Shenfield High's under-12 girls finished third at the National 5-a-side finals

Under-12 girls edged out at 5-a-side finals

Shenfield High School’s under-12 girls won bronze medals at the National 5-a-side finals in Derby.

Having won the Mid-Essex district and South East regional competitions, Shenfield defeated Didcot School in their first match thanks to a Chloe Eastwell goal.

Shenfield came from a goal down to win their second match 3-1, thanks to goals from Shannon Drewe, Sophie Nyiro and Maizie Garwood.

And a goalless draw with West Bridgford saw them top their round-robin group and book a meeting with Broadstone Middle School from Dorset.

Drewe’s goal, after a fine team move, put Shenfield ahead, but Broadstone levelled before half-time.

Eastwell restored Shenfield’s lead, but was later adjudged to have touched the ball in the box and Broadstone netted a penalty to force extra time.

Broadstone took the lead with two minutes left and, after Drewe saw a late shot come back off a post, went through to the final where they beat Thomas Telford School to lift the title.

Proud Shenfield coach Sharley Smith said: “The girls have done so well to finish third in the country.

“We were so close to making the final, but we will learn a lot from this great experience and look to better this finish in future football competitions.”

Squad: Ellen Hoad, Sophie Nyiro, Sadie Kirrane, Maizie Garwood, Chloe Eastwell, Sophie Clarke , Shannon Drewe, Olivia Gibbons.