Watford Win Opener

Herne Bay (0) 0

Watford (2) 5

London & South East regional Women's Football League
Sunday 21st August 2016
at The Altira Park Stadium, Winch's Field

Att: 68

(photo credit: Peter Guise - Herne Bay and Watford at the Respect Handshake with Herne Bay Rangers as mascots for the day)

Herne Bay Ladies went into this opening game of the season dogged by unavailabilty, injuries, a suspension and defections and were forced to name just the starting XI on the teamsheet. Even then worse was to follow with match ending injuries that resulted in the final quarter being played with just nine players on the pitch and four of those were hobbling! Watford exploited the gaps going nap and inflicting a severe defeat for Rachel Tracy in her first match as manager although even she was forced to come out of 'retirement' and pull on a shirt. In a game where on target shots for the Bay were at a premium the bright spark for the future was the sight of Sophie Gifford having her goal bound shot tipped over the bar by the acrobatic visiting 'keeper.

"In the four years I was captain and in this my first match as manager, I have never been so proud of the players as I have today", said Herne Bay Ladies manager Rachel Tracy, "I could not have asked for more commitment and more passion as was shown out there today. If I get that for the rest of the season I will be very happy".

In celebration of the recent association with Herne Bay Rangers who provide Girls football in Herne Bay, the teams took to the pitch with Rangers girls acting as mascots and taking part in the respect handshake pre-match.

Herne Bay Ladies: Sarah Cooper, Kate Foster, Rachel Tracy, Rebecca Longley, Debbie Blackmore, Alice Phillips, Amber Guyatt, Carly Farrow, Beth Cooper, Harriett Woolston, Sophie Gifford.

Herne Bay Ladies Player of the Match: Kate Foster