On Sunday, June 21, Hull Schools under-13 girls travelled to Sixways Stadium in Worcester to face Poole and East Dorset in the final of the English Schools FA National Cup Plate.
The spectators, both in the stadium and watching the live stream at home, were treated to an absolute thriller in sweltering conditions.
The game started badly for Hull, who went 3-0 down in the first half, with the girls playing far below the high standards they have set this season. Dorset were dominating and looked totally in control.
Hull had to dig deep and managed to steady things and pull a goal back just before half-time. The goal started with some terrific battling from Ella Barrow in midfield. She harassed the opposition and turned over possession before putting a perfectly weighted ball through to Maja Szczerbiak, who finished well.
Half-time was an opportunity for some honest reflection and an acknowledgement that the girls needed to up their game. And they certainly did that!
The second half saw a dominant display by Hull and a thrilling comeback. Frankie Jackson showed some superb footwork in the box for Hull’s second goal.
Hull continued to pile on the pressure and deservedly brought the game level with a long-range effort into the top corner from Ella Barrow. A real beauty of a goal!
Hull still did not let up and were unlucky not to get the winner when Frankie hit the post in the dying minutes. Hull were also awarded a penalty with just seconds to go. However, after running her blood to water and being so influential in pulling Hull back into the game, Ella was unable to find the back of the net.
Penalties it was!
The penalty shoot-out was no less thrilling than the match itself. After all 10 outfield players from each team had taken a penalty, the score stood at 9-9 and it was over to the goalkeepers.
First up was Hull’s Harriett Tomlinson, who was distraught when she scuffed her shot and put it wide. Dorset looked poised to celebrate, but Harriett thwarted them by regaining her composure to save her opposite number’s shot.
Then it was Frankie, who slotted home her second penalty as coolly as you like, putting the pressure back on Dorset.
The Dorset captain was next up and the pressure told as she smashed her shot against the crossbar.
Jubilant celebrations followed from the Hull girls, who absolutely deserved the victory.
This rounded off what has been a historic season for the team. They added this national title to the Yorkshire Cup, which they won on May 17 by beating Leeds Schools 1-0 in the final.
This is a huge milestone for girls’ football in the area. Never before has a Hull Schools girls’ representative team won a national final, while no Hull Schools representative team, boys or girls, had reached one since 2012.
The double is a massive achievement which may not be replicated for years to come.
Sunday’s team, made up of the finest players from across the city, contained four current or former AFC Preston players in Harriett Tomlinson, Ella Barrow, Olivia Grey and Poppy Robson.
The girls have done the city proud.
The players and their families would like to give a huge thank you to coaches James, Mark and Mike. Without these men voluntarily giving up their time to run the team, it would not be possible for the girls to achieve what they have achieved.
Memories are being made for the girls and their families that will last a lifetime.