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Maidstone United, represented by Palace Wood School, win National League Trust Under-11 Girls’ Cup final at Wembley

06:51, 16 May 2023

Maidstone United celebrated Wembley glory at the weekend after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

The Stones, represented by Palace Wood School, won the National League Trust Under-11 Girls’ Cup final.

Palace Wood girls with their trophies at Wembley.
Palace Wood girls with their trophies at Wembley.

They beat Scarborough Athletic 10-9 on penalties on Saturday after a 3-3 draw under the Wembley arch.

Maidstone twice came from a goal down to lead 3-2, only for Scarborough to level and take the 12-minute final the distance.

With the shoot-out in sudden death, Scarborough had a penalty saved before Maidstone scored the winner.

Palace Wood School, representing Maidstone United, celebrate Wembley glory in the National League Trust U11 Girls' Cup final.
Palace Wood School, representing Maidstone United, celebrate Wembley glory in the National League Trust U11 Girls' Cup final.

The road to Wembley started for Palace Wood in February when they won the Maidstone United Community Trust Mini World Cup at the Gallagher Stadium, followed by success at two regional events.

Lead coach Ted Smith said: “It has been a privilege to coach this group of girls in the last three months, an incredible journey that is yet to sink in.

“To be rewarded with not only playing a national final at Wembley, but to go one step further and lift the trophy representing Maidstone United is what dreams are made of.

A day to remember for the Year 6 girls at Palace Wood School.
A day to remember for the Year 6 girls at Palace Wood School.

“The girls deserve every superlative and plaudit awarded to them, for the the hard work and mentality required to achieve national success.

“A tight-knit group of friends, enjoying their football, finishing their primary school years making eternal memories.

“These players are heroes in my eyes and I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Congratulations Palace Wood girls and thank you Maidstone United for your support.”

The match formed part of the build-up to the National League play-off final which saw Notts County beat Chesterfield on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

It’s the second successive year Maidstone have lifted the trophy, with Allington Primary winning last season’s final at Solihull Moors’ Damson Park ground.

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