Paulton Shine at the Midsomer Norton Girls’ Football Tournament
Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to all 32 girls who tried out for the girls’ football team last week. It’s fantastic to see so many of you showing such enthusiasm and passion for the sport!
Now, on to the tournament. Under leaden skies, we assembled at Norton Hill School, spirits high and energy electric. We got off to a flying start with a 3–1 victory against Norton Hill Primary. Goals came from Captain Harper (2) and Tega (1), following some swift attacking play down the right wing. Both Ira and Evelyn impressed with dynamic performances in midfield, driving the team forward and showing real determination.
Our second game saw us draw 0–0 against Midsomer Norton in a nail-biting encounter. Our strength came from our amazing defenders — Lola, Angel, and Nia — who repelled attack after attack from the onrushing “Bees.”
This result saw us through to the quarter-finals, where we faced Peasedown. It started as a nervy encounter, with neither side creating a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Midway through the match, the Paulton girls switched it on. Florence came on and was instantly a handful for the opposing defence, coming close to scoring on several occasions. Harper continued to pepper the opposing goal with a barrage of long-range efforts — only to be denied by the goalkeeper and, on one occasion, the woodwork!
During extra time, we made a tactical switch, with Tega swapping places with Pearl in goal. At some point, Pearl must have occupied every position on the pitch — she was relentless in both defence and attack — while Tega threw herself bravely at the ball, making a crucial last-ditch save to keep us in the game.
Unable to find a winner, the match went to penalties. Pearl returned to goal and immediately put us on the front foot with a solid save. Tega then stepped up and slotted her penalty into the top-right corner with supreme confidence. Another sweet save from keeper Pearl meant we only needed one more goal to reach the semi-finals. Up stepped Clara, who slammed the ball into the back of the net — Paulton win 2–0 on penalties!
Semi-final time, and our opposition were the Trinity All-Blacks. Our girls fought valiantly but the opposition proved too strong, and despite our best efforts, we fell to a 0–2 defeat against a well-deserved winner.
Throughout the tournament — and in the face of increasingly soggy conditions — Paulton remained positive, determined, and supportive of one another. Even though we headed home completely soaked, our smiles would have lit up even the darkest skies.
Well played, team! ⚽💙
