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Gareth Fullerton

Linfield girls proving to be the 'special ones' after SuperCupNI success

Meet the Linfield girls who have been labelled the 'special ones' following their latest success.

The young Blues are celebrating after being crowned inaugural SuperCupNI Girls' Under 13 champions this week.

It is the latest big win for the youngsters after they romped to victory at the recent Foyle Cup and also picked up winners' medals at two competitions in England.

Read more: Rangers FC coach urges young SuperCupNI stars to follow Charlie Lindsay lead

Coach Scott Nesbitt voiced his pride at the girls' achievements, and said this week's SuperCupNI debut had been a special week.

"To be honest this team is special. They know how to win games, even when they are up against so much," he said.

"It has been a busy eight weeks for the team as they spent time in England playing in the ESF tournament and then the ESF Champions tournament at St George's Park, winning both.

"They also spent last week in Strabane playing in the Foyle Cup, playing five games and not conceding a goal to win the tournament as well.

"Massive credit must go to the other coaches Paul Allen and Stephen Havern. As coaches it is great to see the girls perform so well, and these guys put in so much time and effort.

"Playing in the first SuperCupNI Girls' tournament is something these players will never forget. To see the calibre of players in this year's tournament and the players who have played here over the years, to have their names added to that list is an honour.

"Hopefully next year more teams from UK, Europe and even the world bring squads over to take part."

Linfield beat Crusaders 4-1 in Tuesday's final, coming from behind to lift the trophy. Grace McAllister scored twice while Cassie Henderson and Charlotte Havern were also on the scoresheet.

"When Crusaders went ahead it was something the girls aren't used to, but it ignited them and we equalised very quickly after, which was great for us. And we went in front just before half-time," Scott added.

"By the end of the game and in reflection I think while we controlled the majority of the second half and deserved the win.

"Crusaders played their part in a great final and all credit must go to them for it. Especially playing in front of a big crowd.

"It looked like they where standing three deep in places around the pitch to get a view. Easily a couple of hundred people watching for an U13 girls' game shows how much this grabbed the attention of the public and how much women's football is improving here."

Scott hopes the success of the Northern Ireland team at this summer's Euros can continue galvanising women's football here, inspiring more young girls to take up the game.

"I just hope with the senior national team getting to the Euros for the first time we don't let this opportunity pass us by and as a football community we push on and try and improve every week. There are so many excellent girls teams in Northern Ireland at the minute, why wouldn't you want to be involved?" he said.

"At the minute we play in a 2009 boys' league every year to challenge the girls, however, I'd love the girls' game to progress so much that we have a very competitive league here from a young age."

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