Semi-Final success!

Park was drawn against Ribblesdale School in the Lancashire Cup semi-final, setting up a tense fixture on a miserable and wet afternoon. Despite the difficult conditions, the game began at a high tempo, with Park immediately playing quick, sharp football that put Ribblesdale on the back foot.

Park displayed tremendous quality through crisp passing and intelligent movement, especially from Poppy, whose quick technical turn created real pressure and forced a number of impressive saves from the Ribblesdale keeper to keep her side in the game.

Both teams showed exactly why they had reached the semi-final, with the match flowing end to end. Ribblesdale responded strongly near the end of the first half, testing Park’s defence and keeping Eleanor and Heidi busy with important defensive work. Making her Lancashire Cup debut, Iona made her presence known between the sticks. Her distribution and sharp reactions provided reassurance at the back.

At half-time, Mr Morrison challenged the girls to show even greater commitment and energy. The response was immediate, where Madison and Lottie consistently applied pressure to the opposition, making dangerous runs and important physical tackles.

With just ten minutes remaining, Park found the breakthrough. A brilliant ball forward found Betsy, who turned quickly and fired into the back of the net to make it 1–0. The goal brought relief and celebration, giving Park renewed confidence.

Pola and Mia played their part in securing the result, bringing fresh energy in defence and helping maintain calmness on the ball to protect the lead and ensure a clean sheet.

At the final whistle, the 1–0 victory secured Park’s place in the Lancashire Cup Final for the second consecutive year with this same group of players — a remarkable achievement.

Credit must also go to Ribblesdale, whose work determination made it a fiercely competitive semi-final.

Congratulations to the girls on an outstanding journey to the final.