Title Rivals Dominated

Herne Bay Ladies (2) 2
Kay (pen) 6, Chapman 18

Long Lane (0) 0

(Photo credit: Steve Barton – Lesley Kay puts the Bay ahead from the spot)

South East Counties Women’s League Division One (East)
Sunday 16th March 2013
Bell Meadow

by Anthony Deer

We welcomed current league leaders Long Lane to Bell Meadow for the return fixture. We played Long Lane before and came away with a comfortable victory. However, we knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy match as both teams knew that a victory would either hand Long Lane the title or ensure that both teams have to play the remaining four games to see who will be eventual champions. At the beginning of the day Herne Bay Ladies were four points adrift of Long Lane, only a win would do! Emma Brown was still unavailable due to family reasons and a few were still feeling the effects from Wednesday’s game with Gillingham. With the weather pleasant it was time to focus and win the three points.

It was a strange game to say the least, the first five minutes saw Herne Bay creating several chances and pile the pressure on the Long Lanes defence. The deadlock was broken after just six minutes when Harriet Chapman was upended in the penalty box and once again Lesley Kay calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. Chance after chance came but the goalkeeper pulled off some fine saves as well as our forward line of Holness, Chapman and Farrow all coming close.

It wasn’t until the 18th minute when we scored our second goal. A fierce strike from Vicky Holness wasn’t held by the goalkeeper when Harriet Chapman picked her pocket, rounded her and placed into the empty net. Long Lane had a little bit of pressure and were thwarted from the solid back four of Debbie Blackmore, Rachel Tracy, Beth Nugent and Charlie Hayes although they did have a chance cleared off the line. We continued to put pressure on Long Lane knowing that the next goal could be important for both teams. Once again we came close but for the remainder of the half no more goals were scored.

The second half we really didn’t get going but Long Lane just couldn’t break down the Herne Bay defence. The game started to get a little bit scrappy with neither team really getting a grip of the game. Long Lane didn’t threaten Breeze in goal who commanded her area well. A few Herne Bay ladies were struggling a bit and replacements were made. But we ensured that we frustrated Long Lane until the final whistle. The final whistle did blow and we secured the three points needed to pressure Long Lane to the end of the season. The league is Long Lanes to lose, if they win their remaining four fixtures then they will be crowned champions. But we will be right behind them if they manage to slip up.

Although we are nowhere near the same amount of goals scored as last year, the level of teams played has improved. I am, however, pleased with our defensive record this season so far. The last league goal we conceded was late November, almost five months without conceding. With four games remaining it would be good to keep the clean sheets coming as this year we have looked defensively sound against better opposition. Only 9 goals conceded in 12 league games with an incredible 7 clean sheets including two against today’s opposition Long Lane both home and away.

Up next is Ebbsfleet Reserves at Bell Meadow 23rd March 2:00pm KO, as with every game from now until the end of the season, we will ensure we are prepared right and make sure of the three points to keep the title dream alive, as I’ve said its Long Lanes to lose!

Herne Bay squad: Breeze Handley, Debbie Blackmore, Rachel Tracy, Beth Nugent, Charlie Hayes, Lesley Kay, Kate Foster, Sarah Holmes. Carly Farrow, Vicky Holness, Harriet Chapman, Isabelle Tulett, Lauren Wiltshire, Bella Smith, Emily Haywad, Elizabeth Lehan

Player of the Match: Breeze Handley