Aldenham entered the world of ISFA Girls' Football at the seven a side tournament held at Charterhouse on Sunday 8th October.

With an early start on a beautiful day, our girls responded to the challenge of ACS Cobham with a creditable draw, which could so easily have turned into a win, thanks to some great saves from Jolie Sharpe. Having watched our next opponents comfortably see off St Swithin’s,  Ardingly looked a greater threat in game two. However some outstanding defensive work from Debbie Okeowo, Charlotte Yeabsley and Lauryn Edwellsaw the opponents get increasingly frustrated so that with 5 seconds to go we remained unbeaten. However a freak goal saw us need a win in the last game to progress.  A change of goalkeeper and formation saw Emma Conway and Sasha Macdonald develop play through good passing and Jolie finished off the attack. With Rachel Crawley, Issi Newland and Jolie solid in defence there was only one winner but we just missed out on a quarterfinal place in the main competition.

The plate beckoned. We saw off the challenge of St Catherine’s comfortably with a well controlled 1-0 win. The semi-finals of the plate matched us against Haberdashers’ Monmouth, a tense affair, which went all the way to penalty kicks. The result did not look in doubt as Jolie dominated the goal and we scored all our penalties – well done Lauryn and Debbie.

In the final against St Clare’s Oxford , we settled into our style and dominated the latter stages in terms of possession and fitness. Unfortunately some half chances were not taken and despite 4 minutes extra time the teams could not be separated. It was down to penalties again. This time luck was not on our side.

Disappointment, sadness? Not a bit of it. It was a great day, a lot of enjoyment, and overall a terrific display from the Aldenham ladies. We will do it again soon.