Lottie Richardson and Sophia Ladlow netted second-half goals for Billericay Town (Blues) as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Evolution in the final of the Essex Under 12s Girls Cup at Hullbridge Sports FC’s Lower Road ground.

Richardson's well-struck effort from 20 yards out on 47 minutes eluded goalkeeper Maisie Catling's grasp and she couldn't get back to keep the ball out of the net. Then, in the 58th minute, Ladlow battled hard to win the ball in the area and it fell to assist specialist Lacey Kelly, who passed back to Ladlow and she swept her finish into the bottom left-hand corner.

It was a bright opening 15 minutes from both teams, though there were no goals. Billericay goalkeeper, Evie Mai Cross, denied prolific Evolution skipper Eliza Coulthard twice in the early stages by anticipating well and springing off her line to save. Town looked stronger towards the end of the first half, with attacker Tyanna Aymer drawing a routine save from Evolution’s Catling and Captain Ruby Atkinson powering a header inches wide from a corner.

There were chances for both sides early in the second half, with Evolution’s Maddie Lockwood shooting wide and ‘keeper Catling making a full-stretch save at the other end to keep out Monet Goulding’s fierce effort. However, the strikes from Richardson and Ladlow proved crucial as Billericay returned home with the silverware.

Billericay Town (Blues): Evie Mai Cross, Abigail Flynn, Tyanna Aymer, Lottie Richardson, Monet Goulding, Ruby Atkinson (C), Lacey Kelly, Florence Pryor, Billie Balt Geoghegan. Substitutes: Grace Page, Sophia Ladlow, Lacey Holmes, Layla Sherlock. Manager: Matty Kelly.

Evolution: Maisie Catling, Poppy Wiggs, Luca Rose Younan, Mya Bonsor, Niamh Caulfield, Ayda Davies, Holly Coughlan, Eva Branch, Eliza Coulthard (C). Substitutes: Maddie Lockwood, Eva Penny. Manager: Sarah Smith.

Referee: Aurelia Janus (Southend-on-Sea).

Assistant Referees: Emma Parkinson (Southend-on-Sea) and Lily Jones (Southend-on-Sea).

Fourth Official: Lawrence Jones (Southend-on-Sea).

Attendance: 163.