Herne Bay Ladies (0) 1
Holness 51
Dartford Royals (0) 0
at Winch’s Field
SECWFL League Cup Final
Sunday 19th April 2015.
Attendance: 201
by Peter Guise
(photo credit: Adrian Bennett – Vicky Holness (10) watches her chip give Bay the lead.)
Herne Bay Ladies retained the League Cup they won last season with this narrow victory over rivals Dartford Royals.
“A nervy first half for both sides, with Dartford having the better chances”, said Herne Bay Ladies manager Anthony Deer.
Indeed, it was the Royals who had the better of the opening 45 minutes in which Bay were restricted by some slick passing from Dartford who never let Herne Bay settle on the ball. But after the break, Herne Bay got the break they needed early on. Just 6 minutes had elapsed when Vicky Holness ran on to a chip from Debbie Blackmore, brought the ball under control perfectly and then, with the visiting ‘keeper advancing, lifted the ball over her head and into the net.
Bay created more chances in the second half with Royals trying to force a way back into this Final and although they pressed hard in the closing quarter, the home defence stood firm.
“A fantastic achievement again for this team, 5 cup finals in 3 years and we have won all 5”, said Deer, “It's been a gruelling season but a true team performance and spirit showed through today and with the fantastic crowd behind us we needed to make sure we didn't disappoint”.
Herne Bay Match Squad: Sarah Cooper, Emily Brown, Alex Roy, Beth Nugent, Debbie Blackmore, Kate Foster, Carly Farrow, Harriett Chapman, Sarah Holmes, Vicky Holness, Rachel Tracy, Bella Smith, Isabella Tullet, Jaime Welch, Kayleigh Mount, Nicola Harris.
Herne Bay Player of the Match: the squad.