Gifford Hat-Trick Maintains 100% League Start

Herne Bay FC Ladies (3) 4
Sophie Gifford 2, 42, 52
Jemma Barton 7

Thamesview (2) 2

Att: 62

SECWFL Division One (East)
Sunday 30th September 2018
at Winch's Field

(photo: Sophie Gifford nets)

Before the game, Lauren Williams, was presented with an engraved wine glass by the Supporters Association to commemorate her hat-trick against the same opposition in a Kent Cup tie two weeks ago. The Supporters Association will now have to present another following this tough performance and Sophie Gifford's triple.

Bay were unstoppable in the opening 25 minutes scoring twice in the first 7 and might have had more but for the intervention of the goal frame. Thamesview, however, picked up the pace with the ever dangerous Shannon Redhouse again on form netting twice although the second courtesy of a wicked deflection to square the match. But Bay fought back, establishing their passing game that eventually led to Sophie Gifford netting 3 minutes before the break.

Gifford completed her hat-trick 7 minutes after the restart and Bay enjoyed long periods of supremacy in the second half but saw the game out to record their fourth win in four league games to head the Division One (East) table in their bid to return to the Premier at the first attempt.

"It was a very important win to round off what has been a tough opening month for us", said manager Peter Whittaker, "we haven't really fired on all cylinders yet, although we showed glimpses of it and in the first 25 minutes we were awesome".

Herne Bay FC Ladies starting XI: Sarah Cooper (GK), Lucy Page, Emma Brown, Kerry Grant, Saraya Phillips, Jemma Barton, Lauren Williams, Kate Foster (captain), Alice Phillips, Sophie Gifford, Lauren Harris.

Substitutes (roll on / roll off): Megan Pearce, Katie Reeves, Isabelle Quinney, Asmaa Hatim, Abigail Duff.

Player of the Match: Kate Foster