There was heartbreak for St Albans City Youth U16 girls as they lost 3-2 on penalties to Watford in the final of the County Cup.
It was a disappointing end to what was a tremendous game of football that had finished 1-1 after extra time.
Watford had broken the deadlock in the first half with a header but the St Albans Girls were level by the break thanks to a superb long range shot from Mia Pinkham.
City found themselves under pressure in the second half from a well organised Watford side but a strong defence and outstanding performance from goalkeeper Nicole Gair denied them a vital second goal.
Extra time saw chances at both ends and there was concern for Saints’ Abbie Scalon who had to be stretchered off with a severe ankle sprain.
Gair pulled off two saves in the shoot-out and Pinkham and Maz Horne-Batet were both successful but Watford were just able to edge home.
The players of the match were Anna Gifford and Katie Weaver.
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