Match Preview: Kent Reliance Women's Cup

Finalist first timer’s Aylesford FC take on former Women’s Cup Champions Gillingham FC in our Kent Reliance Women’s Cup Final!

Taking place at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium, the match will kick off at 7.30pm on Monday 27th March 2017.

Due to the number of Women’s Football Teams who qualify for the Kent Reliance Women’s Cup, there are only 2 rounds before we reach the final.

Aylesford started the journey to today’s final, hosting Long Lane JFC Ladies. Their opponents were from the division below them, and looking to cause an upset! Aylesford started professionally, with a 4-0 lead by half time, with Laura Brown, Zara Chapman, Rachel Jestin-Cull and Chelsea Wallace all finding the net. During the second half, Aylesford’s performance dipped and Long Lane were able to come back into the game; however Aylesford secured their lead and were to progress to the next round 7-3 thanks to Zara Chapman adding another, and Laura brown completing her hat trick!

Gillingham’s first match of the competition saw them facing the current Kent Reliance Women’s Cup holders, and the team who knocked them out of the competition last season, London Corinthian. This season’s rematch saw Gillingham avenge last season’s result with style, thanks to 6 goals from Charlotte Gurr and a seventh by April Bowers.

For their semi-final, Aylesford had a trip away to last season’s finalists Herne Bay FC. This match was finally played on its fourth attempt due to weather postponements. Although Herne Bay have had an indifferent season, Aylesford knew they faced a challenge against last season’s finalists. Aylesford started the stronger, and were rewarded with a spectacular long range strike from the skipper, Becks Barr. Aylesford had numerous chances to increase their lead, but Herne Bay maintained a strong defence, meaning Aylesford booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win.

To get their spot in the final, Gillingham Ladies had a trip away to Meridian Girls & Ladies. An early Meridian upset looked likely on the cards, as the Gills conceded an early goal in the first 5 minutes of the match. However the team stepped up, and a spectacular come back was had as Gillingham progressed to the final with ease thanks to goals 5 goals from Charlotte Gurr, 2 from Fliss Gibbons, 2 from Jenny Newman, April Bowers, Rachel Ahern, Bethany Nugent and Lauren Davis, winning the match 13-1, and securing their space at the Gallagher Stadium!

If you can’t make it along to the match, there will be twitter coverage on @KentFA. You can also tweet us, and our County Cup sponsor @KentReliance your #MagicOfTheCup experience on match day, to be in with a chance of winning a £25 high street voucher!

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