SEDGEMOOR Manor Junior School’s girl footballers defied the odds to reach the final of a county tournament – despite entering as underdogs.

The team qualified for the Somerset FA County finals after winning the Bridgwater and Sedgemoor area tournament earlier in the season.

According to Jim Gillard, school sports co-ordinator, the girls were happy just to qualify and never expected to progress far facing bigger schools such as Bath, Nailsea and Ilchester, which all play at a higher standard.

Despite losing their first group stage tie, the team gradually started to show what they were capable of and managed to win a few games.

The girls were shocked to make it to the semi-finals where they came up against the highly-fancied team from Portishead, but they romped to victory and made it to the final.

In the showpiece decider, Sedgemoor Manor came up against a very good Ilchester team and were unlucky to go down 1-0.

Mr Gillard said: “We are extremely proud of the girls - this is a spectacular achievement - we are delighted to call ourselves runners-up in the county.

“They showed incredible commitment and pride, playing with skill and bravery. We believe that they represented the school and Sedgemoor with great commitment.

“Chelsea Day scored four goals on the day but all players impressed with their dedication to the cause and contribution to the team.

“We are hoping that one or two of the girls will go on to county trials and selection for the county side.”