WENSLEYDALE School, Leyburn went down 3-1 in a competitive North Yorkshire under-13 girls' county cup final against Rossett School of Harrogate earlier this month.

A sizeable crowd attended the match at Thirsk School, where the two teams battled for the right to represent the county in the Coca-Cola Northern Schools Cup.

The first half was closely contested, with both teams playing some attractive and inventive football. But it was the team from Harrogate who broke the deadlock with a quick-fire brace from Leeds United Academy starlet Rachel Daly.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Wensleydale came out for the second half determined to fight their way back into the match. They did so through central midfielder Clare Marwood, who fired in a shot to reduce the deficit and put the pressure firmly back on Rossett.

The action was now end to end, but both teams found chances hard to come by, largely due to excellent defending.

Rossett strikers Leah Mercer and Lauren Randell looked dangerous, but Wensleydale defenders Claire Moore and Francesca Harmsworth continually blocked their attacks.

When Rossett were able to break through, goalkeeper Harriet Murray was on hand to parry the ball to safety.

Rossett finally sealed victory near the end when Daly stole in to complete her hat-trick.

Rossett coach Mike Sweetman said: "I'm really proud of the girls for what was an excellent team performance in a gripping county cup final. Wensleydale have a really good side and they pushed us all the way."

Gemma Ingleby, coach of Wensleydale, added: "It was a very competitive and close county cup final.

"We missed some chances in the second half when the score was at 2-1 and if we had scored then it could have been a different story. Rossett's third goal was the nail in the coffin.

"Obviously the girls are disappointed to have lost, but the team have played some great football so far this season. Good luck to Rossett in the Northern Schools Cup."