Everyone’s knocks and injuries had time to heal and JBG? were buzzing to go again retaining club captain Steph Ashton, midfield play maker Ali Hindley and striker Michelle Kirkman-Ryan in the starting line ups. Some 24 teams entered this year’s event including, Stockport County, Bolton Ladies, RAF Ladies, and a couple of University sides many of whom are 11- a-side and small sided outdoor established sides, some Stanstock regulars and used to the 2 day format so competition was always going to be strong.
All of the first days four fixtures were won and Coventry City Ladies were the first victims on a hot summer’s day in Shropshire.
Next day saw the knock -out stages begin and local rivals Wythenshawe proved to be the first real test for JBG? who eventually ran out 1-0 winners in a closely contested round of 16 match switched to a fast 3G pitch from the previous days games on long grass. Into the quarter finals then and Misfits were brushed aside a little easier by the Futsal team, and it was to be Liverpool feds ‘A’ who took JBG? to extra time in the semi-final which was eventually settled by penalties, with JBG’s confidence at spot kicks from two weeks earlier shining through.
So, the final was reached without conceding a goal, then, Lincoln City Ladies took the lead against the run of play and constant pressure which they had to endure for the first half, only for JBG? to re-adjust their formation and force an equaliser and this game too went into extra time. It wasn’t long before the winner came, great attacking moves with a frustrating end were no longer and a sweet strike from forward Lizzy Chapman ensured the trophy would be heading to the North West this season. Not a bad first summer for JBG? Manchester Winter League Ladies Futsal winners, and now a 7’s Tournament double.