MIDDLESEX STAGE THEIR FIRST EVER MIDDLESEX GIRLS' U18 CUP FINAL
Following the growth of the girls’ game in recent seasons, Middlesex FA decided to re-introduce their own girls’ cup competitions, to replace the Capital Girls’ Cups, which spanned several County FAs. We staged all four of the finals at our Rectory Park HQ on Saturday, 7th May. The last game of the day was the Under 18 Cup final between London City Lionesses Kent and Ruislip Rangers Girls Clarets. This game was significant because Middlesex FA have broken new ground this season by introducing a cup competition for their under 18 girls’ teams.
7 teams entered this cup, which is supported by Football Flick.
London City Lionesses drew a bye in the quarter-final and beat Broomwood FC (Youth) Amazons 7-3 away in the semi-final.
Ruislip Rangers enjoyed 2-0 home victories in both their semi-final and quarter-final ties. Their opponents were Borehamwood 2000 and then Kinja Youth Girls Hailstorm.
London City Lionesses play in the Capital Girls League and Ruislip Rangers in the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League.
The first half of this entertaining match was scoreless. The Lionesses took the lead immediately after the interval and added a second goal midway through the second half. Rangers pulled a goal back with 8 minutes of normal time remaining.
The teams seized each other up in the opening 15 minutes before the Lionesses started to put Rangers under pressure, with Ellie Denham prominent. Ellie was thwarted by a good saving tackle by Rangers’ centre back, Lauren McCarthy and then she brought a good diving save from keeper, Diva Shah.
Lionesses were now playing some excellent passing football. Chiedza Madamombe hit a close-range shot wide. Winger Darcey Hobbs went closer, bouncing her shot on the crossbar. Chiedza hit a low shot on the turn, which was saved.
At the other end, Rangers’ top scorer, Krystal Follett had a shot blocked and Amy Hayes’ long shot was saved by keeper, Eisha Atwal.
Lionesses continued to press and the Rangers’ defence performed well, blocking several promising moves. Custodian Diva Shah’s handling was excellent.
A fine team move set up Ellie Denham but Diva made a good save. Jessica Lewis made a run, shaking off a tackle, before testing Diva with a fierce drive.
Score at half time: London City Lionesses 0 Ruislip Rangers 0
The Lionesses started the second half with a move involving Milly Driscoll, Chiedza Madamombe and Jessica Lewis. Diva Shah saved Jessica’s shot.
However, Lionesses took the lead inside 2 minutes, through Chiedza Madamombe, who finished another good move.
Lionesses left winger, Eleanor Walker’s shot was deflected for a corner
Rangers’ Ciara Moore shot narrowly wide as she was challenged by Ellie Dolby
Chiedza made a great turn to deliver a shot. Then Diva made a superb take from Ellie Denham’s corner kick.
At the other end of the pitch, Ellie Denham made an important tackle on Annabel Hemmings, who was in the act of shooting.
Lioness Abbie Davis won the ball in a tackle and advanced on goal. Diva Shah saved her shot. Diva then made another good save from Chiedze’s well struck drive, at the expense of a corner.
Chiedze won an aerial duel with keeper Diva Shah to head the Lionesses’ second goal in the 67th minute.
A low drive from Annabel Hemmings was saved by the Lionesses keeper.
Diva Shah then made excellent saves from Darcey Hobbs and from Jessica Lewis.
Krystal Follett’s broke through and scored to reduce Ruislip Rangers’ deficit in the 82nd minute.
Final score: London City Lionesses 2 Ruislip Rangers 1
The Guest of Honour for this match was Leah Godfrey, who is the Chair of the Capital Girls’ League. Leah presented the Cup and individual mementoes after the game. She chose Ruislip Rangers goalkeeper, Diva Shah as Player of the Match.
The match attendance was 145
London City Lionesses: Eisha Atwal, Milly Driscoll, Isabel Curtis Barnes, Ellie Dolby, Alice Hughes, Ellie Denham, Darcey Hobbs, Ivana Kuzmanovski, Chiedza Madamombe, Salena Sareen and Eleanor Walker.
Rolling substitutes: Abbie Davies, Jessica Lewis, Courtney Gleeson, Aoife Onraet and Megan Rose.
Manager: Edward Gallacher Coaches: Luke Arayo and Juan Valencia
Ruislip Rangers: Diva Shah, Rachel Lamb, Ellie Wright, Amiola Chainani, Ciara Gowen, Lauren McCarthy, Krystal Follett, Ciara Moore, Annabel Hemmings, Kirsty Young and Megan Sargent.
Rolling substitutes: Charlotte Workman, Amy Hayes, Eloise Linklater, Grace Grantham and Ellen Atkinson.
Manager: Mick McCarthy Coaches: Damon Wright and John Gowen
Referee: Ian Braithwaite Assistant Referees: Niall O’Kane and Mark Brookes Fourth Official: Michael Corcoran.
We thank Chris and Jim for joining us for the full day of Finals, Chris and Jim have selected some of their favourite shots from the match, Chris has also kindly provided a full album of imagery from the match.
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