Bay ladies win their very first trophy - Kent County Plate Winners 2013

Herne Bay Ladies vs Parkwood Rangers

KCFA Women's County Plate

Result: Herne Bay ladies 4 - 1 Parkwood Rangers

At the beginning of April the Ladies squad were on course for a unique treble, the first part was to unfold at Sevenoaks FC, as the Ladies took on South East Counties Division One (East) side Parkwood Rangers, one league above the Bay, in the final of the Kent County Plate. Bay had already disposed of two teams from the higher league, Aylesford Firsts, top of their league (9-5), and Long Lane Firsts, 4th in their league, (4-2) as well as two sides from the same league Ridgewaye (3-1) and Teynham Gunners (8-0).

The Bay Ladies were up for anything that could be thrown at them but went behind in the 25th minute when Emily Vaughan for Parkwood shot beyond Bay keeper Emily Johnson to open the scoring. The Ladies too often start slowly, but it was that goal that gave them the motivation to move forward. The worst thing that any side can do is score against the Ladies and with that inspiration behind them as the goal machine, Vicky Holness, netted her 77th goal of the season to bring the scores level.

A minute later a rash challenge gave the Bay a penalty. Penalty taking has not been one of Bay’s strengths this season but after a lot of gesticulation Lesley Kay stepped up and sent the Parkwood keeper the wrong way. 2-1. Six minutes later Kiya Mills scored the all-decisive third and Bay went into the break with a two goal advantage.

Parkwood came out for the second half determined to reduce the deficit. But the Bay defence of Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracey, Enya Lynch and Amy Warner held strong. Tizzy Tulett replaced the hard-working Charlie Hayes on the left of midfield as Bay defended everything that Parkwood could throw at them.

In the 80th minute Kiya Mills put the game beyond doubt with her second goal of the game. The final whistle went amongst scenes of jubilation from the Bay side of the 179 crowd. Rachel Tracy lifted the plate, Kiya Mills won player-of-the match for her two goals, but it was more about the squad performance than any individual.

Team: Emily Johnson, Chantelle Bleau, Rachel Tracy, Enya Lynch, Amy Warner, Shona Clark, Charlie Hayes, Lauren Wiltshire, Lesley Kay, Vicky Holness, Kiya Mills, Natalie Lewis, Jo Franks, Isabelle Tulett