Selecting an u-13 squad quite a trial

NEWCASTLE Under-13 Girls held their last trial this week.

From it, manager Matt Lawn has selected the following squad: Chloe Paxton, Abbie Armstrong (Gosforth Junior), Freya Stark, Ebony Yates (Benfield), Allesia Concas, Evie Purvis (Sacred Heaet), Niamh Boothroyd, Anna Brent, Grace Smith, Amelia Allan (StMary’s), Ruby Kirkbride, Lacey King (Walker Riverside Academy), Holly Bruce (Kenton), Alexia Ward ( RGS), Libby Mann (Walbottle), Steffi Foster (Excelsior), Lillie Coulson ( Dame Allan’s) and Olivia Ketteringham (Jesmond Park).

Lawn said: “It has has been really difficult to select the squad as the standard was so high.

“That is why I had to have a third trial.

“Hopefully, the girls will have a successful season and improve as players as they compete at a higher standard.”

The girls are in action for the first time on Wednesday, November 13 against North Tyneside A at Walker Riverside Academy (4.30).

■■FRANCESCA Dee-Ann Hackett, Kiera Skelton and Lily Phipps from Durham and Northumberland’s Rebecca Ferguson, Poppy Pritchard and Tori Almond have been selected for the North squad to play the Midlands following last Sunday’s trials at Harrogate Town.

The North v Midlands regional trial for the ESFA under-15 squad is to be held at Stafford Town FC on Sunday, November 10.

■■ON the second night of the Newcastle Under-11 Duffy Leagues, St John Vianney and Westerhope both won all their games to join Throckley at the top.

■■DARLINGTON moved into first place in the Under-11 Harrison Cup on goal difference above Newcastle after beating Stockton in a high-scoring game.

North Tyneside secured victory at East Northumberland while the game between Sunderland and South Northumberland was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

■■ST John Bosco RC won the Leadgate Eden Colliery Durham Cup, which is for small schools, for the first time.

The team will now represent Durham in the north regional final of the ESFA Danone Under-11 Small Schools’ Soccer Sevens later in the season.