Lisburn Ladies Under 13's triumph at renowned girls football tournament

Lisburn Ladies travelled with four teams to the renowned football festival in Skem / Liverpool on June 11.

The tournament attracts the top girls football clubs from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Lisburn girls have a great record at the competition, having previously beaten Man City Academy two years ago, whilst they were narrowly beaten by Middlesbrough in the semi finals last year.

The Lisburn girls were up for the cup this year and had been trained hard by their two fantastic coaches Terry Patterson & Seamy Davis.

The girls eased through the group stages beating the likes of Doncaster Belles and Blackpool along the way without conceding a single goal.

Conditions were bad but not even the torrential rain could not dampen the girls fantastic spirit.

The girls met a very good Preston North End team in the semi finals but they could not cope with the Lisburn girls who ran out easy winners in the end.

The final saw the girls play a very good Middlesbrough team, who were reigning champions, and who had beaten a good Blackpool team on penalties in their semi final.

The girls saved their best performance to last running out easy 4-0 winners, goals by Katie Patterson, Shona Davis x2 and an absolute brilliant goal from Sophie O’Rawe, whose goal even had the professionals from Liverpool Ladies FC, Maz Pacheo and Mollie Green in total amazement.

The girls went through the competition unbeaten scoring 17 goals with none conceded, which was a record in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Erin Montgomery won player of the tournament.

Speaking about the girls success, parent and Committee member John McGreevy said: “I would just like to say as a parent and committee member how proud we all are of our team and coaches and the 110% commitment shown by everyone.

“These girls are a credit to this club. And a massive thank you to Skem for having us back again and to all the parents whose support was fantastic even in the torrential rain.”

Well done to the club’s three other teams. the U12’s, U15’s and the Senior squad, who also gave a great account of themselves in the tournament. The U15’s went all the way to the semi final, where they were beaten 2-1 by a quality Manchester team.

The club are always seeking girl footballers to strengthen the club, especially in the 2003 age group. For more information visit the Lisburn Ladies Facebook page.