GIRLS football team Petts Wood Robins came within a whisker of winning the under-12s section of the prestigious Umbro Cup last Saturday, the largest international football festival held in Britain.

The Robins went into the seven-a-side competition having won everything they had entered this year; winning both the league and cup competitions of the Surrey County League, tournaments at Mablethorpe, Wokingham and Worthing, as well as their own competition at Petts Wood, held just one week after vandals set light to buildings at their ground.

In the league, they played 14, won them all scored scored 96 goals on their way to the title, conceding just two.

In last Saturday's tournament, held at Manchester University's Sports and Athletic Ground, Petts Wood were up against stiff opposition in the Umbro Cup including the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and two teams from America.

Because of the number of entries, the teams were divided into two groups, with the group winners meeting in the final.

Petts Wood won all their group games without conceding a goal to book their place in the final against Aston Villa, the academy section of the Premiership football team.

The final was a very close and was goal-less at full-time. Extra time was then played with Villa just squeezing in the winner following a goal-line scramble to end the Robins' season with their only loss.

It was a terrific effort by the girls in such a prestigious tournament and they are aiming to go one better in 2005, when they expect to play in the 11-a-side competition.

If you would like to join the team, call Mark Burgess on 07764 453705, either of the team managers, Trevor Hale (01689 878005) or Albert Alden (07947 118218), or secretary Kathy Hale (07780 691736, 01689 878005).