These two teams had met only a few weeks earlier in an encounter that had produced a two all draw. In today’s match, a sizeable crowd watched Canterbury seize the initiative early on, not let up and play as a well-organized unit. They reaped the results for their hard endeavours and recorded a 4-1 home win.

Starting brightly, under a clear blue sky and sunlit pitch, the girls made a solid start with the defensive line snuffing out any opposition counter-attacks. Some fluid interchange of play on the wings allowed Canterbury to carry momentum towards the Tunbridge Wells goal and Elli Upton was able to win the first of several short corners. Canterbury did not have to wait too long for the first goal. Irmak deftly intercepted a Tunbridge clearance, passed to Evie, who slotted home. Five minutes later, Iona found herself in space towards the top of the D and stuck home a crisp shot to make the score line 2-0. In midfield, Lorna was making some great intercepts, which she carried on doing throughout the game.

Tony had the blessing of having four substitutes for this match, and he was able to rotate players with regularity allowing everyone to have a game. This kept the momentum without losing any fluidity in the Canterbury play.

Sophie Wain, playing upfront, was able to provide an assist to Evie who then scored her second. Things were looking a little too comfortable at this point. Suddenly Tunbridge were able to find some space on the left wing and caught the Canterbury defence napping.  A neat one two ensued and the girls gave away what was a relatively soft goal. This gave the visiting team some encouragement and the rest of the first period was played largely in the Canterbury half.

After the break, one had the impression that the next goal would be crucial. If Tunbridge scored they would have got the wind in their sails, but if Canterbury scored it would be game over. The girls managed to win several short corners and Evie tried hard to get a hat-trick.  However, that crucial next goal appeared elusive and it was not until relatively late on that Iona was able to force an error from the Tunbridge defence and one of the visitors placed the ball in her own net. The victory was now secure.

Georgia had a solid game in goal making some good clearances with her feet. Rebecca and Annie were solid at the back. Georgie and Molly-Anne played a good game in midfield. Annabelle marked well in defence.  Sophie Aiken contributed both in defending and moving the game forward in the second half.  Jess and Darcey showed some neat stick skills in working the ball down the wings. Overall, each girl contributed to the match in a manner that can only bode well for the future.

Tony’s player of the match, for her brace of goals, was Evie Lewis.

Report Clive Styles

We sell our Adidas club kit at Polo Farm, this is run by Sally Hayes. The shop stocks all playing kit as well as outer wear, shoes, sticks and accessories. The shop will be open at the following times every week during the season;

Wednesdays 6.00pm to 8.15pm

Saturday afternoons from 1pm (if shop is locked please ask for Sally at the bar)

Sunday mornings 9.45am to 1145am.

For Shop enquiries please email Sally Hayes at sally987@icloud.com