Filton College 5 - 0 Gateshead College

Sharla Passariello (4), Charlotte Jones

When it mattered the most Filton produced their performance of the season to defeat last years Champions Gateshead 5-0 at Bradford City's Coral Windows Stadium.

Filton knew going into the game a win would complete the "perfect season" with the team winning every competition they entered. Preparation was perfect with an overnight stay in a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Bradford, the players were ready for a big occasion and the chance to make Academy history. When the teams were announced Filton showed the strength of their squad when they made eight changes from the convincing 6-1 semi final win over ECFA League One Champions Huddersfield. Sophie Morgan, Georgia Wallis, Ellie Isaac, Ellis Parsons, Daisy Allen, Jaz Matthews, Sharla Passariello and Gabby Bird all came back into the starting eleven as Filton set up in their usual 4-3-3 formation.

As normal in a big final both teams started a little nervously but both full of commitment and endeavour. Filton it was though who started to assert themselves more on the game and it wasn’t long before they started to create some chances. Georgia Wallis headed wide from a Connie Short corner and Jaz Matthews brought a tidy save from Gateshead's England U19 International keeper Rachel Laws. Sharla Passariello had the games first clear cut chance when after keeper Laws deflected clearance fell to her only for Passariello to volley well over the cross bar. Mid way through the half Filton did get the crucial break through, after some patient build up Paige Stewart switched the play to release full back Ellis Parsons, Parsons looked to have missed placed her pass but Passariello never gave up on the pass and after a mix up between the keeper and defender Passariello nipped in to score. Now a goal to the good Filton kept possession well and made sure they got in at half time still ahead.

Though a goal to the good the Filton girls were still a little disappointed with their first half performance and after a positive talk at half time went out determined in the second half to not only bring the cup home but show everyone their style. Right from the kick off they signalled their intent after winning a throw deep in their opponents half they moved the ball around quickly and several passes later released Jaz Matthews to shoot wide. But the intent was clear and from that moment on the girls produced an outstanding display of passing football, pressing all over the pitch and an incredible togetherness.

Seven minutes into the second period Filton scored a second goal. After a flowing move where the ball was switched from right to left and back into centre back Georgia Wallis, then a combination between Wallis and Daisy Allen allowed Paige Stewart to find some space and when she was released by Wallis, Stewart picked out Captain Connie Short with a defence splitting pass and after another good save from Laws Passariello was on hand to smash in the rebound. The Filton girls were now full of confidence and after a quick free kick from Connie Short, Sophie Morgan teed up Jaz Matthews to deliver a perfect cross to the “unplayable” Passariello to head home her hat trick goal. Just after the goal Charlotte Jones replaced the impressive Gabby Bird and was straight into the game with a crunching challenge to win the ball back in midfield. Filton were now in complete control of the game restricting their opponents to long range attempts that were all handled impeccably by Filton commanding goalkeeper Abby Evans and with centre back Ellie Isaac leading by example in the back four Filton never looked in real danger of conceding the goal that might give Gateshead a lifeline.

With fifteen minutes remaining Pasariello rounded off her best performance in a Filton jersey when she added the teams and her own fourth goal of the game. Another piece of quick thinking from Captain Short gave Paige Stewart time on the edge of the box to deliver a perfect cross for Passariello to power home a header into the bottom corner. With only minutes remaining Daisy Allen picked a pass to free Charlotte Jones who hit a hot into the top corner of the net to round off a fantastic performance and a day that will go down in the history of Filton College Female Football Academy.