The build up to the end of the JPL U15 group league was close, to say the least. With only a couple of points seperating the top three: Inspire/Hartland Girls Academy, Billeracay and Charlton Athletic. Billeracay hadn’t last a single game, Charlton had won most thier matches with commanding leads and the U15’s doing consistently well it came down to the last few games and for Inspire/Hartland their last 3 games were also their toughest games.
First up was Billieracay. Inspire/Hartland had faced them a number of times and every time the result had been a draw, except the cup win on penalties. A very strong side from an established club. On the day Billeracay were the better side and left the U15’s with a tough task, they had to win their last 2 games, both being against Charlton Athletic.
The first of the two games was a mid week away at Charltons academy training facilities. The game was as tough as expected, both teams playing at their best. As the sun went down and the floodlights came on the crowd in the stands cheered the girls on and the squad came away with a 3-1 away win over Charlton.
Some it all came down to the last game to decide the league between Inspire/Hartland and Billeracay. Charlton fielded it’s best team and fought a tough game and as the 2nd quarter started the scored was tied at 1-1. News reached supporters that Billeracay had won their game, there was only 1 point in the race to be champions and only a win would do.
The teams played their best, throwing everything at it. Even the opposition goal keeper was in the Inspire/Hartland box at one point. Then Inspire/Hartland Scored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The last few minutes where the most tense minutes all season, could then hang on to the lead?
Finally the whistle blew, relief and jubilation. The longest season ever was finally over and the U15’s became JPL Warrior U15 champions for 23/24.
Only one thing left to do… win the quadruple.