Hampstead Pearls: set for the Capital Girls League Cup final after a dramatic shoot-out win

Published: 9 April, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

GOALKEEPER Gabriella Schmidt-Castilla saved two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out as Hampstead Pearls were rewarded for a courageous semi-final showing against Brentford with a place in the Capital Girls League Cup final. 

Despite being two players short of a full team because of injury and illness, the Under-15s side took an early lead through captain Melanie Hall, who broke the deadlock following some excellent interchange with striker Shyontae Weekes. 

Hampstead defended bravely as a team, with the efforts of India Cummins, Hall and goalie Schmidt-Castilla in particular helping the spirited side hold on to their narrow advantage until half time. 

But Brentford boasted a strong squad of 15 players, and with it the advantage of being able to make tactical substitutions. 

It was only a matter of time before they made their extra numbers count as they equalised to force extra time. 

The heroines of Hampstead didn’t let their heads drop, and survived the added on time to force penalties. 

Shot-stopper Schmidt-Castilla more than rose to the occasion as she made two spectacular saves, while Stephanie Bell, Carla Perez, Sara Khachatourian, and Hall all converted their spot kicks to earn the Pearls a fantastic 4-2 win and, with it, a place in May’s cup final.