Harriett’s Hat-trick humbles Ashford

Herne Bay Ladies (2) 6
Chapman 3, Holness, Farrow, Foster

Ashford Girls (0) 0

South East Counties Women’s Football League – Division One (East)
Sunday 9th February 2014
(at Bell Meadow)

(pictured: Harriett Chapman rises unmarked to head home Kate Foster’s corner and complete her second successive hat-trick. pic – Peter Guise Media ©)

by Anthony Deer

This week we welcomed Ashford Girls back to Bell Meadow for the second week but this time it was for three points. No rain but the wind was extremely blustery and was going to make things difficult for both teams. Ashford only had 10 players fit for availability but we knew from previous knowledge that we needed to approach this game professionally and ensure all three points were ours.

We chose to play up the hill and against the wind in the first half, knowing that we needed to play the ball on the floor to gain any success. Patience as always was the name of the game and today with the conditions we had to be more patient than ever. Having the same goalkeeper and back four in every game ensures continuity and understanding with the added bonus of not wanting to concede. The balance and ability of the back four allows others to press on with the knowledge that the defence can handle whatever is thrown at them and today was no different. Ashford had zero shots and Breeze Handley in the goal was made redundant having only to deal with a couple of back passes and a couple of kicks. A combination of one player down from the opposition, resilient defending and the confidence to play from the back the four defenders of Emma Brown, Rachel Tracy, Beth Nugent and Debbie Blackmore made life difficult for Ashford to start any meaningful attack.

Once used to the windy conditions the ladies started to move the ball around freely making the numeric advantage count. Spaces were created allowing the two wide players of Carly Farrow and Kate Foster to push on and cause problems for the full backs. With the creativity from Lauren Wiltshire and Lesley Kay in the middle of the park, it was only a matter of time before we scored our first goal of the game. The ball fell to last year’s top goal scorer Vicky Holness, who picked out her spot and hit a low drive into the bottom corner out of the reach of the goalkeeper. It only took three minutes to get the next goal, a good cross from Holness into the box saw Carly Farrow time her run to perfection to put the ball past the goalkeeper and double our lead. We played out the half without adding to our total.

The next goal of the game was always going to be an important one for both teams, but with the conditions favouring us in the second half it was going to be difficult for Ashford to create a chance. It only took five minutes into the half for Herne Bay Ladies to make the game safe and comfortable.

Harriet Chapman linked up well with Foster and Holness to score her first of three goals of the match. It didn’t take long for Chapman to score her second, a well worked goal with a poachers finish. Her third came from a corner, Kate Foster delivered the ball right under the crossbar for which Harriet leaped and directed the ball into the net to complete her second hat trick in succession.

Changes were made to give a run out to players who have had limited minutes so far this season, for which they continued the good work by creating more chances. The final goal of the game came from Kate Foster who ran through on goal after an excellent pass from Sarah Holmes splitting the defence. The game ended five minutes later with the result and performance needed to push us on in the league.

Partnerships have been forming over the season and now the team is beginning to reap the rewards of good positive play, solid defending and playing as a team. Three semi-finals to look forward to in the next few weeks starting with defending the KCFA Women’s Plate against West Kent. February is a big month that could make or break our season. The league is out of our hands unless the team at the top, Long Lane, drop points and we are successful in the rest of our games. But we will take each game as it comes, as with each game comes new challenges. But all the ladies are up for the challenge as they continue to want to be successful.

Herne Bay Ladies Match Squad: Breeze Handley, Emma Brown, Rachel Tracy, Beth Nugent, Debbie Blackmore, Carly Farrow, Lesley Kay, Lauren Wiltshire, Kate Foster, Vicky Holness, Harriett Chapman, Bella Smith, Charlie Hayes, Emily Hayward, Elizabeth Lehan, Sarah Holmes.

Player of Match: Harriett Chapman