Penalty Heartbreak for Hacton Girls

Hacton girls enjoyed a magnificent end of season tournament run in the annual Linda Galloway competition. This charity tournament, which is staged each year, is a 7 a side competition. 16 schools were scheduled to take part and Hacton were drawn in a group with Harold Wood, Scotts and Pyrgo. The latter team failed to make the tournament which meant we earned 3 points before a ball had been kicked.

Game 1: Hacton 2-0 Harold Wood

Hacton kicked off and demonstrated how well they had progressed since the beginning of the season with a comfortable win. Harlie netted Hacton's opening goal of the tournament before captain Amy J added a 2nd. Francesca and Mia defended well which allowed the Hacton goalkeeper to enjoy the summer sun. Mr Grant, along to provide support for the day, was suitably impressed by what he had seen.

Game 2: Hacton 2-0 Scotts

Hacton went into this game knowing that a win would see them through to the next stage of the tournament. Amy B and Lucy worked well on the wings and a silky move saw Amy J score for Hacton. Lucy scored her first Hacton goal with a well placed shot which gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Friendly match: Hacton 2-0 Mead

Without a 3rd game to play, Hacton girls were quick to challenge Mead to a friendly match. Roxie and Angelica had the measure of the Mead girls with several committed challenges. Hacton again claimed the win and were ready for another challenge.

Friendly match: Hacton 3-0 Parklands

With a quarter final to come, Hacton accepted the offer of another friendly, this time from Parklands. Lucy showed her growing confidence with another couple of goals and the girls were ready for the quarter final.

Quarter final: Hacton 3-0 Branfil

Watching superfans Mr Grant and Mrs Delmonte were in for a treat in this game. Hacton roared into the match with Amy J testing out the goalkeeper with her trusty left foot. Although the shot was saved, the pattern for the game was set. Hacton, playing confidently, secured a 3 nil win and were serenely through to the semi finals. Again, Francesca and Mia battled hard in defence and the Hacton goalkeeper even had a shot to save in this game.

Semi Final: Hacton 3-3 Langtons

Langtons - pre-tournament favourites - were next up for the Hacton girls. Hacton took an early lead as Harlie pounced from close range. Unfortunately Hacton were unprepared for a long throw bombardment and, after several saves, our goalkeeper was powerless to stop Langtons from equalizing and taking the lead. Undeterred, Hacton fought back and levelled the game at 2-2. Langtons sneaked into the lead and with just seconds on the clock, Amy J dribbled through a host of players and smashed in an equalizer. 5 minutes of extra time could not settle the match and it was time for the lottery of the penalty shoot out...
Despite some heroic goalkeeping, Hacton just missed out with a 2-1 defeat and Langtons went on to win the tournament. Hacton certainly provided plenty of football thrills for watching family members and were left disappointed but proud after a tournament to remember. Well played girls!