Barking Abbey girls football team, last week, played in the U18s ESFA National Schools Final for the third time in a row.

Up against Thomas Telford School, Telford the girls unfortunately went down 2-0 but can be incredibly proud of themselves.

Taking place at AFC Fylde’s stadium, Thomas Telford went 1-0 up just before half time before grabbing a second with around 10 minutes to go.

Barking Abbey had a number of good chances throughout the game but were unable to put the finishing touch to any of their moves.

Head Coach of the Barking Abbey girls football team said: “Everybody at Barking Abbey School are immensely proud of the players for reaching the ESFA National Schools’ Cup Final for the third consecutive year. Having successfully won the competition in the previous two years, Thomas Telford School proved to be a tough opposition who punished us for not finishing our chances in the first 20 minutes of the game.

“We believe it could have been a different outcome had we got the first goal on the day but with Thomas Telford gaining the lead in the first half we knew we had work to do which was then undone by a second goal from the opposition. No time to dwindle as we still have the ECFA Premier Cup to compete for and the loss has made the players even more determined to learn from their experience and ensure they kick forward with what is left of this year’s footballing season.’

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement was impressed with how well the girls have done and they should take pride in their success: “To reach a cup final is a great achievement let alone a final in a national competition.

“Despite the loss, the girls are a credit to the borough and I know their teachers and parents will be very proud of them.”

For more information visit the Barking Abbey School website.