On 24th April it was confirmed that Highbury U 14's girls had won the Plate Div 1 League, when Derry Hill beat Melksham 3 - 2.
This was the debut season for the team, which was a mixture of experienced and novice players. Some players had never played before.
The first half of the season all teams played one another. Highburys record was;
Won 5. Drew 1. Lost 4
Goals For 47
Goals Against 23
The girls had acquitted themselves well against established teams and finished fifth in the league. There were some impressive wins along the way, 10 - 1 and 13 - 2.
The league then split into three. Two leagues of four and a league of three. We went into the second league which was the Plate Div 1 along with Melksham, Trowbridge Wanderers and Derry Hill. All the points accumulated before the league split were carried over so only Melksham and ourselves had a realistic chance of winning the league.
Our first game was away against Derry Hill and it was a hard fought 1-1 draw. Melksham had won against Trowbridge Wanderers 5 - 0.
Next up was Trowbridge Wanderers at home. This was a convincing 7 - 0 win to us. Melksham's game against Derry Hill had been postponed.
Our third and final game was at home to Melksham. If we won this won then we would have won the league there and then. This would have been fantastic especially as members of the committee had taken up my invite to come and see the game. They were not disappointed with the standard of play. Highbury had gone a goal down to a penalty but came back with a goal each from the two Laurens. Sarah had also saved another penalty. In the second half Melksham scored the equaliser even though Highbury had more of the attacking play for most of the game. A great game of football in windy conditions which finished 2 - 2.
The league now rested on the Derry Hills outstanding game against Melksham. It seemed an age before that was played as we had finished our matches on the 23rd March. Lauren went to see the game and Derry Hill were 2 - 0 down when she got there. Derry Hill pulled a goal back, scored another from a penalty and the winner in the final minute. We got what I felt we deserved and that was to win the league.
Nancy and Jade had scored over 20 goals each. Everyone has played really well and I hope they have enjoyed it as much as I have.
We reached the cup semi final after beating Larkhall, one of the top sides 3 - 1, only to be beaten by Cricklade.
It has been a great first season and I would like to thank the parents who have come and supported the girls. I'm sure the girls will have appreciated it. Thanks also goes to Rob, Scarlet, George and Brett who have refereed the games and the committee for backing the newly formed team.
The squad ; Sarah Gee, Bryony O' Hara, Sarah Stevens, Sarah Gibson, Lauren Trim, Jade Bottomley, Nancy Frostick, Sam Townsend, Lauren Wright and Hayley Wheeler.