Linfield Girls 09s faced Surf Select in Friday’s Junior Super Cup NI final, and it was a final which will not be forgotten.
All week, the wee Blues were amazing, playing 3 games vs FC America, Ballyclare and USSSA Soccer, scoring 26 goals, and conceding 0.
All of which set up the final against an amazing Surf Select side who were also unbeaten, scoring 22 goals along the way.
The final was a fitting finale to an amazing tournament, where credit to the organisers must not go unmentioned.
Linfield Girls started the game brilliantly, dominating possession in the opening 15 minutes, but found themselves behind from a free kick from top scorer of the tournament Alexa Barajas. That soon turned to 2-0 for Surf Select just before half time.
The girls came out in the 2nd half with ‘fire in their bellies’ and were unfortunate to go 3 down after pinball in the box. The ball fell nicely for Surf, who hammered it into the net. Most teams would be defeated, but not our Girls, who went straight down the pitch and got a goal back through our player of the tournament Charlotte Havern. After a disallowed goal and then hitting the crossbar, Surf scored again making it 4-1, with 7 minutes to play. You'd be forgiven if you thought that was it. However, the character and personality in this Linfield Team is bigger and better than ever before and the Girls got back into the game with goals from Lauren Morrison, Abbie Smyth and 2 from Charlotte Havern.
Unfortunately for the Girls, it was straight to penalties, and not extra time where we all believe the girls would have gone on to win. The luck of the penalties were not on our side as we lost in sudden death 5-6.
A massive congratulations to Surf Select on winning, but our girls definitely won the hearts and plaudits of the couple of hundred fans in attendance due to the courage and battle they showed. They did not only themselves and their families proud, but also the wider Linfield Family.
A massive thank you to all the Linfield fans and board members in attendance yesterday afternoon, and special thanks to Ronnie Morrison and Barry Bloomer Cleaning Services for Sponsoring the girls in the final.
