Motspur Park defeat Oxshott Royals at Meadowbank to win the U13 Thorpe Park Girls County Cup.

Motspur Park started off the proceedings by scoring the first goal in the 3rd minute with a thumping strike into the top corner by Chloe Fish. Motspur Park’s Wanjala Njenga was also in full flow, displaying her incredible skills and dribbling in the final third.

Oxshott Royals tried to get out of their half and get a grip of the game. Rosa Gulliver seemed a threat upfront with her closing down and constant pressing. Despite Oxshott gaining more momentum, Motspur were able to sustain them with Ellie Maskell making crucial interceptions and clearances at the back.

Tiani Kempton nearly made it 2-0 to Motspur, but Oxshott’s keeper Lucy Davatzis got down well to save the shot and keep them in the game. Just as they were trying to launch another attack, the match flipped over as Freya Kelly scored Motspur Park’s second in the 26th minute to extend their lead in the game. As a result, Motspur Park went into half time with a healthy 2 goal cushion.

Oxshott Royals came out in the second half a much-improved side with much more energy and desire. They got a goal back in the 40th minute after Violet Davatzis’ shot found the bottom right corner of the net. Violet was at the heart of it in this initial period as she was driving the team from midfield with her hard work and intensity.

Motspur Park however responded well to this by raising the tempo of their game. They became more tenacious with their tackling and had greater purpose in their attack. Olivia White put in a teasing cross from the left wing in the 50th minute – Wanjala Njenga came remarkably close to scoring but her shot drifted wide of the post.

Oxshott found some light in the tunnel as they won a penalty in the 52nd minute, and Maisie McCormick converted her kick from the spot with great conviction to make it 2-2. It was all to play for in the last 15 minutes with the crowd watching on nervously watching from the stands.

But despite Oxshott’s recent resurgence, Motspur’s Becky scored in the 55th minute to put them in the driving seat once again. There was a slight mix up between Oxshott’s centre back and keeper, and Becky sniffed the opportunity and chased the ball to poke it in. The Jaguars did not surrender. Chloe Attwood was the shining star in the second half, as she contributed well with her passing and link up play.

Finally, Olivia White won a penalty for Motspur in the 66th minute after she was pushed from the back as she drove into the box. Freya Kelly scored from the spot to make it 4-2 and seal the victory, in what was a very entertaining game of football on a sunny Sunday morning. 

Goals (Motspur Park): Chloe Fish (3’), Freya Kelly (26’ & 66’), Becky (55’) 

Goals (Oxshott Royals): Violet Davatzis (40’), Maisie McCormick (52’)

MOTM (Motspur Park): Wanjala Njenga

Attendance: 117

Match Officials: 

Referee: Ella Gainsborough 
Assistant Referee: Joshua Owen 
Assistant Referee: Thomas Wayland 
Fourth Official: Bella Shields 

Motspur Park: Madeline Vary, Kaydi Kempton, Grace Shanahan, Ellie Maskell, Taliah Ramsey, Aisling Haryott, Tiani Kempton, Olivia White, Chloe Fish, Wanjala Njenga, Freya Kelly, Becky. 

Oxshott Royals: Maisie McCormick, Chloe Attwood, Tilly Broadhurst, Rosa Gulliver, Amelia Newman, Lucy Davatzis, Violet Davatzis, Tali Hatcher, Bo Kamerling, Emily Marsh, Lucy Mead, Sadie Amos, Natalia Bullingham, Elsa Bauer, Mia Cunningham, Jemma Hollick, Clara Stallard.