A girls' team from Stevenage have capped a wonderful year with a crowning achievement - the county cup.

Stevenage Starlets U16 Navy had begun the year fantastically well, winning pre-season tournaments at both Letchworth Eagles and Caddington.

Injuries made the season itself a struggle at times, the squad regularly playing without any substitutes.

However, the girls continued to battle through the low numbers, using it as a galvanising tool more than anything, and it helped them progress in the county cup.

St Albans City South were beaten 4-0 in round two while it needed a 4-2 success on penalties in the quarter-final to dispose of another City team, the Wildcats, after the teams had drawn 0-0.

The semi-final brought a 3-0 win over Evergreen and there was more penalty drama in the final, Starlets clinching a 5-4 win after drawing 1-1 with Hitchin Belles Blues.

Manager Craig Harrington-Pike said: " To win the County Cup, considering everything the girls' have been up against this season, is an unbelievable achievement.

"It is a real testament to their hard work, spirit and togetherness."

Stevenage Starlets provide football for girls aged from four up over and are always looking for volunteers across the club.

Anyone interested in either playing or volunteering should email contact@starletsfc.com or call 07903 636705.

More information is at www.starletsfc.com