FOOTBALL: Crick Girls U12s win County Cup

Crick Girls U12s were only formed at the end of August last year, yet despite this they managed to win the Northamptonshire County Cup final on Sunday against formidable opposition Gunthorpe Harriers, who top the Cambridgeshire Football League whereas Crick are only in sixth position in the Northamptonshire League.

Following an inspirational pep talk by manager Ian Culbert (wearing a pig wig and tutu honouring his promise at the semi-final!) the girls played their hearts out on Sunday to an appreciative crowd at Northampton Spencer Stadium.

It was a highly competitive match with end to end action. Poppi scored the first goal from a header midway through the first half from a great cross by Morgan. Crick were unable to hold onto the lead at half time as with less than five minutes to go Gunthorpe scored an equaliser from a long ground shot that went past two defenders and between the keeper’s legs.

The second half saw Gunthorpe pile on the pressure but County player Alex managed to score Crick’s second goal, which slid just past the keeper after a rapid counter attack.

With ten minutes to go, Crick battled hard in defence with their coaches’ hearts in their mouths as Gunthorpe were awarded a close range free kick, but it skied the crossbar much to the relief of the Crick fans.

Elated Coach Ian Gidley said: “This is such an incredible achievement for the girls, some of whom only started playing football in July and are an inspiration to other young girls out there.”

Alex was awarded player of the match, Ian was awarded volunteer of the year and proud captain Katie lifted the cup on behalf of the team. So impressive was their performance that Harriet, Isobel, Katie and Morgan were invited to County trials by the Northamptonshire FA coach.

All the girls celebrated on the coach afterwards and at a surprise party put on by team sponsors The Wheatsheaf, Crick. Assistant coach Graham Yaxley exclaimed: “This was such a brilliant day that we will never forget.”