Harpenden Town ladies beat Colney Heath to win league cup

The Harps had already finished third in the league, pipped to the title on the final day and on goal difference following a three-way battle.

But they made up for that disappointment by winning 2-1 in the final, played at Kempston Rovers, against their near neighbours.

Action between Colney Heath and Harpenden Town. Picture: TERRY EDWARDS (Image: Terry Edwards)

The Magpies had the first opportunity of the game, a corner finding Lauren Appleby with her strike needing Mel Jones's intervention on the line.

Dani Ransom was on the end of Harpenden's opening salvo, a well-struck shot on the turn following a ball into the box from Belle Shannon, and then the latter herself let fly, Colney keeper Rachel Sherlow tipping the effort round the post.

Shannon then headed over from a corner but even though the play was switching from end to end, it was Town who were looking the more likely to score.

And so it proved just before half-time. Cally Salter unleashed a cracking shot which Sherlow could not hold, Colney happy to concede the corner.

But Cayleigh Jackson's delivery was inch perfect, floating under the bar and into the net despite a late clearance from a defender.

It became 2-0 early in the second half when Shannon played the ball out wide to Leah Crocket.

She used her pace to escape the shackles of the Magpies defence and when she cut into the box to cross, the ball was swept into the net at the back post by Ransom.

Colney Heath hit back though and after Ruby Tickner put a shot narrowly wide of Lauren Croucher-Wakefield's left-hand post, she adjusted her range finder and walloped a 35-yard screamer that flew over Croucher-Wakefield's head and into the back of the net.

That set up a frantic final 20 minutes

Harpenden though held firm with their backline having a solid match.

And they could have made life that little bit easier with Rosie Makamian involved in a couple of chances for the green and yellow-striped team.

She had a close range shot saved, and then was inches away from connecting with another excellent Jackson corner, Salter also just a fraction from getting to it too.

Shannon also hit a long-range effort that Sherlow was equal to.

Plaudits at the end went to Tickner and Abbey Williams, as well as goalkeeper Sherlow who had an excellent game.

Harpenden's stars were Alice and Rachel King and Becca Dowdall although the player of the match went to Crockett.

Harpenden Town: Lauren Croucher-Wakefield, Rachel King, Becca Dowdall, Alice King, Leah Crocket, Scarlet Stanley, Hannah Pope, Mel Jones, Belle Shannon, Dani Ransom, Cayleigh Jackson.

Subs: Cally Salter, Kacee Warren, Holly Rossington, Rosie Makamian, Arinna Gordon.

Colney Heath: Rachel Sherlow, Lauren Appleby, Bora Cela, Olivia Corbett, Laura Gifford, Darci Harewood, Sophie Joseph, Mia Simmonds, Anna Simeu, Ruby Tickner, Abbey Williams.
Subs: Hope Hume, Holly Jury, Lacey Kavanagh-Blake, Molly Slade.