Abbeytown Juniors U16 Girls Athletic v Whitehaven AFC Juniors U15 Girls 

Match Officials

Referee – John Burns

Assistant Referee – Lillias Hodgson

Assistant Referee – Seb O’Reilly

4th Official – John Dixon

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Cleator Moor Celtic FC was the host venue for the first Cumberland FA Finals of the 2023 season. The Under 16 Finals have now become the curtain raiser during March to support the players (and parents) studying for exams impacting the traditional Finals weekend in May when the exam period is well underway.

The league table showing 4th and 3rd and an earlier season draw between the two Finalists in Match 1 was an indicator that this game would be a tight affair! And it didn’t disappoint…

Opening exchanges were even, but Abbeytown Athletic broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Kayleigh Wharton went through on goal and slotted past the keeper. 

Whitehaven AFC equalised in the 25th minute when Abbeytown Athletic’s keeper made a diving save which Kacey Currie followed in to finish from close range. 

Just a minute later Kacey Currie managed to beat an Abbeytown defender and their keeper to nip in and make it 2-1 to Whitehaven AFC.

HALF TIME | Abbeytown Juniors U16 Girls Athletic 1 -2 Whitehaven AFC Juniors U15 Girls

The second half was again relatively even with both sides playing some lovely football and Abbeytown Athletic pushing for an equaliser. That equaliser came with practically the last kick of the game as Kayleigh Wharton got her second of the game with a strong finish past the Whitehaven AFC keeper.

FULL TIME | Abbeytown Juniors U16 Girls Athletic 2 -2 Whitehaven AFC Juniors U15 Girls

Whitehaven AFC retook the lead 7 minutes into extra time with a brilliant strike from distance by Aarleah Robertson. 

Abbeytown Athletic got a free kick with roughly a minute left on the clock. Holly Carruthers struck it powerfully and placed it perfectly into the corner to take the game to penalties.

EXTRA TIME | Abbeytown Juniors U16 Girls Athletic 3 -3 Whitehaven AFC Juniors U15 Girls

Penalties were all well taken with Abbeytown Athletic coming out 5-3 winners, with Whitehaven AFC’s third penalty hitting the post.

Congratulations Abbeytown Athletic, the 2022-23 Cumberland FA Under 16 Girls County Cup Champions!

Commiserations to Whitehaven AFC U15 who played their part in an exciting Final and will have another opportunity next season in the competition.

Cumberland FA would like to thank the hosts Cleator Moor Celtic FC who supported the Cup Final experience for both teams and the Match Officials.

Photos, courtesy of Martin and Linda Perry can be viewed in our Facebook album. 

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The highlights will be available to watch on our YouTube page in due course.

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