Emeralds girls under-15s ended a great season by winning the BBDFL Players Cup and promotion.

Coach Phil said: "A strong league performance saw the girls finish second and gain promotion.

"But it’s always good to finish the season with a cup final, and a ridiculously hot and sunny Bank Holiday Monday saw the Emeralds play Oswaldtwistle.

"With a squad of 14 for match day, the three rolling subs were definitely needed.

"A strong start to the game saw the Emeralds on the front foot, and thankfully able to take advantage when Scarlett hit a screamer from outside the box to give the girls a 1-0 lead.  

"And I promise I’m not making this up, but Scarlett’s strike hit the back of the net at 6 mins and 7 seconds into the game [one for our younger readers there...]

"The girls maintained the pressure and five minutes later Brooke drove forward with a great run into the box and an even better finish.

"Credit to Oswaldtwistle, they slowly came back into the game and the rest of the first half played out with a few more half chances at either end, but thankfully the Emeralds held their 2-0 lead into the break.

"However, a relaxed coach suddenly was back on tenterhooks as Oswaldtwistle scored straight from kick-off in the second half after a bit of a mix up at the back.

"Oswaldtwistle tails were up and they really gave it a good go.  Thankfully the defence stayed strong and the Emeralds weathered the pressure being applied and started to come back into the match again.  

"A few more chances were created before Brooke popped up again with another excellent carry and finish 15 minutes from the end. 

"At that stage the Emeralds started to relax and enjoy the game again, creating a few more decent chances, but ultimately unable to convert before the final whistle went and the Emeralds had earned a well deserved cup victory to crown an impressive season."