The girls went into their final game of the season knowing that anything less than victory would leave the door open for their opponents – who still had one more fixture to play – to leapfrog them at the top of the table, but in a see-saw encounter that saw both teams produce some inspired moments Stour managed to edge home.

Meanwhile, a busy morning also saw our Under 15 Girls engaged in a tense League Cup Final at Boldmere where they went toe-to-toe with Derby County through 70 minutes, plus extra time, before narrowly losing out on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The Under 16s, who have lost just twice all season, found themselves behind early on at Hingleys as a through ball let the PS striker through for an excellent finish from 20 yards, but they fought back to draw level as Rhianna Morris’s corner was turned into her own net by a defender, and then Morris gave them the lead with another fine finish to match the one from PS when put clean through.

When Ruby Smith calmly slotted away a penalty in the closing minutes of the half to open up a 3-1 lead, all looked good for Matt Guise and Emma Roche’s team, only for PS to turn the tide dramatically with two goals in the first six minutes of the second half.

Chances came at either end after that, and there was some frantic defending at times, but the crucial moment came when Morris once more ran at the PS defence and held off a challenge to drill a shot across the keeper from 20 yards and inside the far post.

Despite some pressure from PS in the closing stages, the Glassgirls held on for an outstanding win, and we offer our congratulations to Matt, Emma, the team, and parents for a wonderful achievement.

“I’m so pleased for all the girls,” said Matt Guise after the match. “They’ve worked really hard and learned a lot, and the way they dealt with a couple of setbacks and fought back today shows the mental strength they have, as well as their footballing ability.

“PS were really strong opposition and it made for a very good game. It’s just nice to be on the right side of the result and the celebrations at the end meant a lot to everyone.

“This is a big moment for us, the end of our time in the Junior section and we move up now to the senior group at Under 18 level. We know we have a lot to live up to with the successes the senior teams have had but I know this bunch can rise to that challenge.”

At around the same time as that game was finishing, the Under 15s saw their hopes of a trophy dashed in the cruellest way possible as Derby emerged 5-4 winners from the spot.

Stour had led early in the game through Liv Stark, as she fired home after Ciara Cope’s initial shot was saved. Derby levelled before the break and then went ahead midway through the second half, only for Erin Hogan to equalise from a direct free kick almost immediately.

Extra time brought no further score, leaving it all down to the penalties, with Derby eventually coming out on top.

Nevertheless, the Under 15s have had a very good season and we congratulate them on their achievements.