The first of the 2024 County Cups saw Crystal Palace claim their sixth consecutive Thorpe Park U16 Girls County Cup at Meadowbank Football Ground. 

A contested first few minutes would see each side have their chances, but it would be Crystal Palace who would capitalise on their early pressure. 

The deadlock would be broken after seven minutes through an outside of the box Amy Moyinhan strike, nestling itself in the top right corner and giving the keeper no chance. 

Moyinhan would get a chance to extend the lead five minutes later, but her effort went agonisingly pass the post. Palace would continue to dominate in terms of possession and would double their lead in the 18th minute. Tecla Ezeh silkily passing the defender and calmy slotting home to further assert their early dominance. 

Ezeh would then add the third after a dangerous ball over the top would allow her to go through one on one and confidently chip it into the back of the Fleet net.  

Just a minute later the Eagles would get their fourth with Ezeh this time turning the provider. Some great work down the left-hand side of the pitch would leave Ruby Sayer unmarked in the Fleet box to slot home. 

That fourth goal somewhat kickstarted a Bluebirds resurgence as they started to grow into the game. A free-kick from Brooke Suddaby in a dangerous position was perhaps Fleet’s best chance of the half but her effort was comfortably saved by Isabelle Peachey in the Palace goal. 

As the second half progressed, the Bluebirds kept on improving and continued to threaten the Palace defence. That being said, the Eagles attack would also have their fair share of chances, forcing keeper Libby Carter into a string of fine saves. The pick of the bunch a diving save to deny Hannah Willock’s long range strike. 

Nothing could however be done to stop Palace’s fifth with Ella Buckfield confidently firing home. Mia Collins would then head home from a corner in the 71st minute which would further assert Palace’s dominance on the game. In the final few minutes, Tecla Ezeh finally got her hat-trick and the match ball to top off a great day for the striker.  

With just a handful of second left on the clock, Player of the Match Ruby Sayer would fire the goal of the game in added time to give Crystal Palace the Thorpe Park U16 Girls County Cup in dominant style. 

Goals – Moyinhan (7), Ezeh (18, 26, 77), Sayer (27, 80), Buckfield (63), Collins (71) 

POTM - Ruby Sayer 

Match Officials: 

Referee: Abigail Fruellet 
Assistant Referee: Kate Ferris 
Assistant Referee: Pei Kew 
Fourth Official: Keri Read 

Fleet Town: Libby Carter (c), Sofia Allen, Ava Brown, Amy Elmes, Nat Stephens, Maddie Thornett, Megan Fisher, Brooke Suddaby, Emily Addey, Olivia Jinadasa, Ruby-Mae Proctor, Aleisha Gardner, Ruby Forrest, Poppy Goddard, Ruby Huggins, Olivia Windard 

Crystal Palace: Isabelle Peachey, Talia Kallmeier-Hatch, Ella Buckfield, Ava-Marie King, Zoe Case (c), Mia Collins, Hannah Wilcock, Ruby Sayer, Amy Moyinhan, Eloise Mitchell, Tecla Ezeh, Hanna Hevesey, Aaliyah Jackson, Lois Reeves, Katie De Gregorio, Louise Brown 

Images of the game can be viewed and purchased by following the link below.

MATCH GALLERY