Andover New Street Youth U18 girls made history by clinching the Hampshire County Cup, defeating Winchester City Flyers Falcons.
New Street, sponsored by The Larkhill Space Station and All Aces Couriers, defeated Falcons 6-1 to lift the title.
This was only their second triumph in the tournament's 100-year history.
The match kicked off with both teams evenly matched, but the game quickly intensified. Ten minutes in, Amelia Riley delivered a precise through ball to Chloe Sheffield, who managed to beat the keeper on her second attempt, putting Andover 1-0 up.
However, the joy was short-lived as Winchester’s No. 10 split Andover's defense, setting up their striker, who followed up her own shot after a superb fingertip save by Izzy Angel onto the crossbar to tap home to make the score level.
Throughout the first half, the game saw Andover’s defence, including Maisy Aldridge, Lottie Spottiswood, Adela Checova, and Leah Strange, put up a solid front, making it challenging for Winchester to penetrate.
Changes by Andover’s coaches on the half-hour saw Mills Bellotti and Casey Foster coming on, adding fresh energy to the lineup.
The second half continued with high intensity. After some tactical substitutions, Andover began dominating.
In the 58th minute, Irene Agauado’s driving run resulted in Chloe Sheffield scoring her second goal with a calm finish.
The team maintained pressure, and, by the 62nd minute, Leah Strange fired in from 20 yards out, finding the bottom corner and putting Andover New Street 3-1 up.
The match's turning point came in the 70th minute when Amelia Riley’s cross led to a defensive error from Winchester, allowing Charli to set up Summer for a spectacular 30-yard lob. The goal embodied the team's spirit and skill, significantly shifting the momentum in Andover's favour.
Andover's relentless assault continued, and in the 89th minute, Chloe Sheffield completed her hat-trick.
The game concluded with a brave header from Freya Twigg in the final moments, marking Andover's sixth goal and sealing their victory as the Hampshire Cup winners.
The final whistle was a cue for celebrations, with Andover New Street praising their exceptional teamwork and the strategic genius of their coaching staff.
Player of the Match was awarded to the impressive Charli Wright, who, without her selfless running and overall outstanding performance, the score could well have been different.
The final award was given to Andover New Street's top scorer Chloe Sheffield, who scored three goals in the cup final and deservedly won the match ball.
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