Kent Merit Under-16 Girls’ Cup Final: Foots Cray Lions 1 Cray Wanderers 7

Cray Wanderers won a fourth successive county title after lifting the Kent Merit Under-16 Girls’ Cup on Sunday.

They turned on the style in the second half to defeat Foots Cray Lions 7-1 at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium.

Manager Oscar Ngai said: “The girls played really well. The first half was a little bit shaky, which is understandable in a cup final.

“We had a few honest words at half-time and we told the girls to do what they’re good at. The second half was a marked improvement and we came out worthy winners.

“We scored goals at good moments, like the one at the start of the second half. We were fortunate that they had one disallowed for offside as that could have changed it.

“It’s four years in a row. Danny Stanton has been the main chap, it’s his team really, but he’s doing the women’s team now.”

Cray took just four minutes to take the lead when Ruby Sienna Foames converted from close range after a left-wing corner was headed down.

It was an even contest though, with Foots Cray defending well - Chloe Garner was an obvious standout at the back - while Cray had plenty of invention in attack.

Foots Cray’s Isla Mason latched on to a short backpass and rounded keeper Eva Griffiths, who got back in time to clear the danger. Then Pearl Young was denied at the far post from the resulting deep corner.

Foots Cray thought they’d levelled the scores when Mason swept home after being played in by Evie McTernan but the flag was raised for offside.

Cray went 2-0 ahead on 33 minutes when Amelia Davenport’s long-range free-kick went straight in. They nearly added an immediate third but keeper Imogen Scott did well to deny both Kiyamyng McPherson and Melony Dixon.

Foots Cray got themselves back into the game with a stunning goal on