Joy at last for Ladies

Herne Bay Ladies (2) 4
Jemma Barton 11, 24
Chloe Woolaway 90, 90

Worthing (0) 1

SECWFL (Premier Division)
at Winch's Field
Sunday 25th March 2018

It's been a long time coming but Herne Bay Ladies stunned title hopefuls Worthing Ladies to record their first league win of the season and begin a new era and perhaps spark the Great Escape. With Peter Whittaker taking on the touchline manager duties and Kate Foster wearing the captain's armband, Herne Bay Ladies turned in a top display and deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute when Jemma Barton slid the ball past the visiting 'keeper. Barton repeated the dose 13 minutes later and Bay were cruising.

Worthing laid seige to the Bay goal in the second half but with solid defending, Kayleigh Mount clearing one effort of the line at the back post and two top draw saves from Rachel Tracy, pressed into service as 'keeper, the home side held firm. Jemma Barton might have had a hat-trick but her looping header came back off the Worthing crossbar. With the clock running down, Chloe Woolaway put the game beyond doubt with the Bay's third of the afternoon. It was the start of a frenetic stoppage time as first Worthing grabbed a consolation goal, then Woolaway finally put the game to bed with her second in 60 seconds, a cool finish with the outside of the right foot.

Herne Bay Ladies have played well enough for the majority of the season but with little return and a league position at the foot of the Premier Division that is scant reward for their endeavours. This performance and result was just reward for their industry in this match and earlier encounters.

The Great Escape away from the relegation trap door has started.

Herne Bay Ladies Match Squad: Rachel Tracy, Asmaa Hatim, Kayleigh Mount, Jemma Barton, Kate Foster, Carly Farrow, Lucy Page, Jade Childs, Chloe Woolaway, Lauren Harris, Isabelle Quinney, Effie Dodds, Katie Reeves, Sophie Gifford.