Liskeard travelled to Blaise Park, knowing that just by being in the final that they were making history by being the first girls team from the town to compete in a county final. But Liskeard had a no fear approach to the game, as straight from the kick-off they got stuck in to the game with some promising early attacks, with great runs down the wing by Ezme Wells. The team were battling for every ball with Melissa Sheppard and Claudia Taylor trying to get Liskeard playing and passing, as they supplied some great balls through to striker Eleanor Frew.
After being on top for the early period of the game Liskeard really needed a goal to show for it and it duly came, as captain Louise Smith put in a superb corner which Wells connected with to hit a first time shot past the Truro keeper. Truro then proved why they have achieved what they have this season, getting themselve back in the game quickly with a slick move down the left 3 minutes later and tucking the ball in the back of the net to level the game up.
The game was tight and tense but Liskeard weren’t letting this get them, as Eleanor Frew first rattled the crossbar with a sublime first touch and shot from a cross from the right. Then Liskeard grabbed themselves another crucial goal, Wells netted a second with a rasping shot with only three minutes to go in the first half.
Truro came out of the changing room in determined mood for the second half and it took some great saves by goalkeeper Sabrina Daniells to keep Liskeard in the lead. Warren was now starting to really find her feet for Liskeard, turning into the playmaker for the team, as they looked to hit on the counter attack with Claudia Taylor now the focal point of the attack.
Truro’s pressure finally began to tell and for the second time they levelled the game up, with a spectacular piece of individual work as this see-saw battle entered the last 15 minutes. Tegan Porter was giving an assured performance at right back, putting in some excellent tackles and delivering some great passes to the Liskeard wingers, as they got ready to put everything in for a winner.
With four minutes to go, it was left to centre-forward Frew to take centre stage, as she was the quickest to react to a loose ball on the edge of the Truro box, to put a low drive past the keeper and give Liskeard the lead for the third time. It was backs against the wall time for Liskeard after that, as Truro piled everyone forward to try and force extra-time but Liskeard stood firm clearing their lines and making vital tackles as the final whistle rang out around Blaise Park, to make this fairytale story a reality, as Liskeard were crowned Cornwall County U-12 Girls Champions.
By Adam Sibley.
Cornwall FA would like to thank St Blazey FC for hosting the Final.