Godwin Woe In Essex Cup Final

AFTER DEFEAT IN last year’s Essex Cup Finals day, Godwin girls returned to the Arsenal Academy in Hale End once again to pit their wits against the other regional qualifiers for the overall county title.

The Finnymore Road side were always going to find it tough against Essex’s elite although their fighting spirit and determination shone throughout. This was typified in the first game of the afternoon when Louise Dove’s scintillating wing-play saw her penetrate Felsted’s defence as she advanced down the right flank. Dove’s pinpoint centre was met by Briony Hagger’ deft first-time finish to give her side an early lead.

From then on, it was backs-to-the-wall time as Godwin’s talented opponents laid siege to the goal. Superb defending from Ewura-Esi Simpson and Hollie Ross kept them at bay for much of the time but slack marking gifted Felsted an equaliser with only minutes remaining.

In the second match of the afternoon, against St Mary’s, Godwin hit their stride. Dove, Morgan-Lilly Duffield and Faith Efemwen were belligerent in midfield, denying their opponents space and time, whilst creating chances for their team. Hagger went close twice and Efemwen saw her goal-bound shot well saved as Godwin unsuccessfully toiled to prevent the eventual 0-0 draw.

In Godwin’s final match against Woodside, victory for either team would have handed them the title.

Consequently, a barnstorming encounter ensued with both sides gunning for glory. The tireless running of Dove and Duffield brought a constant menace, and Hagger’s predatory instincts threatened as a number of half-chances went begging.

At the other end, keeper Amber Young performed superbly in goal, a stunning one-handed save keeping her team in contention.

In the end though, an unstoppable shot from mid-range won it for the Thurrock side in a narrow 1-0 win. And whilst Godwin were left in a disappointing third position, the pride and quality of their play suggested silverware will come their way if they continue to perform like that for the rest of the season

Godwin: Fisher, Young, Ross, Dove, Hagger (capt), Efemwen, Duffield, Simpson.