of local girls' football.

 

The finals, usually held at Kingsley School, but this year hosted at Tarka Leisure Centre, are fiercely contested, with strong teams packed with local grassroots and academy talents. 

 

Southmead went into the finals in a confident mood, with many of the squad remaining from last season’s Y3 / 4 triumph, bolstered by some strong players from Year 6. The signs were good: a beautiful sunny spring day and a relaxed, excited feel on the team bus.

 

The group stage was a tense, tight affair, with most of the short games decided by a single goal. Southmead came through with three wins and a draw and some dominant displays that put us top of the group and through to the final three.

 

The reliable trio of Macie A in goal, Martha F and captain Nancy N in defence provided aggression and rock solid stability, while Esme J and Sophie T offered intelligence, tenacity and ingenuity in the centre of the park. Out wide, Lana L, Bella-Blue S and Freda S were constantly troubling defenders with their pressing and willingness to drive forward, while striker Maggie T’s energy and goal threat set the tempo for the rest of the team.

 

The final three would consist of us, Pilton Bluecoats and our good friends and friendly rivals at Caen, against whom we played an epic and highly memorable regional heat in October, which we lost agonisingly after extra time on sudden death penalties.

 

Southmead vs Caen was first up. With October still fresh in the girl’s minds, they were quick out of the blocks, knowing they’d have to bring their A-game against a team packed with experience and high-level talent. It was a truly exceptional match of football - fast, intense, skilful and aggressive with Nancy, Esme and Martha working together expertly to nullify Caen’s attack. Both sides carved out chances, with Macie making a critical 1-v-1 save in the dying moments to keep the game level. Full time, 0-0 and two minutes of extra time with penalties looking like an inevitability. Then, a quickly-taken long throw from Bella-Blue fell straight to the feet of Maggie, time seemed to slow down as she pulled her leg back and unleashed a rocket into the roof of the net from distance, to spark wild celebrations and seal a famous victory.

 

With Caen beating Pilton in the next game, Southmead knew victory over Pilton in the final match would secure a first ever Year 5 / 6 trophy. Despite enjoying the majority of the play and carving out some excellent chances, an excellent display from the Pilton goalie and a fantastic breakaway goal handed Southmead their first loss and resulted into a nail-biting three-way penalty shootout to decide the winners.

 

Bella-Blue set the agenda with a powerful, accurate drive into the corner, giving the keeper no chance. Then it was 'The Macie Show' - first saving a penalty, before dusting herself down to take one herself, powering high into the net. With both Caen and Pilton having missed a penalty, we had a golden chance to score and win. The pressure was phenomenal. After discussing who felt confident, it was Martha who showed the bravery and belief to seize the moment and step up to the spot. With a puff of her cheeks, she took two steps forward and hammered it into the top corner. 

 

Southmead had done it! The celebrations were out of this world, the explosion of energy, emotion and joy that greeted Martha’s penalty was something that will stick with us all for a long time. It was no less than their Herculean efforts deserved.

 

And while the inspiring win was secured by the nine girls who came to the tournament on the day, the win itself belongs to all our Southmead Football Girls. To the thirteen girls who trained so hard and to such a high standard every Tuesday afternoon to get us ready for the tournament. To the 30+ girls who braved training in all conditions from September until January, who helped us create an atmosphere of fun and pride in being a Southmead girl.

 

Off we go to the Devon finals at the FA Headquarters in May, with the chance to become the best team in the county.

 

Southmead Girls rule!