FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL WINNING SUCCESS

FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL

WINNING SUCCESS

BY AS1 SHANNON LOGAN

IN OCTOBER 2022, RAF CONINGSBY WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM TOOK PART IN THE 5-A-SIDE FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HELD AT SHREWSBURY TOWN FC.

This tournament saw 12 teams battling it out for a chance to win the RAFFA Women’s 5-a-side annual football tournament.

Opening game in the group stage was against Shrewsbury. The first goal being scored by Coningsby within the opening 30s of the match set Coningsby on a smooth road to victory. Additional goals by both Rachel Howes and Lucy Farrow, giving the team a sure win and a great start. With strong attacking play the final score was 8-0 to Coningsby.

Coningsby were then faced Brize Norton Movers. Both teams started strong with Coningsby taking the lead goal, not long followed by Brize Movers to even the score. The remainder of the game saw the girls slide a few more goals past Brize Movers. Winning their second match with 4-1.

The third game, toughest so far, against the mixed team Brize Norton and Benson. With both teams having experienced and strong players, the girls were in for a tough match. Eventually, a breakthrough goal from Lucy Farrow gave Coningsby the lead. A solid defence, with outstanding saves by Coningsby’s goalkeeper Emily Gascoyne, the girls held on to claim the win.

Up next, RAF Police B. The first two goals for Coningsby scored by Shannon Logan followed by a cheeky goal from RAF Police B in their attempt to even the score. Coningsby tightened their defence and pushed to further the lead. With a finishing score of 6-1 to Coningsby means they’ll finish top of their group with one game remaining.

The final game in the group stage saw Coningsby Vs Cosford. Shots on target from both teams being well deflected until Coningsby scored their first goal. Both teams were strong throughout with Cosford only allowing two goals to creep past, leaving the final score 2-0. Coningsby finishing the group stage undefeated.

The semi-final saw Coningsby face High Wycombe. With a strong game plan, Coningsby set out to secure their place in the final. Barely giving High Wycombe a chance, firing goals into the net whilst keeping a stern defence. A final score of 4-0 means Coningsby progress onto the finals.

The fight for the RAFFA Women’s 5-a-side was now between Coningsby and their adversary’s Brize/Benson. With the opposition trying to redeem themselves from the group stage, this was an intense final. The opposition were relentless, forcing Emily Gascoyne to make some great saves and the with rest of the team blocking many attempted shots. Lucy Farrow however managed to unravel their defence and break the deadlock, scoring the winning goal for Coningsby. Ending the tournament undefeated with a 1-0 win against Brize/Benson again.

If you would like to get involved with RAF Coningsby Women’s Football team, please contact Sgt Jennifer Whatton (Jennifer. Whatton805@mod.gov.uk), we welcome all experience levels and are a very friendly group.