Tor Triple Topples Rangers

Herne Bay Ladies (2) 4
Holness 8, 22, 68
Tulett 77

Parkwood Rangers Ladies (0) 0

at Winch’s Field

SECWFL League Cup – 2nd Round
Sunday 7th December 2014.

Attendance: 43

by Peter Guise

(photo credit: Steve Barton – Kelly Amee can’t keep out Vicky Holness’ chip for the opening goal.)

Herne Bay took another step in defence of the League Cup they won last term with this solid victory against fellow Premier Division side Parkwood Rangers.

“It was a good return to football after almost four weeks off”, said manager Anthony Deer, “with almost a full team to select from, picking a starting 11 is getting harder each week.”.

This was, in fact, only the second time these two sides have met, the first being Bay’s victory at Sevenoaks in the Kent Plate Final two seasons ago. Rangers started brightly but once Bay got into their stride the visitors had ‘keeper Kelly Amee to thank for keeping them in the game with a string of fine saves and her quick reading of the game, acting as a sweeper when needed.

But Bay gradually gained the upper hand with Vicky Holness opening the scoring in the 8th minute with a cheeky chip followed by a another clever finish in the 22nd when, again, she saw Amee advancing and lifted the ball over her into the net.

After the turnaround, Parkwood played with determination and purpose putting some good passing moves together but couldn’t capitalise on their possession. Gradually, Bay worked their way back into the game having soaked up the pressure and Holness completed her hat-trick on 68 with another lob, it was her 15th of the season in all competitions.

Anthony Deer took the opportunity to rest his top striker soon after and with her first touch of the ball, substitute Isabella Tulett rounded the keeper and slid the ball home to wrap up Bay’s progress into the quarter-final with 13 minutes remaining. In between times Harriett Chapman struck a fierce drive against the cross bar and Tulett might have added another toward the end but dragged her shot wide as Amee closed down the space.

“It was pleasing to see Tor (Vicky Holness) back to her best by grabbing a hat trick of fine finishes with the possibility of scoring more had it not been for the outstanding Parkwood keeper," said Deer, “Long Lane in the QF at home at the end of the month should be an exciting game as in our short history they have been our rivals throughout!”

Herne Bay Match Squad: Sarah Cooper, Jaime Welch, Rachel Tracy, Beth Nugent, Nicola Harris,Debbie Blackmore, Kate Foster, Carly Farrow, Harriett Chapman, Sarah Holmes, Vicky Holness, Bella Smith, Isabella Tulett, Emily Brown, Kayleigh Mount, Ashley Bantages

Cautions: None Sent Off: None

Herne Bay Player of the Match: Beth Nugent