Henley Lionesses u13s deliver sparkling performance to lift Berks & Bucks County Cup

Henley Lionesses u13s delivered a sparkling performance to lift the Berks & Bucks County Cup, with a deserved 2–0 victory over FC Bracknell at Abingdon FC ground.

In perfect conditions, the stage was set for a competitive encounter, especially with Bracknell having edged a recent meeting between the sides just two weeks earlier. The Lionesses emerged from the changing rooms sporting flashes of pink in their hair, reflecting their team spirit. The opening half was tightly contested but good-spirited, showcasing impressive quality, with both sides battling hard in midfield and maintaining strong defensive lines.

Clear-cut chances were limited, though Bracknell arguably came closest just before the break, only to be denied by a superb diving save and clearance from the Henley goalkeeper, Emilia Hughes.

Henley held a slight edge in possession, but the game remained finely balanced at 0–0 going into half-time.

Henley appeared relaxed and composed during the half-time pause, opting to stay pitch-side,

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Henley enjoying slightly more possession and probing through energetic attacking intent from Maisie Thatcher, Iola , Ella, Timeea and Eunice.

Henley maintained a slight edge in possession during the second half, attacking runs that came from Maisie Thatcher, Iola Osborne-Hunter, Ella Buckham-Hedges, Timeea Marin, and Eunice Kwok, repeatedly tested the Bracknell back line, though the opposition remained dangerous on the counter. A well-struck free kick from Bracknell’s number six tested the Henley goalkeeper, but it was safely gathered, preserving the deadlock.

Defensively, Henley were outstanding throughout. Emily Palmer, Sofia Coelho-Blanes, Daisy Goforth and Soraya Stender led a resilient back line, producing crucial interventions to repel repeated threats, and supported by tireless work from Charlotte Jean Jean, Isla Lawrence, Myla Graham and May Campbell in breaking up play and driving the team forward.

As the game edged toward penalties, the breakthrough finally came with ten minutes remaining.

Ella Buckham-Hedges unleashed a stunning strike from 20 yards that flew over the goalkeeper and dipped just under the crossbar, sparking jubilant celebrations. Henley weren’t finished. minutes later, Timeea Marin nearly produced a goal worthy of any highlight reel, her superb Beckham-esque free kick from just outside the corner of the penalty area, headed top bins but rattled off the crossbar onto the goal line, and Ella was perfectly placed and reacted quickest to head home the rebound for her second goal.

Despite late efforts from Bracknell, the Lionesses held firm to seal an emphatic win.

At the final whistle, celebrations erupted — hugging, singing and jumping to a 90s classic in pure joy as the Lionesses marked a remarkable achievement in only their fourth season together.  Iola Osborne-Hunter, dubbed “mini Messi,” was named Player of the Match, while captain Charlotte Jean Jean proudly lifted the trophy. A fantastic team performance, built on resilience, strong friendships and a never-give-up attitude. The clever use of substitutions, relying on the full squad proved the difference, underlining the team’s depth, unity and enduring spirit to contribute to a well-deserved cup triumph.

Henley Lionesses team manager Nick Hunt also thanked Anne of Manning UK, who proudly supports and sponsors our U13s team.