Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene 2020/21 Issue 2

Ashford Town (Middlesex) 2 Kent Football Utd 2
(Kent Football Utd won 5-4 on penalties)
Kent Football United went through to the Third
Round Qualifying of the Vitality Women's FA Cup
after a thrilling battle with Ashford Town
(Middlesex). Leading by a pair of Charlie Goad goals
at the break, KFU were pegged back by an excellent
Tangerines second half but provided a faultless
shootout performance to clinch the tie.
The clubs had previously met in the FA Cup
with Kent edging a seven-goal thriller and this
match was equally dramatic with both teams having
spells of dominance as the outcome hung in the
balance. It was Ashford who started the brighter,
Jade Johnson being the first to test Grace Taylor in
the Kent goal. Alissa Down then had a 20-yard effort
well held.
The visitors played their way back into the
game and took the lead with a fine lofted shot from Jade Johnson gets in a challenge of Emma Squirrell
Goad on 26 minutes. Ashley Cheatley set up a good (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
chance for an equaliser on 41 minutes but Lavana
Neufville wasn't able to convert a right wing cross.
Kent doubled their lead just before the break when a left wing cross reached Goad
beyond the far post and the prolific striker had time to control and fire a shot back across goal
for the second.
Ashford came out with great resolve and dominated proceedings from the restart.
Kent were put under sustained pressure, especially from Down's excellent corner delivery but
also from the powerful runs of Charmaine Benham, Neufville , Johnson and Cheatley. In fact,
Kent defended very resolutely for the most part but were unable to relieve the pressure with
any forward movement.
It was no surprise when a Down corner was turned home by Kalani Peart to halve the
deficit on 62 minutes. The balance of play continued in the home team's favour and and they
drew level from another Down corner, this time converted from close range by sub Chloe Farrell.
Kent responded well to this double blow and the final twenty minutes was an end to
end affair. Goad was denied her hat-trick by a fine save from keeper Gracie Perkis, then at the
other end, Cheatley beat three defenders in a great run before firing just over.
The sides could not be separated and so a shootout was required. Emma Squirrell,
Tash Moloney, Poppy Payne, Amy Payani and, finally and decisively, Jessie Carpanini all
converted expertly for KFU. Taylor made a crucial save from the fourth Ashford penalty to set
up a very hard fought victory for the FAWNL Division One South East club over their London
& South East Regional League opponents after a fine contest.
Ashford Town (Middlesex): Gracie Perkis, Anya Kinnane, Laura Huse, Hannah
Pearson, Kalani Peart, Alissa Down, Charmaine Benham, Jade Johnson, Lucy Potter,
Lavana Neufville, Ashley Cheatley. Subs: Chloe Farrell, Holly Reid, Phoebe Head, Vicky
James, Rozalia Sitarz.
Kent Football Utd: Grace Taylor, Jessie Carpanini, Tash Moloney, Poppy Payne, Beth
Powell, Brionne Fowle, Ami Burnham, Emma Squirrell, Charlie Goad, Amy Payani, Megan
Burrows. Subs: Abi Adewunmi, Charlotte
Greenwood.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 2 - 22 October 2020