Report by Kent FA’s Dwayne Ellis

Herne Bay beat Parkwood Rangers 4-1 to lift the Women Plate in their first season as a team at Sevenoaks Town. Goals from Lesley Kay, Vicky Holness and a brace from player of the match Kiya Mills sealed the win for Herne Bay, who had to come from behind after Emily Vaughan had opened the scoring for Parkwood Rangers. The score line was harsh on Parkwood, who were well in the game until the fourth goal 10 minutes from time, but Herne Bay were deserved winners.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes with few opportunities, Parkwood broke the deadlock midway through the first half, Vaughan confidently stroking the ball past the Emily Johnson in the Bay net. The lead didn’t last though and Herne Bay found themselves level 7 minutes later. Vicky Holness, who proved to be a constant threat throughout to Parkwood, expertly rolled the ball past Kelly Amer. Then a minute later a rash challenge just inside the area resulted in a penalty to Herne Bay and Lesley Kay made no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way to hand them the lead.

The next 5 minutes saw two key points in the game, where Parkwood went from almost levelling the scores, to finding themselves 3-1 behind at the break.  First Vaughan was given a chance to double her account when she was put through on goal but she dragged her shot wide. Then 5 minutes from half time Kiya Mills showed great pace to break free of her marker and fired the shot past the keeper.

The second half began much like the first with few clear cut chances. Parkwood were probing to get back in the game while at the other end the pace of Mills and the trickery of Holness were continuing to threaten on the break for Herne Bay. The longer the game went on, the more Parkwood had to open up to stay in the cup and 10 minutes from time Herne Bay scored the game ending goal on the counter attack, Mills completing her player of the match performance with a well taken strike.

Herne Bay                    4 (Vicky Holness 22; Lesley Kay 33 (pen); Kiya Mills 39, 80)

Parkwood Rangers       1 (Emily Vaughan 25)

Greatness Park, Sevenoaks.  Attendance 179