Copleston High’s Under-13 girls have progressed to the last 16 of the English Schools’ Football Association National Cup and could face Ipswich Academy, at home, in the next round.

The talented Year 8 squad, which also includes players from the year below, won 2-1 and will take part in a derby provided Ipswich overcome Shenford School from Essex.

The last-16 tie will be Copleston’s first at home, with the girls having had to play games away at Thomas Mills (9-0), Westley Middle (10-0), Samuel Ward (5-0) and Northgate, in Dereham (4-1).

PE teacher Julie Yorke said: “I am very proud of the team and this is unprecedented as we have never reached the last 32 of the tournament, never mind the last 16. It is a phenomenal achievement.

“The girls possess a very good team-ethic and fitness, we are strong throughout the team and we include a player from the Colchester Academy in Georgia Eaton-Collins.”

Team: Georgia Eaton Collins (captain), Eldece Emery, Jade Marsh, Olivia Ross, Eunice Manan, Jade Fox, Molly Beddus, Paige Robinson, Emily Berriman, Charlotte Archer, Felicity Cooper, Melina Sinadinou.

Meanwhile, Farligaye High School’s under-18s lost 3-2 to Westcliffe High School for Boys in round five of the National Cup, while the school’s under-13s have yet to play their fifth round game with Stanway. The winners will play Mildenhall College or Shenfield High School in round six.

St Alban’s Catholic High School under-16s will play either Boston Grammar School or Elthorne Park High School (Ealing), away from home, should they overcome Thurston College in round six.