Blackburn United Girls won the SWF under-16s South East Regional League Cup against Hutchison Vale Community Sports Club last month.
The underdog team, in their first year at under-16s, took home the cup win 3-2 after extra time – equalising with just 10 minutes to go.
Scoring first for the squad was Kara Sibbald – which would be the only goal for the team until the very end of the second half.
The equaliser was scored by Fern Callander from Blackburn – hitting a free kick into the top corner from 10 yards outside of the box – netting the unders team extra time.
Zoe Simpson took a penalty in extra time against Hutchie Vale – which rolled into the keeper’s arms in what seemed to be tragedy for the team
But soon after, with just five minutes left in extra time, Simpson rattled the ball into the top corner, taking the cup home for Blackburn.
Blackburn coach Lee Boyce said: “That game was one that had everything – you could have honestly turned it into a film.
“It really was some game, I don’t think I’ve ever been through the nerves like that - it’s really some achievement for them.
“Myself, Lesley Jones, and Scott Birrell have been coaching the core of the squad since they were in Under-9s, so it’s been amazing to see how far they’ve come.
“I’m really proud of them - it’s amazing to see the joy in their faces after a win with all the hard work they put in on the field.”
The team had a tough-go at the cup run, facing three teams in the league above them, such as Penicuik in the semi-finals - who they also beat in extra time - Bonnyrigg, and Hutchison Vale.
Most of the team could still be playing under-14s - originally playing as Under-15s - until the age banding was changed to align with mens football.
The team currently sits second in their league - and hope to finish this season at the top.
This marks the up and coming squads first cup win - and their first time getting to a final stage.
Many of the squad have aspirations to go on and play for Livingston Football Club’s Ladies side.
Coach Lee Boyce continued: “It’s been great to see them step up to the challenge and I fully expect them to do well in the rest of the season.
“We’re going to keep playing football our way, and keep training our style of football.
“We’ve got a good infrastructure here at Blackburn for development and they’re all progressing incredibly well.”
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