Goalkeeper Elsie Baxter was the hero as Lichfield Diamonds upset the odds to win the League Cup on penalties.
The under-12 side went into the final against league winners Chellaston as underdogs, but the formbook was turned on its head with the Lichfield girls up for the game right from the off.
Eleanor Witton’s first half saves gave Diamonds a confidence boost before a superb free kick from Jade Lambeth found a gap between wall and keeper right on the stroke of half-time to give Lichfield a 1-0 half-time lead.
But Chellaston came out all guns blazing for the second period and a controversial handball decision allowed them to equalise from the penalty spot.
With chances coming at both ends it was the defenders who kept the tie at stalemate, but it took a superb double save from Elsie Baxter right at the death to force extra time.
The extra ten minutes was a carbon copy of the first 50 with both teams giving their all. Chelsea Twine was inches away from scoring when she threw herself at a low cross with the goal at her mercy in the best chance of the extra period.
So it was down to penalties to decide the game. Chellaston only managed to convert two out of their five as player-of-the-match Baxter pulled off two fantastic saves to hand the cup to Diamonds, who converted three of their spot kicks.
Diamonds are looking for any girls aged six to 16 to join the club for summer tournaments ahead of the new season. Anyone interest can call the club on 01543 254069.