Debut FA Womens Cup Win For Ladies

Debut FA Womens Cup Win For Ladies

Herne Bay Ladies (2) 3
Kay 20, 43(pen)
Holness 88

Anchorians (1) 1

Attendance: 81

FA Womens Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Sunday 22nd September 2013 at Winch’s Field

by Anthony Deer

This was Herne Bay Ladies first ever match in the FA Womens Cup and they acquiited themselves more than capably against an Anchorians side from the division above them in the South East Counties Womens League and who had won all three of their league outings this term.
Bay started brightly forcing Anchorians on the back foot early on. However, it was Anchorians who took first blood from a very well worked goal that started from the left and was crossed into the box for a clinical finish. However, Herne Bay Ladies did not panic and continued to play their brand of football although at times seemed a little bit rushed. It didn’t take too long to get on equal terms, a fine strike from Lesley Kay 30 yards out found the bottom of the corner much to the diving goalkeeper’s despair. Anchorians were restricted to long range efforts as the defensive back four of Rachel Tracy, Enya Lynch, Beth Nugent and Debbie Blackmore looked solid with confident handling from Breeze Handley between the sticks. Bay pushed on and created chance after chance but were thwarted by the Anchorians goalkeeper who pulled off some good saves. With half time approaching and the Bay Ladies beginning to get a grip on the game, Kate Foster was bought down in the box after some great skills that bamboozled the defence. Lesley Kay stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way giving Herne Bay Ladies a deserve lead at the break.
Chances were at a minimum for both sides after the turnaround, but Herne Bay had the better of them with Vicky Holness coming close on numerous occasions. The next goal would have changed the game for both sides but tt took until the 88th minute for this to happen. Vicky Holness, in determined mood, went through on goal after a fantastic through ball, took it round the goalkeeper and placed the ball into the empty net. With only a few minutes left to play the game was won as frustration saw Anchorians try from long range only for Breeze Handley to casually eat up time.
The Women’s FA Cup is a competition for clubs all over the country, no lower league teams are expected to win this competition with all the Super League teams in the final, however, the competition gives Herne Bay Ladies the opportunity to showcase their talent. The crowd of 81 shows that the people of Herne Bay are interested in Women’s football and there could be a healthy following if Herne Bay Ladies continue their successes in the future!
“At half time we talked about winning the second balls and not conceding,” said manager Anthony Deer, “we would be able to manipulate the spaces as Anchorians were chasing the game. The Ladies responded well. A fantastic crowd too for our first FA Womens Cup game.”
Herne Bay Ladies Team: Breeze Handley, Rachel Tracy, Debbie Blackmore, Beth Nugent, Enya Lynch, Lesley Kay, Emma Brown, Sarah Holmes (Harriett Chapman 65), Kate Foster, Carly Farrow, Vicky Holness.
Subs not used: Lauren Wiltshire, Isabelle Tulett, Charlie Hayes, Emily Johnson