Phoenix under-nines girls soared to new heights in winning their first piece of silverware to cap a successful debut season.
The girls brought the Horwich St Mary’s Football Festival Plate home to Prestwich, after a thrilling last seconds victory in the final on Saturday 15 June.
Marauders finished third in their group, after holding eventual Festival Champions Cup winners Pex Hill to a 0-0 draw, before being edged out by Haslingden and drawing 1-1 with Woolston, thanks to an expert finish from Orlaith.
The semi-final saw Phoenix drawn against another Haslingden side, who they dispatched 1-0 thanks to a cracking angled finish from Summer, after great work from the outstanding Noe.
Playing Woolston once more in the final, the girls were locked at 1-1 as they entered the last minute. Great work again from Noe put Summer through to score her second of the game and send the girls delirious in celebration.
Player Highlights:
- Isabella: Brilliant goalkeeping, making crucial saves to keep the team in contention.
- Anabell and Grace: Tenacious defending, consistently thwarting the opposition’s attacks.
- Lois: Sensational dribbling and creating opportunities.
- Mia: Was relentless, providing valuable support across the pitch.
- Aoife: Facilitated smooth transitions and set up plays.
- Noe: Had the tournament of her life, assisting her teammates three times with non-stop energy and commitment.
- Summer and Orlaith: Scored the critical goals that ultimately secured Phoenix’s triumph.
