Bay Make It Three In A Row

Phoenix Sports (0) 0

Herne Bay (1) 3
Kate Foster 19
Lillian Tucker 76, 85

SECWFL (Premier Division)
Sunday 20th October 2019
At The Mayplace Ground

(photo: Jemma Barton leaps to head goalwards)

Three goals, three points and three wins in a row away from home. It doesn’t get much better, does it? Add in a clean sheet and it’s clear that this squad are getting to grips with life back in the Premier Division. The only downside was the post-match announcement that this would be manager Peter Whittaker’s last game in charge, but what a swansong! Whittaker had taken the team from the despair of relegation, through an unbeaten title winning season in Division One and promotion back to the Premier Division. The decision was a heart wrenching one for Whittaker whose commitments elsewhere in the sporting world and to his family meant that a change had to be made at the top. The club have moved quickly to appoint Howard Pearce as manager.

But back to the game. Bay dominated for long periods throughout and might have had more goals to celebrate had numerous chances been taken. They took the lead through skipper Kate Foster’s 19th minute header; her seventh goal of the season. Chloe Woolaway went close on several occasions but that was to be the only strike of the half. Meanwhile, Jasmin Connolly was a virtual spectator in the Bay goal. After the turnaround the story was much the same but again Bay squandered chances. Finally Phoenix buckled with Lillian Tucker bagging a brace in the 76th and 85th minutes; one as a result of determined run from Alice Phillips who weaved her way down the left to lay a measured pass into the six yard area for Tucker to finish with emphatic ease.

“It was a great all round performance”, said Peter Whittaker, “three on the spin and the squad is showing that it can cope with life in the Premier Division”. On his departure from the manager’s job Whittaker added, “I'm always self-critical and believe a new fresh approach to development, team selections and communication is desirable for this squad going forwards. Sometimes recognising when to change is hard to accept but I believe it's the right thing to do for the good of the team. I'm delighted to be leaving the team in a stronger position than when I arrived and I couldn't be happier seeing Howard Pearce step up so quickly, he will maintain standards and will push the team on further; of that I have no doubt”.

Bay now have two games in a week, both at Winch’s Field. On Thursday evening (KO 7:45pm) they take on Sittingbourne in the Isthmian Women’s Cup and then on Sunday, host Lewes’ Foundation Squad who are unbeaten league leaders. KO 2:30 pm.

Herne Bay: Jasmin Connolly, Lucy Page, Saraya Phillips, Jemma Barton, Molly Shipton, Kate Foster, Megan Pearce, Abbie Potter, Lillian Tucker, Chloe Woolaway, Alice Phillips.

Subs: Ellie Turner, Katie Reeves.

Player of the Match: Kate Foster