Maidstone United, represented by Palace Wood School, win National League Trust Under-11 Girls’ Cup final at Wembley

Maidstone United celebrated Wembley glory at the weekend after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

The Stones, represented by Palace Wood School, won the National League Trust Under-11 Girls’ Cup final.

They beat Scarborough Athletic 10-9 on penalties on Saturday after a 3-3 draw under the Wembley arch.

Maidstone twice came from a goal down to lead 3-2, only for Scarborough to level and take the 12-minute final the distance.

With the shoot-out in sudden death, Scarborough had a penalty saved before Maidstone scored the winner.

The road to Wembley started for Palace Wood in February when they won the Maidstone United Community Trust Mini World Cup at the Gallagher Stadium, followed by success at two regional events.

Lead coach Ted Smith said: “It has been a privilege to coach this group of girls in the last three months, an incredible journey that is yet to sink in.

“To be rewarded with not only playing a national final at Wembley, but to go one step further and lift the trophy representing Maidstone United is what dreams are made of.

“The girls deserve every superlative and plaudit awarded to them, for the the hard work and mentality required to achieve national success.

“A tight-knit group of friends, enjoying their football, finishing their primary school years making eternal memories.

“These players are heroes in my eyes and I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Congratulations Palace Wood girls and thank you Maidstone United for your support.”

AND MAIDSTONE WIN IN SUDDEN DEATH! The Maidstone Utd girls are U11s champs! #U11sFinals pic.twitter.com/57jYVnrBGx

The match formed part of the build-up to the National League play-off final which saw Notts County beat Chesterfield on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

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