Brent 3-0 Croydon
Surrey Schools’ FA, U11 Girls League, 3rd December 2016
Brent’s Under-11 girls’ team entertained Croydon in their fixture of this season’s Surrey Schools’ FA League. The girls had clinched the Championship by winning their previous fixture but were determined to end the competition in style, by finishing with a victory and a fifth consecutive clean sheet.
The battling spirit of Brent led to an early goal in the sixth minute when Shakira Kafero-Roberts shrugged off two defenders to finish calmly at the near post. Brent continued to dominate and were rewarded with a second goal as Shanai Alexander tapped in a loose ball after Croydon were unable to clear Sarah McDermott’s corner.
The second half was a much closer contest. Croydon started to create more chances but were unable to trouble Brent’s keeper, largely thanks to Caitlin Finnerty’s masterful defending. With five minutes remaining, Nicole Njoku displayed the determination that has been key to Brent winning the league by closing down the Croydon winger as the ball bounced towards her, winning the ball and delivering an inch perfect cross for Kafero-Roberts to poke home her second and Brent’s third goal of the game. The match finished 3-0 to Brent meaning they have won the league without losing a match. In addition, they did not concede a goal in any of their final five fixtures.
Coaches Joe Khalfi and Ronan O’Rourke commented, “As well as the goals, seeing the girls rush to close down a shot with twenty seconds left and 3-0 up when already champions, shows exactly why they deserved to win this league. We’re so proud and can’t wait for 2017!”
Player of the Match: Nicole Njoku
Brent: Lauren Thompson, Nicole Njoku, Nia Bowman, Sarah McDermott, Caitlin Finnerty, Katie Angell, Shakira Kafero-Roberts, Maya Pilkington, Donica Torraj, Shanai Alexander.