Watford Ladies FC have another trophy to add to their bulging cabinet after the U16 Hornets beat Knebworth Tigresses to clinch the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League Senior League Cup.
The final, which was played at the Metropolitan Bushey Sports Club, was a closely fought tie between the top two in the HGFPL Division 1 and saw Knebworth take an early lead.
Watford fought hard but the equalising goal just wouldn't come with the score 1-0 at the break. As the second half rolled on Watford created more and more chances, and finally got their reward as Ella Simpson beat her defender, cut into the box and shot across the ‘keeper into the bottom corner to bring the tie level.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the remainder of the half and as the teams mentally prepared for penalties Watford won a corner. The ball was flicked up by a Knebworth defender, and as it fell into a crowded penalty area Amelia Hunt was quickest to react and prodded it into the net to give the Hornets victory and wrap up their season in style.
Meanwhile the U18 Warriors produced a big win over South Coast rivals AFC Stoneham in a pulsating Junior Premier League encounter at Parmiter’s School.
With a squad severely depleted by injury, Watford had the worst possible start as they conceded within two minutes. They rallied well though and got stronger as the first half went on, with striker Mia Gregory a constant threat.
After the break Alice Musgrove scored her first goal of the season to bring the home side level. Less than 10 minutes later Watford took the lead as Gregory was brought down in the box and Summer Small coolly fired home from the penalty spot. High-flying Stoneham then hit the post before Small powered a trademark long-range freekick beyond the ‘keeper to make it 3-1.
The visitors, looking to complete a league double over the Hertfordshire side, hit back straight away for 3-2. Watford goalkeeper Neve Mulrooney made some crucial saves, and late in the game pushed a fierce shot onto the post as the Warriors hung on to claim all three points in what was a gritty, determined performance against the odds.