APPLETON Avengers are celebrating a magnificent competition victory.

Playing against older and bigger girls, the Broomfields Leisure Centre based side fended off 19 rival teams to win a Cheshire Girls’ Football League cup at under 11s level.

Avengers, an under 10s side, achieved five wins to reach the final with Frodsham JFC and came from behind to settle a thrilling tie.

After conceding an early goal, Avengers struck back to go 2-1 ahead.

Frodsham equalised in the last two minutes but striker Rebecca Barrett, the team’s player of the tournament, broke free to score the winner.

“I had no fingernails left,” said Richard Whitehead, one of the team’s coaches.

“Despite Appleton Avengers being a small team in stature they gave a gigantic performance in effort.

“Given the hot conditions, playing teams older and bigger than themselves, the girls played with an awful lot of composure and commitment, never giving up and playing to the final whistle!

“To do so well it was an amazing effort.”

All matches were played at Moss Farm in Northwich, with Avengers defeating Hartford Hurricanes, Cuddington and Sandiway, Witton Albion and Crosfields - on penalties - to finish top of one of four groups.

A 4-2 win was secured in the semi finals against Chester.

The Avengers came together for the start of the 2015-2016 season when they went on to win the supplementary cup.

Squad: Matilda Whitehead, Lottie Lewis, Eve Cooper, Rebecca Barrett, Caitlin McEvoy, Jess Morrison, Hermione Jensen Cornelly, Elizabeth Grindley, Nadia Quayle.