HENRY GREEN LIFTED this year’s BDSFA Hat-trick Girls’ League title for the first time as they gained the point they needed against five-time winners Godwin. In the deciding match, captain Holly Galbraith netted the all important equaliser to put them clear on points ahead of nearest rivals Valence in a thrilling end of season finale.
Henry Green were made to work hard though as their opponents refused to surrender their trophy without a battle. Godwin’s Vanesa Uzkuraityte began in an unfamiliar striker’s role and the move immediately paid dividends when she tenaciously won possession in the right hand corner before cutting the ball back into the danger area. Hazera Faruqe – recalled to the starting line-up for the first time since February – was the most determined as she swept in her fourth of the campaign to challenge Henry Green’s claim to the crown.
Five minutes later though, Henry Green were straight back in it. Pressure on the Godwin goal led to a half clearance that fell to the feet of the unmarked Galbraith ten yards out. Her touch and shot was too much for keeper MJ Ajala as it burst through her hands to put Henry Green back on level terms.
It was Henry Green’s only attempt on target throughout the match as they shut up shop to see out the game. Mariam Ngobo Azeez went close for the holders and Abibat Popoola had a golden chance to sidefoot home in the closing stages.
But it was skipper Galbraith’s team who emerged triumphant thanks to their only draw of the season. Previous wins over Parsloes, John Perry, Roding, Valence, Eastbury, Gascoigne and George Carey more than meant that they ended the season as deserved winners.