PADIHAM Primary School made sure all their hard work paid off after they were crowned Burnley District girls champions on a day to remember at Turf Moor.

The talented team have been working hard for their ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity since the turn of the year and, for the last two weeks, have trained every lunchtime against the boy’s team in preparation for their date at Burnley Football Club.

And it certainly paid off as Padiham ran out 1-0 winners against Wellfield in a tense final.

Harry Leyland, who is one of the coaches of the team was delighted for the girls.

“The huge effort the girls put in has given them this success,” said Leyland who runs the team alongside Corey Hope and Sam Chambers.

“It was an amazing effort throughout the year that led the girls to the glory of lifting the trophy. Emotions ran high as there were tears of joy from the team.

“It was a great win for a great team.”

Both teams took to the pitch cheered on by fellow pupils, parents and teachers and were understandably nervy in the opening exchanges.

Wellfield started the brighter of the two teams and it took a couple of smart saves from Padiham keeper Elisha Harrington to keep them at bay.

Padiham hit back but also found the Wellfield keeper in top form as the first half ended goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half after Padiham made the most their early pressure when Tanisha Newton cut out a Wellfield goal kick, controlled it superbly and fired the ball home.

While Tanisha grabbed the only goal of the game, Padiham were indebted to keeper Elisha for protecting that slender lead with a string of superb saves which earned her the player of the match award.

n Padiham Primary School: Elisha Harrington, Holly Martin, Libby Crabtree, Chantelle Palmer, Paige Knowles, Frankie Brown, Tanisha Newton.