Charlton Athletic Women’s U21 side lifted this season's Reposs Isthmian Women’s Cup on Wednesday after beating Billericay Town 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after normal time on a wet and windy evening in Lewes.
The Addicks conceded just once on their route to the final, beating Herne Bay 12-1 in Round One, then putting eight unanswered goals past Sevenoaks, before recording a 6-0 victory in the semi-final over Ashford United to take Tom Cruse's side to the final.
Billericay took the lead just before half-time through former Addick Jess King with Charlton levelling the scores in the 50th minute thanks to a Jessie Gale strike.
Morgan Rogers put Billericay ahead once again in the 90th minute but in the last minute of additional time, Mary Bashford stepped up to equalise with a sensational 35-yard free-kick to send the game into penalties, where the Addicks scored with all five attempts to win 5-4.
RTC Technical Director and U21s manager Tom Cruse spoke shortly after the game to summarise his emotions after the teams victory:
"I am a little bit speechless, delighted, I am really pleased for the players! It ends our season on a really positive high.
"Before the game, we spoke about moments and what the game can give you as an individual and there are players down there who have got medals around their necks and they can't ever lose that. They have worked for it.
"I am very fortunate to have a very small group of staff who work day and night but I think there needs to be a special mention for Sue Prior as she does a lot for the club, Dan Birch for what he does for the players physically, I think we are in the best shape we have ever been in, and Gabe John too who supports us from the top down too."