ST BEDE’S under 16 girls football team are the champions of England once again after beating Stafford School 7-2 in the final of the English Schools Premier Trophy.

The team travelled to Birmingham on Thursday to prepare for the final at St Andrews the following day.

Players and parents prepared the right way, enjoying an Italian meal the night before the big game, discussed tactics and strategies with coach and teacher John Turner.

The build-up to the final had been hectic with key players carrying injuries and unfortunately other fixtures had been arranged the night before the final meaning two of the girls representing Blackburn Rovers Ladies had to travel down to the final literally hours before the kick off.

However these distractions did not affect the team focus.

The strong Blackburn team started well with Alicia Johnson and Gabby Taylor continually made advanced runs into the opposition’s final third.

The St Bede’s team continued to create chance after chance and Katie Dudgeon finally opened the scoring.

Tiana Thompson then doubled the lead with a cool finish, slotting the ball past an on rushing Stafford keeper.

The Stafford team then enjoyed a period of pressure with Lucy Turner in the St Bede’s goal making a number of key saves.

And Blackburn captain, Megan Hester, led by example stifling the talented England midfielder Rouse.

This allowed the Saints play-makers, Brenna McPartlan and Katie Dudgeon, to dominate the midfield setting up the third goal in the game and the second for Thompson.

Half time arrived with the Bede’s team enjoying a comfortable lead.

Coach Turner asked for calm expecting a strong start by the Stafford team.

The St Bede’s team were put under severe pressure with Katy Samuels making a number of strong defensive headers and vital clearances.

A tactical change moved the skilful Ellie Brindle into a central midfield role supporting the impressive Megan Hester. The change allowed McPartlan, the England captain to push forward and in the space of a few minutes two great finishes put the game beyond the resilient Stafford team.

Stafford then created two chances - scoring both - putting pressure back on a tiring Blackburn side.

With injuries and tiredness beginning to tell, a number of girls suffered with cramp. Ellena Brown and Rose Abbott were brought into the action to replace Brindle and Taylor and these fresh legs gave the impetus needed and Alicia Johnson scored a sixth before Thompson finished the game with a great volley capping off a great team move.

It was the third national title in four years for the talented team. They will also play in the Lancashire final hoping to gain a victory.

The St Bede’s team have won the four previous county titles and will hoping the fifth will mean a clean sweep.

”The team has been fantastic,” sid coach Turner. “The girls have continued to develop with every player making a significant contribution. I would especially like to thank the parents for their continued support and help they have given the team and the school over the past five years.”

Chris Bentley the Director of Physical Education at St Bede’s said: “The team have been fantastic. Reaching the final for a third time is an outstanding achievement and the performance in the final was first class.

“Sport at St Bede’s is thriving and the girls have been excellent role models for the younger pupils.

“I would like to thank the parental contribution and support for the school.”