KENT'S under-16 girls have reached the final of the Engish Football Schools Association's Inter-County Trophy. They defeated Hampshire 2-1 and now meet Merseyside in the final at Everton's Goodison Park ground on Wednesday, May 8.

On paper, this looks an uphill task, but so too was their game against Hampshire, who had appeared in the last three finals of the competition.

The game was played in ideal conditions, but on a very bumpy pitch and the home side took the game to Kent in the opening 15 minutes.

Excellent defending kept them in the game and, once settled, their passing game, soon brought them opportunities.

Georgina Michaelas's pace was causing problems and they eventually went ahead when Rachel Tracey's ball over the defence put Michaelas through, but she was fouled in the process of shooting. The referee pointed to the spot and captain Cori Daniels confidently converted the kick.

The second half was only three minutes old when Hampshire equalised. Hampshire skipper Sophie Kingsley floated in a free kick from 30 yards out and as keeper Tania Law came out to collect, the ball took a wicked bounce off a divot and flew in just under the bar.

Kent, though, continued to play good football and they gained their reward 12 minutes from time after a succession of corners. Becky Merritt swung the ball into the near post from the right and Sarah Jane Snare was unmarked as she headed home.

Hampshire were unable to overcome this blow and the scenes of celebration at the final whistle showed just how much victory meant to the Kent girls.

Team: Tania Law (St John's, Gravesham), Rachel Tracy (Herne Bay High), Cori Daniels (Charles Dickens, Thanet), Natalie Curtis (Astor School, Dover), Vicky Moore (Meopham School, Gravesham), Elise Briccolani (Chaucer), Karen Ray (Blackfen, North Kent), Georgina Michaelas, Sarah Jane Snare (Homewood, Ashford), Rebecca Merritt (Minster College, Swale), Hayley Brown (Simon Langton). Subs, Annie Wallace (Minster College), Katherine Earl (Highstead, Swale), Vicky Ashton-Jones (St Johns), Anna broad (Hundred of Hoo, Medway), Sarah Giles (Darrick Wood, Bromley), Francesca Farrari.