Small but Mighty
Five Lanes Primary School girls’ football team beat all comers to win the County title.
Tuesday 15 January 2019 was a day to remember for Five Lanes Primary School girls’ football team. At just over 100 pupils, Five Lanes was the smallest school in the County competition, taking on schools several times larger.
After qualifying without conceding a goal in last month’s Devizes area rounds, they had been working hard to up their game for the County Finals at Stanley Park in Chippenham. Teams from across the county and Swindon played in two pools, and Five Lanes had to dig deep and show resilience to secure a place in the semi-finals.
A 1-0 win led them into a final with Shaw Ridge, a school with over 400 pupils who had previously beaten them in the group stages.
The final turned out to be an even battle, with neither team scoring during normal time. The game went to penalties, with 3 shots per team. There was drama as neither side scored in the first round, but then both scored in the second. It all came down to the last round.
Shaw Ridge went first, but the Five Lanes goalkeeper made a brilliant save. Then it was Five Lanes’ turn, and this time the keeper was beaten by a goal in the left hand corner.
Five Lanes teacher Debbie Alvis said, “There was elation for girls and adults alike! We were by far the smallest school in the competition, but they were big in terms of determination and team spirit. They exceeded all expectations.
“They will continue to train hard to represent Wiltshire in the South West Area competition.”
Headteacher Mel Cunningham adds, “The children are currently fund raising to purchase new football goals. They have raised £120 of the £500 needed to replace them. Any support would be greatly appreciated!”
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