The third round of the DFDS Kent Women’s Plate competition was played in November with some top teams, including last year’s winners – Tunbridge Wells Foresters – being knocked out in a local derby versus Tonbridge Angels.
Current Kent Plate holders Tunbridge Wells Foresters crashed to a 5-0 loss away at local rivals Tonbridge Angels.
In a closely fought first half at the Halcyon Weath Longmead Stadium in Tonbridge, Grace Mayhead put the home side 1-0 up just before halftime.
However, a different 45 minutes was to unfold as Tonbridge Angels opened up their game to dominate the women of Tunbridge Wells.
Mayhead added her second shortly after the break, before Holly Maclaurin, Aimee Churchill, and Gemma Sullivan also got on the scoresheet taking them into the last 16 of the competition.
In another shock defeat, South East Counties Women’s Football League Premier Division leaders Sevenoaks Town also dropped out of the running after they lost on penalties to Petts Wood, who are some 16 places below them in the league.
Charlotte Bennett and Ellie George scored for Sevenoaks, whilst Beth Bunker and Eve Sales put the ball in the net for Petts Wood, to take the game to extra-time and penalties. Petts Wood triumphed beating Sevenoaks 5-3 in the shootout.
Fellow Premier Division side Kings Hill made the short trip to Maidstone United, where there was only going to be one winner as the home side put four past the Kings Hill girls in the first half. A stronger defensive performance in the second half saw Kings Hill keep a clean sheet, but the damage was already done, fulltime 4-0.
There were some positive results for other West Kent sides though as Tunbridge Wells Foresters 2nd travelled down to Canterbury to face the Eagles.
Rebecca Mackley and Camilla McPhail both earned themselves a brace, whilst Sesame Sudds also got in on the action as Foresters celebrated a 5-1 win in the competition.
Larkfield visited Sittingbourne side Hollands & Blair and were rewarded for their effrts with a place in the next round. Goals from Megan Hudson, Taylor Mannerings, Amy Lancley, and substitute Shannon Collins powered Larkfield though 4-0 on the day.
Larkfield are currently top of the Kent 2 Mid West division, a league below their hosts.
Ide Hill also booked their spot in the last 16 with a comfortable 4-1 home victory over Borough Green. Holly James scored a hattrick, and Jessica King added another to secure their spot in the next round. The Borough Green goalscorer is unknown.
Teams that remain in the competition including those from West Kent are: Ashford United U18, Betteshanger Welfare, Biddenden, Cray Wanderers, Faversham Strike Force, Hollands & Blair, Ide Hill, Larkfield, Maidstone United, Margate, Park Regis, Petts Wood, Sellindge, Tonbridge Angels, Tunbridge Wells Foresters 2nd, and Woodcombe Sports.
The draw for the last 16 has not taken place yet, although we are expected some mouth-watering ties for our West Kent sides in the next round.
Good luck to all teams remaining in the competition, we hope to see all our West Kent sides progress through the Plate.
Full results from Round 3:
Aylesford 2nd 1 Sellindge 4
Canterbury Eagles 1 Tunbridge Wells Foresters 2nd 5
Castle Colts 0 Betteshanger Welfare 6
Cray Wanderers 2 London Road 0
Faversham Strike Force 3 Gravesham 0
Hawkinge Town 2 Park Regis 4
Hollands & Blair Reserves 0 Larkfield 4
Ide Hill 4 Borough Green 1
Maidstone United 4 Kings Hill 0
Margate 4 Deal Town 0
Ramsgate 2 Biddenden 4
Rising Stars Youth U18 A Ashford United U18 W
Sevenoaks Town 2 Petts Wood 2 (Pens 3-5)
Sheppey United 3 Hollands & Blair 4
Tonbridge Angels 5 Tunbridge Wells Foresters 0
Woodcoombe Sports 3 Danson Sports 0
