The DGS U16 Football Team came back twice from being behind to eventually win the game 5-3 in added extra time in a highly contested game against Redborne Upper School in the English Schools FA Cup.

The game started off at a high tempo with Redborne opening the scoring 15 minutes into the game when our defence struggled to clear the ball and the opposition striker poked the ball into the net. DGS responded by creating a flurry of chances but were unable to score. They were eventually rewarded for their efforts when striker Grace Beardsley bundled the ball into the back of the net. Half time 1-1.

The second half started with the same intensity as the first. Both teams had their chances, and the game began to open up with both goalkeepers being called into action. A fantastic long-range effort from Redborne's left winger gave goalkeeper Violet no chance and once again left DGS trailing. 2-1.

The team re-grouped, knowing they would have to dig deep if they were going to pull the game back. The back line stayed tight and played some great through-balls for Linda and Grace to chase down. We reaped our reward when Summer Hawkins powered the ball home with an edge of the box effort bringing the score to 2-2. With just less than 10 minutes to go, Daisy scored a stunner from outside of the box as she hit the ball on her second touch, swerving nicely into the top corner. With the game now 3-2, DGS needed to keep their discipline and shape; we dropped Summer in to support the back line and we tried to keep hold of the ball. Redborne chased every pass and eventually got hold of the ball down the left and the same player recreated a similar goal with another long-distance lob with minutes to spare, leaving DGS stunned.

With the game at 3-3 at full-time, we had 20 minutes of extra time to grab the win. The girls stuck to the game plan, keeping the ball on the floor, and letting the ball do the work as legs began to tire. Amelia was pivotal in keeping hold of the ball before laying it off to Lily Black, who crossed the ball for Linda to finish. We knew we had to stay solid at the back but also have an outlet to avoid having to soak up unnecessary pressure if we were going to see this game out, and we did just that. With Redborne beginning to fatigue, a through-ball left Grace one-on-one with the keeper to slot the ball home. The final whistle was greeted with scenes of tears, cheers and relief as parents, grandparents and staff saw the nail-biting and exhilarating game of football come to a close. Every single player in the squad played their part with exceptional performances against a very strong Redborne squad and I couldn't be more proud of all the girls for their performance.

Special mentions must go to: midfielder Summer Hawkins who was all over the pitch and had a phenomenal work-rate even in extra added time; Freya Corcoran who goes from strength to strength with every match: she was solid at left-back and played some great out-balls; and striker Grace Beardsley who scored two well-taken goals. 

Linda relieved oppositions player of the match for her work horse performance and dangerous runs in the final third. 

The girls look forward to seeing who they will host in the last 16 draw of the national cup. 

Our focus now turns to the County Cup where we have been drawn against Cheney in the semi-final.