The Hampshire FA headquarters at Winklebury was the stage for an unforgettable afternoon of football as Andover New Street U18 Girls produced a dazzling display to dismantle Aldershot Girls 9–1 in the Hampshire County Cup Final — securing the trophy for a second successive year.
Match Report By Manager Nic Turpin
Despite missing four key players — Evie Murphy, Daisy Berglin, Georgia Galley, and Chloe Sheffield — the Andover side, proudly sponsored by The Racing Club, delivered a sensational team performance that showcased grit, flair, and total football.
It took just three minutes for the champions to assert themselves. A speculative long-range strike from captain Amelia “Rocket” Riley caused problems for the Aldershot keeper, and Molly Christer reacted quickest to smash home the rebound.
Moments later, Amelia was at it again — delivering a pin-point freekick into the box which caused havoc and fell kindly to Mils Bellotti, who calmly tucked away the second. 2–0 inside six minutes — the perfect start.
The midfield engine room, marshalled brilliantly by Bella Turpin, won battles, retained possession, and set the tempo. Out wide, Florrie Marsh was electric on the left while Jazz Lewins tracked tirelessly on the right, frustrating any Aldershot attempts to build rhythm.
Aldershot hit back in the 19th minute through their number 9, reducing the deficit to 2–1, but that only served to fire Andover up even more. Irene Aguado dropped deep to link play and soon teed up Amelia, whose deflected shot restored the two-goal cushion.
By now, momentum was with Andover. Florrie, tormenting defenders with her pace, pulled the ball back perfectly for Irene, who slotted home a composed fourth. Then came a towering header from Imogen Jones (Immie) off an Amelia corner to make it 5–1 going into the break — a half of football that left the trophy practically engraved.
Defensively, Annabelle Muller was a rock at left back, Erin Swanton played with composure and adaptability, and Emily Evans in goal was sharp and brave when called upon. The second half brought no reprieve for Aldershot as Lottie Spottiswood and Gabby Dzeamesi added fresh steel to the defence.
And then came Freya Twigg.
Quiet in the first half, she burst into life in the second. On 67 minutes, Amelia lifted a delicate ball over the top — Freya took one touch, turned, and rifled it into the top corner. Seven minutes later, Mils delivered a perfect ball into her stride — one touch, one finish. Then in the 81st minute, a third: a cool sliding finish from another inch-perfect Mils assist. A 14-minute hat-trick in a cup final. Simply outstanding.
The final word went to Jazz Lewins, who finished off a smart move initiated by Irene, drilling into the bottom corner to make it 9–1, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Andover bench.
The referee’s whistle blew, and the history books were updated — Andover New Street U18 Girls: County Cup champions once again.
Manager Nic Turpin reflected on the historic win:
“I’m incredibly proud of every single player. To come into a County Cup Final with the pressure of defending our title and to put in a performance like that… it says everything about the character and quality of this group.
What I loved most was how we reacted after Aldershot pulled one back. A lot of teams might wobble at 2–1, but we went up a gear. Amelia’s strike, Irene’s finish, Immie’s header — they just kept pushing.
Amelia led by example — four assists, a goal, her set pieces were top class. And then Freya… a 14-minute hat-trick in a final? Outrageous.
But it wasn’t just the goals. It was the whole team performance. We’ve worked so hard this season and this result is the reward. To go back-to-back as County Cup champions is something really special.”
Special thanks to:
- The Racing Club — team sponsor
- All Aces Couriers — Veo camera sponsor
- Taylors Embroidery — for supplying the team’s new kit
NEXT UP:
Foxcotte Park
Friday 26th April
1.30pm KO
Andover New Street U18 Girls vs Millwall – JPL Cup Semi-Final
The winner will face either Derby County or West Ham United in the final.
