Andover New Street Girls have been crowned national champions at the U15 ESF Grand Finale 2022.

The side, sponsored by Larkhill Space Station, won the trophy at the home of England’s national team at St George’s Park with teams from around the country competing.

New Street girls’ first game was played against regional winners Costessey Girls.

The team began strong and remained the dominating team. With Elly-Mai Lacey, Lilly W-D, Maisy Aldridge and Evie Murphy working hard in defence, Amelia Riley put two goals in the back of the net to being the tournament on a positive note.

Next up were rivals Marine Academy Plymouth. They had beaten the Andover girls in the final of the Butlins tournament.

The girls were ready for them this time and went out with the determination to win. With Georgia Galley, Olivia Glover, Freya Twigg, Charlotte Evans and Bella Turpin, the power of the mid-field stayed strong passing through to Freya Jennings for the much-needed goal to draw and to keep Plymouth at bay from going top.

The last game against Newcastle East End saw a nail-biting goalless draw, with attempts from both sides. But it wasn't enough to secure a tournament win.

Level on points with The Plymouth, the winners were determined by a dreaded penalty shoot-out.

With keeper Annu Roy on Andover's side the championship was in the teams' sights. Stepping up ready to score was Freya T, Bella Turpin and keeper Annu securing goals, the team found themselves in sudden death.

Evie Murphy stepped up to take her first penalty alongside Charlotte Evans and Georgia Galley. With much needed saves from Annu, Andover knocked out Plymouth Academy, making Andover ESF National Champions.