The Under-13 football team at Bolton School Girls’ Division have progressed to the national Independent Schools’ FA Finals at St George’s Park after losing a close Northern Cup final in extra-time.

The girls made it through to the national final after a successful campaign in the northern tournament, which was held at Stockport Grammar School.

They started the day well with a convincing 4-1 win against Terra Nova, with Ruby Roocroft scoring two early goals from some great build-up play and one in the last minute of the game to complete her hat-trick. Georgina Stubbs also got onto the scoresheet.

Their second match saw them up against Newcastle High and it was a tense affair.

But a great goal by Georgina from a 20-yard free-kick saw the team secure victory.

Bolton then needed to win their final group-stage game against Bootham to guarantee top spot in their mini-league.

They achieved that with a 2-1 victory, Georgina scoring another two - one in the third minute and her second coming from a rebound scored from a powerful shot by Isobel Plano.

The semi-final against Leeds Grammar School started well, when a low powerful corner from Georgina to the front post was deflected in by a Leeds defender in the second minute of the game.

The girls battled incredibly hard for the remainder of the game to claim a coveted place in the final, with the score ending 1-0.

A tense final against Cheadle Hulme remained 1-1 at full time, with both sides trying to play an expansive passing game.

However, in extra-time, Cheadle Hulme went 3-1 up before both teams scored goals straight from a kick-off in the final minute.

Both Bolton goals came from Issy, the first to take the lead and the second to make the score 3-2 with just minutes remaining.

However, Cheadle would run out eventual 4-2 winners.

Both northern finalists made it through to the National Finals at St George’s Park, which will take place next term.

Delighted Bolton School coach, Ms Farrimond-Goff, said: ‘We wish the girls luck in the ISFA National Finals following a fantastic season.

“This is a wonderful achievement and a great experience, one we are very much looking forward to.

“The team has been fantastic all season, having reached the GM County Cup quarter-finals, the ESFA last 32 and they were winners of the Bolton Schools’ Town League.

“They are a brilliant group of girls who work incredibly hard for each other, they love the game and always give 110 per cent.

“It’s a privilege to watch them play and I’m delighted they are having the opportunity to play at St George’s Park, the home of the FA and where the England stars they aspire to be train.”