The Scholars Ground saw Chasetown FC take on Whitchurch Alport in the Staffordshire Girls and Ladies Football League Vase Final, with a league-record attendance of 489.

Whitchurch started the brighter of the two sides, as Ellie Hill’s early shot forced a sharp save at the near post from Courteney Hutchison.

They continued to apply pressure. A clever through ball from Hill was met by Charlie Herbert, but Chasetown’s well-regimented defence cleared the danger.

Katie Holmes looked to spark Chasetown into life with a dangerous run forward, but her progress was halted by Mia Washington, and the Whitchurch defence remained untroubled.

Whitchurch came knocking again, as Washington played in Beth Cooke. Cooke’s dazzling footwork drew a foul inside the box.
Danni Prince stepped up to take the resulting penalty and confidently smashed the ball just past Hutchison, giving Whitchurch a 1–0 lead in their second final in a week.

The goal seemed to wake Chasetown up. Their attacking energy increased, evidenced by Chloe East-Goodman’s effort that flew narrowly wide of the near post.

It was all Chasetown following the penalty, with Lessi Birkett impressing under pressure, though they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Whitchurch’s compact back three neutralised the attacking threat of Kaz Clough for much of the first half, repeatedly intercepting long balls aimed her way.

Chasetown’s best chance to equalise before halftime came through a flurry of efforts — Clough’s shot was blocked at the edge of the box, the rebound falling to East-Goodman, who fired over the bar.

Their final chance of the half came from a searching cross from Becky Ward at the back post, met by Birkett, but her header was comfortably caught by Caitlyn Smith.
Chasetown needed improvement after the break — and they delivered. Early in the second half, a looping corner reached Connie Wootton, whose half-volley flew past the keeper to level the score.

Whitchurch responded as Prince danced into the box, but her effort was safely gathered by Hutchinson.

As the game wore on, Chasetown looked increasingly dangerous. They took the lead for the first time when Clough’s precise through ball sent Birkett charging through on goal. Her finish was clinical, finding the top corner to make it 2–1.

Minutes later, a defensive lapse from Whitchurch allowed Birkett in again. In similar fashion to her first, she calmly lifted her shot over a stranded Smith, extending Chasetown’s lead to 3–1.

With the game nearing its end and Chasetown eyeing their second trophy of the season, Whitchurch made it a nervy finish. Ellie Hill’s long-range strike soared into the top corner, making it 3–2.

The Chase had a huge opportunity to kill the game, as Kaz stepped up for a penalty to make it four. He spot kick just missed, curling narrowly wide of the top right corner, meaning the scores didn’t change.

Chasetown managed the closing stages well, keeping the ball in Whitchurch’s half. But there were still chances on the counter, and in the dying moments, Whitchurch won a corner — sending even goalkeeper Smith forward.

Smith rose highest to meet the cross, but her header flew just over the bar — a collective sigh of relief from the home crowd.

After a hard-fought 90 minutes, Chasetown Women’s FC were worthy champions of the Staffordshire Girls and Ladies Football League Vase. They should be immensely proud of their achievements this season — their hard work and determination have truly paid off.