Congratulations to our U12’s Crystals squad who have successfully navigated their way to the Berks & Bucks U12 Girl’s Cup final for the 2022/23 season.
Some emphatic wins from the team have seen them book their place in the final and we caught up with their manager, David Bell, to discuss the journey and how the squad are feeling.
How have you found the cup campaign this season?
It’s our first experience of the County Cup and in any cup campaign you need the draw on your side and it was kind to us early on.
A highlight of the competition so far?
Ahead of the final you have to face the best in your side of the competition and that was probably our Quarterfinal match against Maidenhead Boys and Girls. It was a tough test and reversing the result from our league game a few weeks earlier was quite special. It’s always an entertaining game against them and the pace of the game was unreal- especially as it was played straight after Christmas. The girls were exhausted and the score didn’t reflect how hard Maidenhead pushed us. That’s not to take anything away from Penn and Tyler’s. They gave us a really tricky semi final, but I’ll be happy if we never see that pitch again. It’s also nice that we’ve had nine of the thirteen girls score in the cup games so far.
How are you and the squad feeling ahead of the final?
The FA moved the date of the event at the last minute and Dan who helps manage the girls can’t make the final. We will miss him on the day and he’s gutted not to be with the team. The girls are fairly relaxed. Most of them were with us for last seasons U11 League Cup Final. They also had to deal with six finals in the summer tournaments. So plenty of big game experience. It will be a difficult match, our aim is to give it our all on the 3G at Ascot and enjoy the day.
The Yellas journey to the final
First Round – BYE
Second Round – Wokingham and Embrook U12 Girls 0-9 Ascot United
Third Round – Ascot United 6-0 Shinfield Rangers U12 Girls
Quarterfinal – Maidenhead Boys & Girls U12 Girls Eagles 0-4 Ascot United
Semifinal – Penn & Tyler’s Green U12 Girls 2-3 Ascot United
The final will take place on Saturday 25th of March at the home of Ascot United with a 12pm kick off. The Yellas will face Didcot Town Youth U12 Girls.
Up the Yellas!
