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Inspired by Brent hero Raheem Sterling, who scored a hattrick at Wembley the night before, Brent’s Under-12 girls added to the Camden and Regents Park League Cup to their league title, winning a tense encounter with Regent’s Park.
For much of the match, this Final was too close to call up and Brent led 1-0 going into the last 15 minutes. It was then that Brent’s relentless pressure finally paid off and a late flurry of goals eventually gave them a 5-0 victory.
In an exciting encounter which was a great advert for girls’ football, Brent’s top goalscorer Scout Waddington opened the scoring when she received a superb cross from the right wing Chloe O’Donoghue and smashed the ball into the net.
Brent piled on the pressure, but the Regent’s Park goalkeeper made a string of fine saves. Although pinned back, Regents Park broke on the counter-attack and Brent ‘keeper Milly May Blue pulled off a superb save to keep her team in front.
Overall though, Brent were on top with Keely Dibley Dias and Sophie Kew not only defending brilliantly but also starting Brent’s attacks by playing out from the back. Apollonia Margetson in midfield helped to keep Brent in control of the game but the closeness of the scoreline inspired Regent’s Park as they fought hard to get the equaliser. The Brent girls kept their composure and midway through a competitive second half, Waddington fizzed in a shot that looked goalbound when the Regents Park ‘keeper made another great save. This time, skipper Giussepina Carnavale reacted quickest in the box and emphatically drove an unstoppable thunderbolt into the roof of the net to give Brent some breathing space at 2-0.
The second goal made a difference as Brent sensed that the win was within reach. Keely Dibley Dias passed to O’Donoghue, who dribbled down the wing before curling over an inviting cross which Waddington volleyed into the top corner for 3-0.
Brent rang the changes introducing Kathleen Ferreira on the wing and Elizabeth Ulusele into midfield and both made an instant impact with Ferreira causing havoc dribbling down the wing and setting up attack after attack. Ferreira passed to Laiba Mir who slipped the ball to Carnavale who from an acute angle drove the ball into the top corner to make it 4 and Ferreira was involved again collecting a pass from Raaya Mackintosh before dribbling into the box cutting the ball back to Ulusele to pass the ball into the net and complete the scoring.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo remarked: ” It is really exciting to see girls football developing so much in Brent. The girls have worked really hard and this is only their second season together. They are a fantastic group and have done Brent proud”
Squad: Giuseppina Carnavale (capt), Sophie Kew, Chloe O’Donoghue , Elizabeth Ulusele, Apolonia Margetson, Kathleen Ferreira, Laiba Mir, Raaya Mackintosh, Scout Waddington, Milly May Blue, Keely Dibley-Dias,
Brent Under-11 girls put on their best performance of the season in a very competitive game away to St Albans. Georgie Stone opened the scoring for Brent. The hosts equalised then Olivia MacArthur scored a brilliant individual goal. Pele defended well for Brent as they piled on the pressure. Keenda Albakadlah was superb in attack but Brent just could get the vital next goal. Eventually St Albans rallied and got the upper hand giving them a 6-2 victory. Brent coach Patricia Taylor ” Thank you to St Albans for being such great hosts. The girls played really well today. I am very proud of them”
Brent U11 girls next play in a tournament on 30 March. The U12 girls also play in a tournament with a possible treble available.
Elsewhere, Brent U14 boys opened the scoring but crashed out of the London Cup going down 4-1 away to a strong Redbridge team.
In an evenly matched game with both teams going for the win, Brent Under-11 boys went down 2-1 away to Barking & Dagenham.