BOGNOR REGIS TOWN U16 GIRL 1 vs 2 League Cup Final vs JERSEY

On 17 May 2026, Bognor Regis Town U16 Girls Green FC faced Jersey Bulls in the League Cup Final at Sussex FA Culver Road, Lancing, with kick-off at 10:00am. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Jersey Bulls after an intense 80 minutes plus injury time in this neutral venue clash witnessed by a large crowd of fervent spectators.

On a bright sunny day, Bognor Regis Town lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying Katie Beech in goal. The defensive line consisted of Izzy Edwards at right back, central defenders Isabelle Cowens and Julia Nowak, and Lily Geall at left back. The midfield trio featured Emily Craig on the right, Ava Wilkins centrally, and Clara Castanheira on the left. Upfront, the attacking trio was made up of Isabelle English on the right wing, Maria Swanson leading as striker, and Chloe Blanks on the left wing. The substitutes available were Flora Robinson, Natalia Klupa, Katie Allard, and Alessa Price.

A calamitous start for Bognor, who kicked off and kept going backwards and Jersey Bulls pressed forwards, capitalised on a defensive error, slotting home with a right-footed finish to take lead within the first 10 seconds with their first touch of the ball. I kept looking round for Jeremy Beadle to come out from behind the dug out, but the birthday prank was no where to be seen.

Bognor were shell shocked and all over the place but however were given a lifeline in their first meaningful attack of the game. A cross from the right hit an outstretched hand in the area and referee Jones pointed to the spot. Bognor Regis Town responded swiftly when Isabelle English bravely stepped up converted a penalty in the corner low to the keepers right just three minutes later, restoring parity and injecting belief into her side.

Bognor still hadn't got going and the Jersey Reds back by their passionate support we're up for it chasing and tackling all over the pitch. The Bognor support had to keep counting how many players the Bulls had on the pitch such was their workrate as they appeared to be everywhere.

Bognor still hadn't ettled and Jersey regained the advantage in the 16th minute with a well-struck right-footed effort from outside the area that left goalkeeper Katie Beech with little chance. This goal put Jersey Bulls ahead once more and set the tone for a fiercely contested encounter.

Bognor Regis Town made double substitutions in the 24th minute, with Flora Robinson replacing Maria Swanson and Natalia Klupa coming on for Chloe Blanks, signalling a tactical shift to regain control. Lily was pushed forward and Wiz came into the centre of attack to add pace. Bognor began to come back into the game and went agonisingly close on a couple of occasions following goal mouth scrambles from well delivered corners and also hitting the crossbar.

Jersey were still posing a threat at the other end and Julia was called upon to make a couple of strong tackles to recover situations. Thea (18) was pulling the strings for the Reds in midfield and seemingly everywhere, while Amy and Lauren were stalwarts repelling the Bognor attacks from the centre of defence.

The half concluded with Jersey Bulls maintaining their slender lead, but Bognor Regis Town remained competitive and determined to overturn the deficit in the second period. Katie Allard was introduced for Emily Craig, with Issy C moving to right back and Izzy Ed going into midfield. We felt Jersey had given their maximum in the first half and we needed to maintain our effort and pressure thinking they may start to fade.

The pace and intensity of the game on the big pitch in the sun was beginning to tell. Early in the second half, injury forced a substitution as Emily Craig returned to the pitch replacing Clara Castanheira in the 50th minute who felt her hamstring. In the 58th minute, Wiz beat her player on the edge of the area and was going through, but was scythed down. Maria Swanson came back on for the injured Isabelle English, reshaping the attacking line once again and Ava put the free kick narrowly over the bar.

Further injury disruptions followed with Emily Craig replacing Izzy Edwards who was suffering from new boot blisters in the 64th minute, while Chloe Blanks re-entered the fray for an exhausted Lily Geall at left back in the 68th minute. At the same time, Isabelle English having recovered was reinstated upfront for Maria Swanson. We were pushing hard and creating opportunities but just couldnt find the final ball or cross and Jersey were defending resolutely

In the 70th minute, Alessa Price was brought on for Katie Allard, at the back. Tactical adjustments continued late in the match as Izzy Edwards returned for Natalia Klupa in the 77th minute, as we went 3-4-3 in the final stages pushing for the equaliser. We forced more corners but still couldn't find the one moment. As we threw more and more forward in desperation, Jersey nearly scored on the break but Katie came out and made a flying save. In the final minute we broke twice more but both times couldn't cut the cross back enough and the keeper gathered safely

Despite their efforts and a spirited performance, Bognor Regis Town were unable to find an equaliser after going behind early on. The match was marked by a high tempo and showcased the squad’s depth and resilience, but ultimately it was not to be against a skilled and spirited Jersey side

Julia Nowak stood out throughout the game, anchoring the defence with composure and leadership, earning her the Player of the Match accolade. Her performances helped keep Bognor Regis Town competitive against a strong Jersey Bulls side.

In the end, Jersey Bulls lifted the League Cup with a 2-1 victory, leaving Bognor Regis Town to reflect on a valiant effort in a tightly contested final. The referee’s performance ensuring the match was conducted fairly and smoothly and was played in good spirits both on and off the pitch.

It was a shame that Bognors first defeat of the season in 80 minutes came in their final game and there was a lot of disappointment in the team, but you cant win them all and have to take the rough with the smooth. Jersey played well, worked incredibly hard and had the two best players on the pitch on the day and were worthy of their victory.