Saltdean United (2) 2
Alice Walford 20
Naomi Roninson 42
Herne Bay (0) 0
SECWFL League Cup Quarter-Final
at Hassocks Leisure Centre
Sunday 3rd February 2019
(photo: Snow lingers on the South Downs above the pitch)
If ever there was a game of two halves this was probably it, writes Peter Guise. Any number of reasons could be cited for Bay's first half woes but the second period was the complete opposite. Premier Division Saltdean had switched the match to an alternative all weather venue as their own club ground would not have passed an inspection and led at the break through goals midway through the opening 45 and near the end of it.
Bay changed formation at the break and after the turnaround dominated the majority of the second period. That is not to say that United didn't have chances, they did, but Sarah Cooper was equal to them. For their part Bay poured forward. Kate Foster had one effort headed off the line and Lauren Harris nodded agonisingly wide. Effie Dodds' power strike was blocked and four home defenders crowded Abbie Duff out. On another day, the upending of Lauren Harris in the box would have yielded a spot kick. Quite clearly it was not going to be Herne Bay's day.
"Obviously disappointed to be out of the League Cup but they took their chances and that was the only difference", said manager Peter Whittaker, "it's terrific to have had two decent cup runs this season but we have always maintained that winning the league and getting back into the Premier Division is our main priority. Now we must focus on getting over that line and this will make us even more determined to do that"
Herne Bay starting line up: Sarah Cooper, Lucy Page, Kayleigh Mount, Jemma Barton, Saraya Phillips, Kate Foster (capt), Megan Pearce, Katie Reeves, Alice Phillips, Lauren Harris, Abigail Duff.
Substitute (used): Effie Dodds
Player of the Match: Sarah Cooper