CREDITON Youth FC Girls sides came away from the recent Devon Girls League Cup Finals day, held at Tiverton High School, with both the Under 12 and Under 14 sides as the league cup winners.
This completed an amazing league and cup double for both age groups.
The Under 12’s faced Buckland Athletic in their final and got off to a great start when Bethany Ebdy put them a goal up in the opening minutes.
Despite lots of pressure and creating lots of chances, and ‘keeper Ella Usher hardly making a save, the Crediton girls just could not get the much-needed second goal.
The second half saw Buckland begin strongly and start to create a few chances. But half-way through the second half, player of the match Kaitlyn Rickard lobbed the Buckland ‘keeper to put Crediton 2-0 up.
The Buckland coaches then changed their formation and really pushed for the equaliser. Within minutes they had pulled a goal back, which made for a tense end to the game, although Crediton still had the odd breakaway chance.
But overall it was felt that Crediton Youth has been the better side and deserved to complete their league and cup double.
UNDER 14’S
After their County Cup final defeat at Coach Road, Newton Abbot, the Under 14’s girls went into their league cup final against Plymouth Phoenix very determined to achieve a Devon Girls League and Cup double.
During the first half Crediton started very strong with a flurry of chances and dominating possession and restricting Plymouth to very little opportunities.
As they went into half-time 0-0, Crediton were keen to get the first goal.
Twenty minutes into the second half Chloe Hartrey, scoring a breathtaking volley from the edge of the box, gave the goalkeeper no chance which finally broke the deadlock.
Within a few minutes Phoenix had equalised following some indecision in the Crediton defence, which then lead to a goal-line scramble and the ball ending up in the back of the net.
Soon after Crediton fought back again with another goal when Talitha Roche cut in from left and got an early shot away to score at the near post with 15 minutes remaining.
Crediton continued to create chances but still at times had to defend solidly as Phoenix pushed for the equaliser, but they just could not find a way through and Crediton ran out 2-1 winners. Another superb team effort.
The match capped a fantastic season for Under 14’s girls, to complete a League and cup double and finish runners-up in County Cup Final.
It has been a very long season for them, but having only lost two of their 26 matches is a massive achievement for the squad.
UNDER 10’S
Crediton Youth Under 10’s girls also took part in a round robin tournament held on final’s day.
They were really pleased to finish runners-up to a very strong Central Youth side.
A big thank you goes to the parents, supporters and coaches of the Crediton Youth girls sides for their support in what has been such a wonderful year for all of the clubs girls sides.