Ridgewaye Ladies 1 Herne Bay Ladies 3

Report by Anthony Deer

No league action for the ladies today, our focus was on our first Cup competition of the season. After a disappointing result last week, it was essential that we regrouped and play once again without fear. We had already played Ridgewaye away in the league and came through to win 5-2 however, not taking any team for granted now we knew it was going to be a tough game especially after receiving two messages from both our goalkeepers that they were unable to play due to a sickness bug.

Once again we kicked off with the sun in our eyes making judging the flight and bounce of the ball very difficult indeed especially for the defence, but once they were used to the conditions, the back four dealt with the majority of balls coming through and didn’t panic when under pressure. Lesley Kay stepped up to go between the sticks and was comfortable throughout the half dealing with balls over the top.

Jo Franks on the left and Natalie Lewis on the right both worked extremely hard running up and down the wings trying to create chances for the front two and defending when we lost the ball. We had many chances again and it was only a matter of time before the first goal went in, Jo Franks played a first time pass into the path of Vicky Holness who calmly shot pass the goalkeeper to make it 1 -0. The sun played havoc for Ridgewaye’s equaliser, the ball was lost in the low sunlight after a hopeful ball was played over the top, this resulting in the ball falling for the Ridgewaye striker who smashed the ball past Lesley Kay to make it 1 all. However, this did not deter the Herne Bay ladies who pushed on and created more chances, from which one was a fine save from a Kiya Mills strike tipped round the post by the goalkeeper. 1 – 1 at half time.

The second half began and it was pretty much played in the middle of the park with both keepers not really being troubled with any real clear cut chances. Enya Lynch in the back four had an extremely good game, making sure that nothing got through, making tackles when needed and standing players up when the time was asked for. As the game went on, chances were limited to long range efforts for both teams, however, with extra time looming and on everyone’s mind both teams were pushing players forward and more spaces were being created as players were now getting tired. It was set for the team who had the most patience in the last 15 minutes!

Two goals in quick succession from Vicky Holness both from good through balls from Rachel Tracy made the game a little more comfortable for Herne Bay, or so it would seem, Ridgewaye now started pushing more players forward and beginning to get on top with five minutes remaining, but once again the defence stood tall and strong and under pressure cleared the ball away to safety on numerous occasions.

With two very good saves by Lesley Kay, one from a point blank header from a corner and one from a dipping cross that was saved at her feet the heart of the Ridgewaye team sank. The final whistle blew and the girls enjoyed the feeling of winning again! Losing the week before maybe a blessing in disguise as now we have had the taste of defeat and no one enjoys that!

What I haven’t mentioned yet is the work rate of Kiya Mills upfront today, chasing every lost cause and pressuring the other team defenders into rushing and making mistakes. Kiya should have had a couple of goals at the end but it wasn’t meant to be this week! Also Vicky Holness for scoring yet another hat trick, three very good finishes! The back four making all the right decisions defensively, Natalie Lewis and Jo Franks on the wings with a constant up and down work rate!

Shona Clark and Lauren Wiltshire in the middle of the park, linking together and with the front two. Not forgetting Lesley Kay in goal today who was outstanding especially as she wasn’t expected to pay in goal today due to illness to both our other keepers. All in all a very good display of football from everyone involved today. This competition will be a good judge on how far we will go this season as the competition incorporates all the teams in the above division.

Home to Teynham Gunners in the next round which will be played on the 16th December 2012.

Team: Lesley Kay, Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracy, Enya Lynch, Charlie Hayes, Shona Clark, Lauren Wiltshire, Natalie Lewis, Jo Franks, Vicky Holness, Kiya Mills, Sarah Leitao, Clare Brown

Players of the match: Kiya Mills for her work rate and Enya Lynch for her defensive display.