Dover Ladies 5 v 1 Dartford Ladies

Kent Cup

AFTER an eventful week behind the scenes Dartford Ladies travelled to Dover with a temporary manager for the Kent Cup clashing still looking for their first win since December, writes Brian Page.

Despite a hesitant start Dartford, of Division One East of the South East Counties Women's Football League, quickly settled against Premier Division opposition.

However a 16th-minute diving save from Kerry Page in Dartford's goal kept the scores level but three minutes later a wild shot across the face of her goal put the home side in front courtesy of a cruel deflection off the woodwork.

With further chances being thwarted by Page and Dartford's new-look defence, the Oakfield Lane side went into the interval trailing by the narrowest of margins.

Shortly after the restart two quick goals from close range gave the home side a comfortable three-goal lead which effectively ended Dartford's chances of progressing any further in the competition.

With a further onslaught bringing two more goals for Dover the 5-0 score looked to be unchallenged during the last 15 minutes.

But Dartford's captain Ally Holloway ignited a late surge of pressure from the visitors resulting in Lee-Anne Beaney sending an inch-perfect pass through to Laura Donnelly who placed the ball past Dover's goalkeeper.

Tessa Bird was nominated man-of-the-match for the second consecutive week.

Dartford Ladies travel to Swale Magpies on January 22 for league action. Kick off 2pm.

Dartford's squad: Kerry Page; Lee-Anne Beaney; Nicola de Waal; Lorraine Etherington; Rachel Elson; Catherine Fitzpatrick (Harriet Hill, 55); Alison Holloway; Laura Donnelly; Kel Vickers (Susie Benham, 45); Tessa Bird; Claire Stork.