FOLLOWING their victory at the English Football League (EFL) Trust Girls Cup tournament, at the University of Exeter against 16 teams from across the county, Queen Elizabeth’s Schools Under 13’s Football Team headed off to the regional round.

The nine students from QE represented Exeter City in the EFL regional finals held in Bristol on January 11.

A total of 10 teams from across the South of England and Wales competed in a league style tournament, playing each team in eight minute games.

On the way up to Bristol, the girls were feeling confident, but aware that they were off to play some of the best teams around. Jess Sandland was the team captain, she kept positive throughout and really worked to drive the team on.

They had a confident start holding their first game to a 0-0 draw against a very good Cheltenham team who would finish in third place overall.

Next up saw Cardiff win 3-0, a very good side with a strong striker. The score line doesn’t reflect the chances QE had throughout the game though. They went on to be second place overall.

QE kept their heads up and Ellie Bishop scored two quick goals to win 2-0 against a confident Bristol Rovers team.

The next four games saw QE lose against Plymouth and Newport, but beat Swindon and Forest Green.

The girls then took on the final game against the unbeaten Bristol City.

Starting well and with some great chances, they held off the attacks and with a couple of good saves ended the game in a 0-0 draw.

A fantastic achievement against the overall winners of the tournament to finish a great day.

The girls played well throughout the competition and enjoyed representing Exeter City and doing Queen Elizabeth’s School proud.

Players who represented QE were: Jessica Sandland (C), Ellie Bishop, Nicola Robinson, Jess Vodden, Hollie Seward, Maddie Taylor, Flora O’Sillivan, Talitha Roache and Katie Salter.

Alan Quick