Long Lane 1st vs. Herne Bay Ladies Semi Final KCFA Kent Women’s Plate 17th February 2013

Result: Long Lane 1st 2 Herne Bay Ladies 4

Our first semi final of the season was against another Kent League Division One East team, Long Lane 1st. After our performance last week against their reserves we were upbeat knowing that a winning result would see us in our first Final in our first season in becoming a team! The girls were frustrated from last week’s defeat to Long Lane reserves and had their grit between their teeth to make sure that they got the result that warranted the last three games performances.

We played on the same pitch as last week, and this time we decided to play up the hill in the first half, the sun and wind was against, however, we knew if we could get through the first half without conceding or at least keep it close then the second half we should dominate and score more than Long Lane!

The game started off brightly with both teams clearly looking to play football, after five minutes of working out each other, it was us that started to dominate the play and was knocking on the door, however it was Long Lane that drew first blood, a cheeky lob over Emily Johnson in goal made it one nil. This did not deter the Herne Bay ladies, in fact made them want to win every ball even more, some intricate play from Vicky Holness and Lesley Kay who put through Kiya Mills, who burst through the defence and slid to put the ball through the oncoming goalkeeper. Long Lane then pushed on and within a few minutes scored their second goal from a strike that Emily in goal could only get one hand to but failed to keep it out. Herne Bay ladies have recently found their confidence and ability not to give up whatever is thrown at them and we pushed on creating more chances to equalise including Vicky Holness hitting the post. It didn’t take too long for Vicky Holness to find the net though, just before half time she hit a sweet shot beating the goalkeeper to go into the break all level at 2 all.

The second half started slowly as both teams were getting themselves reacquainted with each other and both teams knew that the next goal was an important goal, good handling from Emily in goal ensured it wasn’t us that conceded, not forgetting some excellent defending from Enya Lynch, Rachel Tracy and the two full backs of Chantelle Bleau and Charlie Hayes. Long Lane knew it was going to be tough for them going up the hill and things got worse for them as Vicky Holness scored her second goal of the game, Long Lane had to push players forward and this played to our advantage as we went on and caused many problems for their defenders as Kiya Mills’ work rate and pestering and Vicky Holness great movement caused too much for them to handle and Vicky was rewarded with her third goal (60th of the Season) giving us a little cushion between us and Long Lane. However there was still twenty five minutes left to play and we still had to finish the job. Solid defending and only half chances for Long Lane was all that was needed, and we did both! We did not panic and tried to play ourselves out of trouble, but when called upon, cleared our lines and regrouped, making sure we pressured every Long Lane player in rushing their pass and regaining the possession of the ball, we still had a few more chances to put the game to bed, only for some last ditch defending from Long Lane. We saw the game out and everyone was extremely pleased when the whistle finally went, knowing that we reached our first final of the year.

It’s difficult to pick out one player of the match at the moment because each and every player brings something different to the game, each contributing to such a great team performance especially over the last few games. The last few performances have shown that we can compete with teams in higher divisions with defending of the highest quality and composure on the ball when needed everywhere on the pitch.

Obviously special mention to Vicky Holness for another hat trick, but the unsung heroes such as Kiya Mills whose work rate and commitment boosts the confidence of others around them. The back four of Enya Lynch, Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracy and Charlie Hayes our becoming a difficult force to get through and are getting stronger and stronger all the time. The Midfield pairing of Lesley Kay and Lauren Wiltshire always looking to play, creating opportunities for others and bossing the play when under pressure and the wide players of Shona Clark and Emma Brown being positive all the time in going forward and realising the dangers when other teams are on the attack. Not forgetting the subs today that came on knowing the jobs that they need to do and helping each other to win this game!

We now face Parkwood Rangers in the final of the KCFA Women’s Plate which is to be played on Thursday 4th April at Sevenoaks Town’s ground 7:45 KO but up next is Gillingham Ladies Tuesday but next Sunday will see our ladies play in our second Semi Final of the season against Gravesham in the Divisional Cup at home.

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

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