St Paul’s captain Suzanne Rosser slotted home the winning spot-kick for a 3-1 success after the match finished goal-less after 90 minutes and extra-time. Goalkeeper Lisa Stallard saved St John’s first and fourth kicks in the shoot-out while St John struck the crossbar with their second effort.
Winning manager Ken Addison said: ‘We should have had the game wrapped up by half-time because we played well for 45 minutes. Suzanne Rosser missed two great chances, but the longer it went on the more confident St John became and in the end the game could have gone either way as both sides hit the woodwork twice.
‘Two players stood out for me. Jess Vieira caused us problems all night – what a terrific player she is – while Candice Sharples put in a very assured performance in our defence.
‘We’ve had a good season and the girls can be pleased with themselves. They have come a long way since the start, and having beaten league champions First Tower twice in both cup competitions, I think it proves we can live with the best.’
St Paul’s victory was the first in the Colin Welsh Trophy final. Jess Vieira scored St John’s penalty in the shoot-out while Kaisa Askevik, Candice Parsons and Suzanne Rosser were successful for the St Paul’s.
St John: Helen Games, Sam Dixon, Jo Fuller, Zoe Smart, Stephanie Henwood, Rachael Bowker, Laurie Moran, Jess Vieira, Fiona Mackinnon, Marta Ascencao, Karen Cayhill. Sub used: Chrissie Hefford.
St Paul’s: Lisa Stallard, Candice Parsons, Ros Saunders, Sara Muncey, Lisa Feighan, Sarah Gavey, Jemma Daniel, Kaisa Askevik, Suzanne Rosser, Hayley Buesnel, Gemma Dunning. Subs used: Daniella Corelick, Sue Davison.
Officials: Mark Fail, Joao-Paulo Martins, Conor Campbell, Phil Maletroit.
