Herne Bay Ladies V Thanet Colts Ladies

Picture Barry Tracy

In blustery, wet conditions and a pitch very heavy under foot, the Herne Bay ladies continued their winning ways with a fine 6 – 0 victory over a very organised Thanet Colts side. Thanet Colts looked lively from the start but once our ladies settled into the game, they took charge, however it wasn’t until the 30th minute when we scored our first goal.

A ten minute spell of pressure resulted in Kiya Mills turning and shooting from ten yards into the bottom corner followed by a fine strike from Lesley Kay from 12 yards making it 2 – 0, with sheer pace and power beating the keeper. Thanet Colts only stretched the defensive line a couple of times in the half but with some good shape and confidence from the back four of Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracy, Enya Lynch and Clare Brown, we played our way out of trouble with only clearing the ball when completely necessary! A very pleasing first half performance with the ladies starting to listen to each other, giving good information, not panicking on the ball and creating numerous chances.

The second half saw Herne Bay Ladies dominate proceedings and it wasn’t long before Vicky Holness got the third goal, this seemed to deflate Thanet Colts slightly and Herne Bay pressed on for more goals. And did so in fine style, Vicky grabbed her second of the match, Bays fourth. A rare attack from Thanet Colts saw Emily Johnson in goal, for which most of the game was a spectator once again, called into action with a fine save low to her left.

Even more impressive because of her concentration levels were always focused on the game, even though she had hardly touched the ball throughout the game, in what can only be described as a very cold and wet afternoon. Again the defence made sure that no one pressured her and once they knew the ball was safe, regrouped and pressed forward. With about five minutes to go, Lesley Kay hit her second of the match with a fine lob over the out rushing goalkeeper. From the restart, Vicky Holness stole the ball from the midfielder, looked up and saw the keeper of her line and from around 40 yards hit the ball which finished in the back of the net and was applauded by both sets of fans, completing her sixth hat trick of the season and the scoring of Herne Bay Ladies today.

Six goals scored, none conceded makes for a very happy and confident team. The next three matches are important and will define our season, but confidence and the willing to learn will see us through.

Team: Emily Johnson, Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracy, Enya Lynch, Clare Brown, Natalie Lewis, Shona Clark, Lesley Kay, Lauren Wiltshire, Kiya Mills, Vicky Holness Charlie Hayes, Shantelle Rowden

Player of Match: Vicky Holness