THE under-15s girls’ football team from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne are national champions after a thrilling victory in the English Schools FA final.

Having triumphed in five of the previous rounds – which included the defeat of tournament favourites Surbiton High School – they took on The Cottesloe School from Leighton Buzzard.

The nine-a-side match was held at the impressive 11,500 capacity Sixways stadium in Worcester.

The QE girls went behind twice, but pulled back through a goal from Lucy Lucas and an own goal.

At 2-2, the match was heading towards extra time when midfielder Georgia Mitton hit the winner with a fine strike, sending the fans wild.

Coaches Andy Jackson and Emma Acott had guided the squad of 14 through the tournament that began in January.

Jackson said: “This was a new competition run by English Schools and it was open to all schools in the country.

“In the first round we beat Poole High School and then beat schools from Sussex and Devon before the semi-final against Surbiton High School.

“They are a huge footballing school so beating them was amazing.

“For the final we took the squad and 16 of their friends to the stadium that is a wonderful facility.

“We had the home changing room and ran out to music and it really was a stressful game that could have gone either way.

“At the final whistle they all hugged each other and then ran over to their friends and then of course they got to lift the trophy.”

Liz West, chief executive of Initio Learning Trust that includes QE School, said: “What a super achievement, following on from the success of the boys’ team.

“Girls from Years 9 and 10 were playing so hopefully we can have another good side next year.

“Sport is a very important part of life at our trust and this is a day that will live with the girls for the rest of their lives.”

Squad: Mary Dean (c), Ashleigh Prince, Sofia Noakes-Zapater, Erin Maltman, Evie Trussler, Georgia Mitto, Ella Bradford, Lucy Lucas, Scarlett Phillips, Willow Watkins, Elloise Bond, Millie Smith.