PUPILS from Shoeburyness High School took a step nearer to Wembley after winning a football competition.

The youngsters from the Caulfield Road school were representing Southend United in the Kinder+Sport Football League girls cup area final.

Echo:

Into the next round – the Shoeburyness High School team have progressed to the southern regional finals 

They won their group at Canvey’s Waterside Farm Sports Centre against rivals representing the likes of Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Millwall.

And they will now be locking horns with derby rivals Colchester United, plus Cardiff and Brentford, at the southern regional finals on Monday, February 9 in Reading.

Echo:

Tight tussle - a Shoeburyness High School player attempts to break upfield 

The six-a-side competition for girls aged under 13 culminates with a national final at the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley in March.

Shoeburyness were unbeaten in their group and finished two points ahead of closest rivals Charlton, whose defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge cost them a chance of winning the group.

Echo:

Getting there first – Shoebury are first to the ball

Results, round one: Charlton 0 Southend 0, Southend 3 Gillingham 0, Orient 0 Southend 1, Millwall 1 Southend 1, Southend 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 0, Watford 0 Southend 1, Southend 4 Luton 0. Round 2: Southend 1 Charlton 0, Gillingham 1 Southend 1, Southend 0 Orient 0, Southend 2 Millwall 0, Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Southend 1, Southend 1 Watford 0, Luton 0 Southend 0.