In perfect conditions both teams had high hopes of lifting the coverted Tesco Cup . Mill Lane had battled passed Malet Lambert and Costello their closest league rivals in the previous rounds of the competition and were determined to bring back the first bit of silverware available to Beverley.
The game started in sensational fashion when from the Hessle kick off the Mill Lane front two of Jodie Brown and Keely Forward harried and pressed to claim possession and quick interpassing between Emma Smith and fellow midfielder Emma Johnson got Smith free in the penalty area were she hit a right foot shot passed the Hessle keeper to give the Beverley side the lead in 15 seconds.
Shell shocked after conceding the early goal Hessle struggled to get out of their own half and after a firm tackle from Tonya Storr on the edge of the area won Mill Lane possesion, the ball rebounded to Brown whos un-selfish pass found Smith on the 18 yard line ,controlling the ball in an instant Smith confidently smashing the ball into the bottom left hand corner to make it 2 0 after 5 minutes. Mill Lane were playing with confidence and were keen to make their pressure count and several half chances were created, but good goalkeeping and last ditch tackling kept the Beverley side out.
At the other end Mill Lane defence was in outstanding form with full back Charlotte Holliday showing up well with excellant cover defence and ball distribution ably assisted by Captain Emily Holliday, Chloe Bell and Chloe Johnstone. Finally the pressure told a fine pass from Emily Holliday found sister Charlotte in space quickly getting the ball under control before finding Emma Smith 10 yards from half way, Smith then released rampaging striker Keely Forward in to the Hessle half, racing 40 yards into the penalty area Forward unleached a tremendous right foot shot passed the stranded Hessle keeper to complete a stunning 80 yard move and give Mill Lane a deserved 3 0 lead inside 15 minutes.
Credit to Hessle who could have wilted under the constant barrage, but they gradually got themselves in to Mill Lanes half and produced 2 excellant corners were the ever alert Mill Lane goalkeeper Emily Hood kept Hessle out with two fine saves. The game was now end to end with Hessle trying to get back into the game, but it was the Beverley sides class that shone through as they scored 2 more goals before half time the first from Tonya Storr gaining her just reward after some bone crunching tackles and the other from Millie O’Neill after a great through ball from full back Charlotte Holliday.
The half time whistle went with Mill Lane having a commanding 5 goal lead. Mill Lane manager Tony Storr introduced substitutes Hannah Smith, Lucy Crockett, Amy Radford and Courtney Fee at half time.
The second half started much like the first with the Beverley side continuing to create chances and enjoy the lions share of possesion. As the second half progressed Hessle started to press and gain more possesion in Mill Lanes half without creating any clear cut chances and the final 2 goals went to Mill Lane. The sixth goal and her second of the night fell to Tonya Storr after following a shot on goal by substitute Courtney Fee and the last of the game a shot from the edge of the area from Emma Johnson to give Mill lane a deserved 7 0 victory and the Tesco Cup.
The victory for Mill Lane United was built on desire not just to win, but also not to concede a goal which was typified by substitute Lucy Crockett whos chase back and tackle 2 minutes from time to halt a dangerous Hessle attack typified the Mill Lanes team spirit. THE WHOLE OF THE MILL LANE UNITED TEAM WAS OUTSTANDING with the work rate of Tonya Storr, Charlotte Holliday, Emma Johnson and Emma Smith exceptional.
Thanks to this years team sponsors Wilde Landscaping of East Hull and Imerys Minerals LTD of Beverley .The team are looking for sponsors for their summers tournaments please contact manager Tony Storr for more details 07576 466213 (all donations will be greatly appreciated by the girls as they travel the country representing East Yorkshire)
Team celebration photo attached : top row left to right Tony Storr (coach) Emma Smith,Courtney Fee,Chloe Johnstone,Chloe Bell ,Emily Hood,Jodie Brown,Emma Johnson,Hannah Smith bottom row left to right Amy Radford,Lucy Crockett,Keely Forward,Emily Holliday(captain),Millie O’Neill,Charlotte Holliday,Tonya Storr (managers man of the match Emma Smith for 2 goals and total commitment performance and players man of the match Charlotte Holliday for excellant ball distribution and cover defence)
More match pictures click here
