IT was third time lucky for a girl's football team who were beaten in the finals for a coveted cup for two years on the trot.

Shotton Hall Junior School's all-female team finally lifted the Durham Primary Girls Football Festival trophy.

In the finals of the tournament, held at the Soccerena in Durham, Shotton Hall faced strong opposition from Toft Hill, Coundon and Shotton Colliery, but succeeded in beating each team.

Shotton Hall headteacher John Oughtibridge said: "I was impressed with the great skill, enthusiasm and good sportsmanship shown by all the players in the competition, and I am delighted that the girls have finally won the trophy after being runners-up in the past two years.''

Deputy headteacher and team coach Steve Donkin also applauded the team which included captain, Paige McGoldrick, goalkeeper Annie Harris, Bethany Buglass, Toni Ashford, Charlotte Dove, Carley Cowan, Natasha Mace, Ashleigh Hawkes, Megan Thornley, Eden Smalley, Emily Burkett and Stephanie Ashhurst.