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Tesco Cup English winners secure place in UK Final
THE Tesco Cup National final took place at Derby County’s Pride Park stadium this weekend with Staplehurst Monarchs from Kent, Southampton Saints FC and Manchester City Ladies confirming their places as English representatives at the climax of the competition, the UK Final.
The National Final saw 12 teams across three age groups, compete for a place in the showpiece event at St Andrews, home of Premier League Birmingham City, on Sunday May 22. Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn was on hand to present the individual and team awards on the day.
In the U13 boys competition, Kent’s Staplehurst Monarchs were crowned English winners, beating FC Abbey Meads from Wiltshire in the semi final 2-0 and then triumphing on penalties in a dramatic final against Lancashire’s Mill Hill FC. The match finished 3-3 after extra time but it was Staplehurst who held their nerve to win on spot kicks 4-3. Midfielder Alex Mulroony-Skinner picked up the Player of the Tournament award.
Southampton Saints U14 Ladies deservedly won their age group, comprehensively beating Liskeard Girls from Cornwall 3-1 in their semi final. Saints striker Cleo Rawlings scored all three goals in the game and then bagged the only goal in a more evenly matched final where Southampton defeated Northumberland’s Blyth Town Lions by a goal to nil. Unsurprisingly, Rawlings was awarded Player of the Tournament.
The Tesco Cup is very well organised and the teams have played some terrific football
In the U16 girl’s competition, Manchester City Ladies cruised through their semi final against Surrey’s Knaphill Wanderers, winning 5-0. In the final they defeated Brislington Junior Youth from Somerset 2-1 to take their place at next weekend’s UK Final and make it a double celebration for the club, following Saturday’s FA Cup Final win at Wembley.
Nigel Martyn said: "I’ve been extremely impressed with today’s Tesco Cup English Final.
"The event is very well organised and the teams have played some terrific football. It’s a great advertisement for youth football in this country and I wish all three winning teams the best of luck in the UK Final.”
Over 3,600 teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales entered the initial stages of the 2011 Tesco Cup, which culminates in the UK final, at St Andrew’s stadium on Sunday 22 May. Arsenal legend Martin Keown will attend the event.
The line up for the UK Final is:
U13 Boys:
England- Staplehurst Monarchs
Northern Ireland - Dungoyne
Scotland – Fauldhouse Foxes
Wales – Ysceifiog Wolves
U14 Girls:
England- Southampton Saints
Northern Ireland – Cappagh Spurs
Scotland – Hibbs Girls
Wales – Bethel Girls
U16 Girls:
England- Manchester City
Northern Ireland – Sion Swifts
Scotland – Celtic
Wales – Mardy Tigers
For full results please visit: www.tesco.com/football