Mill Lane United Yellows fell at the last hurdle in the National Girls Football Tournament At Skelmersdale.
An early start saw the girls leaving at 6.30am and this showed in the early games as they struggled to get to the pace of the games in the hot conditions as they drew and lost their first two games.The Yellows knew only victory in their last three games would be enough to guarantee a semi final spot.
A 4 1 victory against Wigan Athletic gave the Yellows confidence followed by a comfortable 3 0 victory against Dynamo Rangers from Liverpool.This set up a winner take all clash against Hamilton Caledonian Thistle from Scotland to gain a semi final spot.
This game started at a frenetic pace as the physical Hamilton side made their intentions clear as they chased and harried not allowing the Yellows passed by any means with some dubious challenges.The tackles were flying in, but the Yellows well led by captain Emma Johnson gave as good as they got and a superb header from Morgan Nagee after a pinpoint Emma Smith corner gave them a 1 0 lead just before half time.
The second half started with Hamilton trying to out muscle the Mill Lane United,but the Yellows kept their cool and killed the game off with a brilliant move from their own half which saw Morgan Nagee smash the ball into the back of the net for her second goal and Mill Lane United a 2 0 lead.The Yellows saw the last 5 minutes out with a controlled display to set up a semi final clash with Blackburn.
After the previous encounter the semi final was much more of a normal affair as both teams concentrated on playing attractive football and a goal from Morgan Nagee secured a 1 0 victory and a final appearance against Cestria from the North East.
The seventh and final game of the day for both side started at 1700pm in warm conditions and both side gave 110% in their quest for the trophy.
Chances were created at both ends as both sets of girls ran their blood to water and just as it looked destined to go to extra time a miss timed tackle in the Mill Lane United penalty area gave away a penalty which Cestria converted despite impressive goal keeper Leah Shalgosky getting a hand to the shot.
Behind but not deterred the Yellows poured forward for the last 3 minutes, but could not breach the Cestria defence.
The final whistle blew and Mill Lane United Yellows were defeated 1 0 in the final, but can be proud of their efforts against quality opposition during the day.
