Sparrows take flight and seal delight with a double success
Horsham Sparrows under13s girls have secured a delightful double by winning the County Cup and league.
The County Cup final, which coincided with Horsham Sparrows Day, saw their under-13s beat Newhaven FC 4-3 in a closelyfought match at Worthing FC.
Horsham were two goals up within the first ten minutes, but Newhaven fought back to level the game at half-time.
It was in the last few minutes of the second half that Horsham captain Issy Wheatley scored the winning goal and netted herself a hat-trick. Moments before goalkeeper Issy Bodie had put in a stunning save to keep them in the game.
Sparrows secretary Simon King said: “Winning the double is a huge achievement. I’ve seen the players grow in confidence over the past few years and it’s really wonderful to see them doing so well and in such a positive and respectful way.”
U13 girls’ manager Becks Goodman added: “These players have come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. Thanks goes to everyone who’s involved in the team.
“We’ve built a brilliant community that seeing our players thrive and grow as football players and as young people – they’re a credit to themselves, their parents, the club and the local community.
“Our team’s success comes at a time when female football is going from strength to strength – ahead of the Women’s World Cup. I hope their achievement inspires more girls to get involved in the game.”
Sparrows: Issy Wheatley, Issy Bodis, Caitlin Sullivan, Grace Hapgood, Grace Harrison, Briony Harrison, Khiana Moreno-Melgar, Kennedy Winter, Gemma Briggs, Ella Chapman, Maisie Jacobs, Charlotte Loader, Lottie Jeffries, Lily Ward, Millie Thorne, Jasmine Rigby, Eloise Duffy, Georgie Pack
The club’s under-15 girls, who’ve seen much success in recent years, were runnersup in their league and cup.