MALDON Town girls' under-16 manager Jon Southgate hailed the performance of his young side at the Southern England Regional Final of the Tesco Cup last Saturday.
The Essex County Girls League side - who were representing the Essex FA - finished second in their group behind eventual winners Bedwell Rangers, after losing 3-0 to the Hertfordshire side in what turned out to be the pool decider.
But despite missing out on a place in the Tesco Cup UK Final at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 18, Southgate was adamant his players will have learned a great deal from the day in Roehampton.
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"It has been a fantastic day," he said.
"The girls have all done so well to get here and we just wanted them to enjoy it. They are all a great bunch - they work hard and listen, and this is a little bit of a reward for them today.
"We had been looking forward to the tournament for ages and it didn't disappoint. The organisation was great and it is a big step in the right direction for girls football."
Former England and Newcastle defender Warren Barton was also in attendance and echoed Southgate's words after girls were invited to take part in the Tesco Cup for the first time.
"It was played in a good spirit," said Barton.
"The players have been very respectful, so all round it have been a very good enjoyable day.
"Each year, the competition seems to be getting stronger and it is great for girls football that we are seeing them being introduced this year."
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