Monteagle Shield 2008/9
Winners - Godwin Primary
GODWIN PRIMARY SCHOOL lifted the Monteagle Shield for the second time as Hollie Ross's third minute strike gave them a narrow victory over old rivals St Joseph's in the final. It was the Barking Ladies player's fourth goal of the tournament and added the borough six-a-side crown to the regional County title won earlier in the season.
Earlier in the day, Group One began with a well-contested tie between Godwin and Dorothy Barley. Goals from Jodie Moore and Ross edged a 2-0 victory for the eventual winners whilst Barley bounced back to record the same score-line against St Margaret's.
Confidence
Full of confidence, Godwin swept past St Margaret's with the best football of the day. At times, their passing game was exemplary and Ross struck again to earn an early lead. It was two shortly after, when Cara Harris's stunning solo run ended with her goal-bound shot being prodded over the line by Moore, who added to her tally in the closing stages to make it 3-0.
Godwin then achieved the same score-line against Dorothy Barley, courtesy of Briony Hagger's brace and a further strike from Ross. At the other end, Sarah-Louise Sach performed heroics in the Godwin goal, repelling a series of thunderous shots from the Barley strike-force.
That set up a barnstorming play-off for the group runners-up spot, with St Margaret's taking a surprise lead direct from a free kick. But the Webster twins, Chloe and Ellie, rallied Dorothy Barley with some dazzling wing play and precision in front of goal in a game that seesawed from beginning to end. Eventually, the scoring ended at 3-2 to Dorothy Barley to book their place in the semi-finals.
Godwin, also assured of progression to the final four, stuttered in a lackluster performance in the final group game against St Margaret's. Moore finished two well-crafted goals in an otherwise disappointing performance as fatigue threatened to set in.
Lively
Meanwhile, in Group Two, William Bellamy proved to be the draw specialists with goalless games against Rush Green and Monteagle, followed by a lively 1-1 encounter with St Joseph's.
Monteagle then slipped to two 1-0 reverses against their remaining opponents, whilst St Joseph's, powered forward by Megan King and District skipper Elicia Wells, earned two hard-fought wins to top the group, with Rush Green in second spot.
The semi-finals saw two exciting matches with Dorothy Barley taking the lead against St Joseph's. But a spirited fight back resulted in St Joseph's powering to a 3-1 victory in a game that either side could have won.
Godwin left it late against last year's champions Rush Green. Struggling to get into their stride against some fierce defending. They met a formidable opponent in keeper Emma Lancaster who snuffed out any threat when it came.
However, in the closing stages, Chanel Sinclair, Moore and Hagger combined superbly on the left before Hagger's centre picked out Harris on the edge of the penalty area. She in turn drove the ball into the bottom corner for a well-crafted winner.
Showdown
That set up a showdown between Godwin and the only borough side to beat them this year.
St Joseph's began with intent and the defensive pairing of Sinclair and Amber Wallace were forced into several last-ditch challenges in the early stages.
However, the final was settled after strong approach play found Ross unmarked in the area. Her first attempt cannoned off the keeper's legs but the desperate follow-up saw the ball squeeze over the line to capture Godwin's second major title of the season.
Godwin: Sach, Wallace, Sinclair, Moore, Harris (capt), Ross, Hagger.
