U11 Panthers win 2024 Surrey Girls’ League Cup
Fleet Town FC’s U11 Panthers lifted the Surrey County Girls’ League Cup on Sunday 17th March after a successful, season-long campaign and a hard-fought, 3-2 win in the final against the excellent Kew Park Rangers (KPR).
Sixty-five U11 girls’ teams entered the competition and getting to the final was already a fantastic achievement, so we knew that the match would be very competitive and a challenge for our team.
On Sunday, 10 of our Panthers travelled to Twickenham in the rain. We knew we’d be up against a great team who, like us, had won their previous 5 matches.
Luckily, our girls aren’t intimidated by a bit (or a lot) of mud. Despite the conditions we pressed hard and were able to score first, putting us 1-0 up at half time.
Another goal followed for us early in the second half. But KPR soon rallied and their number 9 scored a great goal, taking the score to 2-1. Unfortunately she was injured while taking the shot and we wish her a speedy recovery.
The match culminated with an exciting final 3 minutes which saw KPR score from a free kick to equalise, followed only a minute later by a penalty goal for Panthers securing us the win.
This match is a great example of how our girls work together with determination to succeed, whether it’s against other talented players or against less than ideal weather and pitch conditions. The team all put in a great effort and congratulations to Elsie Calder on her hat trick, aided by our formidable mid-field, solid defence and excellent goalkeeper.
What a result! All the hard work this season is paying off thanks to Coach Chris Balchin and Assistant Danny McCann, all the girls who played in this and previous Cup matches: Olive, Amelia, Maya, Hana, Isabel, Lucy, Isla, Savannah, Connie, Edith, Seren, Rebee and Elsie, as well as the support of newest team member Antonina and all the parents.
Chris Balchin said: “I couldn’t be prouder of all the girls who played a huge part in a truly brilliant cup run.”
Cup Game Results
Round 1 vs Mole valley – 7-1
Round 2 vs Fleet Town FC Pumas – 3-1
Round 3 vs Walton and Hersham – 7-1
Quarter final vs Met Police Reds 4-2
Semi final vs Barnes Eagles – 5-0
Final vs KPR Blues – 3-2
