The Cobblers have won the Virtual Learning UK Cup!

The Northampton Town Football and Education Programme Women’s squad earned a 2-0 victory over Dorking Wanderers in the final at Sixfields Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Chances were limited in an even first half. The Cobblers created two opportunities either side of the quarter-of-an-hour mark, as Kitty Crouch was denied by the onrushing ’keeper one-on-one before Sophia Tennent’s strike was punched away by the stopper.

Dorking had a sight of goal shortly after the restart, but Iona Smith rushed off her line to block the attempt outside the area.

The Cobblers created a number of half-chances without testing the ’keeper until the hour mark, when Mia Richards’ curled free-kick from the edge of the D was held.

A flurry of opportunities followed, with substitute Jess Short placing a first-time shot over the crossbar from the edge of the box and fellow replacement Ellie Barker being denied by the ’keeper from close range at the far post.

The Cobblers deservedly broke the deadlock going into the last 10 minutes when Richards fired a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner.

The midfielder turned provider five minutes later, setting-up Afrika de Villiers who placed a lofted finish home to double her side’s lead and secure the VLUK Cup.

Cobblers: Iona Smith, Laila Channell, Maddie Carter, Ruby Heselden, Cassidy Flynn, Georgia Gale, Sophia Tennent, Afrika de Villiers, Mia Richards, Ruby Oxley, Kitty Crouch

Substitutes: Olivia Aston, Lauren Hewitt, Alyx Mills, Mia Paradise, Jess Short, Ellie Barker, Keira Doig, Keeley Jackson, Phoebe Preston