Chapman Spares Bay Blushes

Herne Bay Ladies (0) 1
Chapman 70

Charlton Athletic (0) 0

South East Counties Women’s Football League Division One (East)
Sunday 6th April 2014

at Winch’s Field

(photo: Harriett Chapman strikes in the 70th minute. Photo credit: Peter Guise)

by Peter Guise

Whether it was the memorable midweek Plate Final victory taking too much out of the legs or the quality of the Charlton Athletic opposition will remain the debating point for some while regarding this match. That, and a feisty confrontation between Vicky Holness and the Addicks left back, Chana Hynds, 10 minutes from time that the referee chose to deal with without resorting to disciplinary cards.

As it was, Herne Bay Ladies finally got the better of a well drilled back four when Harriett Chapman slotted the ball home in the 70th minute for her 11th in the League this season. In fairness though, this was not the Bay’s only chance of the match and, equally, Breeze Handley had a quiet day between the sticks. Holness had been through on goal in the 30th minute but Baker was quick off her line to dive at Tor’s feet to smother the chance and just before Chapman scored, Holness had a half volley that went wide of Baker’s left hand post. On another day, I’d have put my house on that going in. I’m glad I didn’t this day.

It was not difficult to understand how this Charlton side had held Long Lane for 87 minutes seven days previously but their lack of firepower up front was their weakness. “We made hard work of that today,” more than one player told me afterwards. However, Bay Ladies now have a three week break before the SECWFL Cup Final. One who won’t be having a break though is leading scorer, Harriett Chapman, who is running in the London Marathon next Sunday. Good Luck, Harriett.

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

Player of the Match: Harriett Chapman

Deery's thoughts:

After a fantastic performance Wednesday night in the KCFA Women’s Plate Final, it was back to league action. We welcomed Charlton Athletic Development to Winch’s Field, knowing that this was going to be a difficult game today as they nearly held to a draw last week against league leaders Long Lane. A result that nearly helped us out, however it wasn’t to be, but we knew that we still had to get a result ensuring the league goes down to the last game of the season for Long Lane.
Credit where credit is due, Charlton Athletic came with a game plan and stuck to it. With a couple of reserve players in the team including the goalkeeper finding a goal was going to be tough. Most of the match was played in the middle of the park with a limited amount of chances for both sides, although Herne Bay had most of the chances making the Charlton keeper into some good saves. Vicky Holness and Carly Farrow went close but the score remained nil nil at half time.
Our performance wasn’t the greatest and not giving too many excuses as Charlton were setup extremely well, but it did look like the game Wednesday had effected some of the players, however we kept battling on trying to find that elusive goal to secure three points. Patience was at an all-time high as it just looked like it wasn’t going to be our day, frustration started to creep in with payers getting anxious and forcing the play rather than settling down and play our natural game. It wasn’t until the 70th minute when finally the deadlock was broken, from a resulting corner, Harriet Chapman fired under the out coming goalkeeper, much relief to everyone. Although having a great defensive record this year, Charlton ensured the remaining time was a nervy time, needless free kicks given away in dangerous areas could have been disastrous. But the back four kept their shape and composure and dealt with everything. The final whistle went and although not playing particularly well managed to get the three points needed to ensure Long Lane having to win their last game.
Ten and a half hours now in the league we haven’t conceded a goal, with only 9 conceded in the league season this is a truly remarkable achievement with just one league game to go.
Next up is the League Cup on the 27th April against Bexhill United at Three Bridges, 2pm KO. A two week break now to recover and rest players ready for the final. Our last league game is May 4th away to Faversham Elizabethans. Whatever happens in the last game for Long Lane it has again already been a fantastic season.