CROMPTON House’s brilliant run in the English Schools’ Football Association Girls’ Under 15s cup has ended.
But the school’s U12s side could yet emulate or surpass their efforts after progressing to the fifth round of their competition.
In a thrilling game against Bottisham College from Cambridgeshire, Crompton House lost 9-7 despite a hat-trick from Liv Newton.
Coach and teacher Faye McMahon told the Correspondent: “It was a disappointing result, with the final within reach and devastating for the girls.
“I am so gutted for them. However, I hope they will bring that fighting spirit back next year and take it all the way to the final.
“We have got that far before, we can surely do it again.
“The match itself was bizarre as the weather was a mixed bag. On arrival it was a clear sunny day but with a slightly cold breeze.
“However, 10 minutes into the first half it started to snow heavily and by the time the end of the first half arrived it was a blizzard.
“There was snow all over the floor making it very hard to see the ball and the goals. It was that bad.
“However, the girls were playing brilliantly considering the chilly conditions.”
As previously reported in the Correspondent, many of the girls play for Crompton FC.
And coach Chris Leach said: “All our girls did themselves, the school and the club proud as they came up against a good team with two outstanding players that just gave them the edge needed to get through to the final.
“Every time we got back into the game, Bottisham managed to get ahead again and we had to start again.
“However, top four in the country is something to be immensely proud of.”
Also on target were: Aimee Johnstone (2), Ella Wilkins and Meg Marlor, with Liv Newton voted parents’ girl of the game.
In the U12s event, Crompton House beat Flixton Girls from Trafford 3-1. Next up is a home tie in round five against St Mary’s College from Hull.