Katy gets Big Nev’s backing

May 14 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BROMBOROUGH’S Katy Maddock was the star of the show at the Tesco Under-14s Girls Cup – even catching the eye of Everton legend Neville Southall.

Maddock was on top form as Wrexham-based Mold narrowly missed out on glory at the Welsh Final in Aberystwyth.

The 13-year-old, who attends Wirral Grammar School, was picked out by Southall as the defender of the tournament who outlined a bright future for the teenager.

Southall, who made over 700 appearances for the Goodison Park side, said: “Katy was a really cool customer at the back for Mold and was really comfortable on the ball.

“She is an absolute class act and was a delight to watch. I’m delighted the girls have been added to the competition this year.

“It’ll give them some experience about what these types of tournaments are like when in the past it has just been the boys here.

“There are more opportunities for girls playing football in later life because boys tend to get discarded by clubs at 16 or 17, whereas girls can keep playing and hopefully make the women’s professional game.”

Mold suffered heartbreak in the group stages as they finished second behind eventual winners Mardy Tigers.

But boss Paul Hooson was still left beaming with pride insisting that Maddock and her team mates did themselves justice at the Blaendolau Playing Fields.

He said: “They're all very good players in their own right. I think they have all enjoyed it and have learnt new things so that’s all we can ask really.”