The William Howard School U13 girls team represented Carlisle United Football Club’s Community Sports Trust in the EFL Girls Cup area finals at Bolton Wanderers last Wednesday, having progressed from the 14-team local competition held in November 2018.
Spectacular saves from the keeper throughout the group stages saw the girls concede just two goals and go through to the knockout stages full of confidence.
The area finals provided a good opportunity for the girls to play against teams that had some very talented individuals who play at a much higher level, out of school.
The team from William Howard showed great character to come back from being 2-0 down against Fleetwood in the semi-finals, and they were all visibly excited to secure their progression to the next stage and to have taken one more step closer to playing on the famous Wembley pitch.
Group Stage:
Accrington 1-0 Carlisle
Bolton 1-3 Carlisle
Bury 0-4 Carlisle
Oldham 1-2 Carlisle ... a penalty, the last kick of the game, gave United their hard-fought victory
Quarter Final:
Carlisle 2-0 Rochdale
Semi Final:
Carlisle beat Fleetwood 9-8 on penalties – three successful penalties each left the teams deadlocked, but six clinical sudden death penalties helped Carlisle to reach the area final.
Final:
Carlisle beat Preston 3-2 on penalties.
PE teacher Reece Davies said: “For the girls from William Howard school to represent Carlisle United at the area event in Bolton was an achievement in itself, but to progress to the northern finals is fantastic.
“After a slow start following an early departure from Carlisle, the girls lost their opening game, but they showed character and determination to bounce back and win their remaining fixtures.
“There were some nervous moments along the way, particularly with the penalty shoot-outs in the semi-finals and final, but the girls thoroughly deserve their place in the next phase.”
Well done to the William Howard under-13 girls for this fantastic achievement – and good luck in the northern finals!