THEY don't even have their own football pitch. But that wasn't going to stop girls at one Southampton school from playing the beautiful game and coming top of the country.

The determined 16-strong squad from Sholing Technology College beat off competition from 2,400 teams to reach the final of the Under-13 Coca Cola English School Cup.

Stamford Bridge was the venue for the final showdown against Church Stretton School of Shropshire - a welcome change from the school's Astroturf pitch.

The fixture was the culmination of a hectic few days with three games in just six days including a victorious clash at St Mary's against Tavistock School.

That was the first time the girls, all aged 11 and 12, had played on a full-sized pitch and it spurred them on to enjoying another taste of life in the premiereship at Chelsea's home ground.

Despite a valiant performance and 0-0 draw at half-time, the girls' gruelling schedule of matches began to take its toll in the second half and they lost 6-1.

But they can hold their heads up high after one of their star players Kirby Anderson was crowned player of the match. The team is also the first out of boys and girls across Hampshire to reach the finals.

Head teacher Karen Dagwell is full of praise for the girls' footballing achievements, which were relayed to the school via a video conference camera.

"We are totally delighted and pleased. It was one of the best weeks at the school ever,"

Mrs Dagwell said football was well on the way to becoming more popular than hockey and netball at the girls' only school.

"I just feel that girls' football is ready to take off like it has done in America. Among the school's lower years it is very popular.

"Our under-14 team are the Hampshire champions too."

The squad was managed by head of PE Jo Trimnell and coached by teacher Sarah Pennington.

They were: Jade Rogers, Ellie Hawkins, Amber Noyce, Chelsi Quinton, Kirby Anderson, Robyn Agius, Roxy Lee-Stewart, Sian Wilson, Natalie Harrison, Becky Sherman, Annaleise Buxey, Kathryn Hibdige, Danielle Maunder, Katie Ricketts and Emma Barfoot.