Spot-on Stratford School U13s reach ESFA Playstation 9-a-Side Schools' Cup semi-finals

STRATFORD School’s U13 Girls booked their place in the semi-finals of the ESFA Playstation 9-a-Side Schools’ Cup with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Wilmslow High.

In a thrilling quarter-final clash in Cheshire, both sides were locked at 3-3 after normal time.

Chloe Jones and Ella Taylor Noble were on target for Stratford, who also benefitted from an own goal.

Neither side could be separated after extra-time so the stomach-churning shoot-out awaited. Jones, Noble and Skye Holtom all converted from the spot before captain Clara Zaffignani hit the winning penalty.

Having trailed 2-1 at half-time the squad of Seren Welsh, Holtom, Jones, Marley Wright, Zaffinani, Amaya Atkins, Dita Nicholls, Ella Taylor Noble, Scarlett Burkitt, Ellie Shirley, Matilda Berwick, and Millie Clark put in a determined performance to reach the last four where they will travel to South Hunsley (Melton).

Coach Paul Turrell said: “The girls battled and fought incredibly well in challenging conditions and on a poor playing surface, having faced substantial travel beforehand to get to the game.

“They worked well to manage both the conditions and the pitch, and made some key in-game management decisions at the right times.

“To achieve our fifth national semi-final in the last ten years with three completely different teams is nothing short of phenomenal and I’m incredibly proud to be associated with the team as the coach and manager.”

A date for the semi-final is yet to be confirmed, but the ESFA website says ties are to be played on or before Saturday, 12th March.