Ladies Lose To Millwall Lionesses

Almost 200 fans showed their support last night at Hartsdown Park as Margate Ladies hosted Millwall Lionesses U18’s in a midweek friendly.

With a break in fixtures over the Easter weekend, Margate ladies keenly accepted the offer of a midweek friendly against Millwall U18’s which would give them an opportunity to not only trial a couple of new players but introduce a selected few U18’s to the workings of a senior match day.

The 'Gate stepped out in-front of a home crowd for what was set to be not only a test of their resilience and ability but also a huge opportunity for the side to progress local women's football.

Esme Kew-Stroud made the starting XI for the home side along with Sian Barber trialling in goal for the ever growing squad.

Margate took a while to settle into the game and a well drilled Millwall made some clinical finishes netting two goals inside the first 12 minutes.

Despite the slow start The Blues soon settled in and the new players were almost unidentifiable as the side grew from strength to strength, holding off any further scoring for 58 minutes with Jess Coltham-Lai making a number of important challenges in the 18-yard box and the team making plenty of their own efforts on goal.

A lapse in concentration saw Millwall net a third goal 25 minutes into the second half, however the 'Gate remained resilient and composed challenging on goal and winning a penalty late in the game. Skipper Becca Slevin converted from the spot to score a well-deserved goal for herself and the team.

The home side pushed on until the the final whistle with a display of quality football and teamwork, a real credit to the team and their ethos.

The teams have agreed to meet again in pre-season for a replay of the fixture before the new season starts.

Margate Ladies return to league action on Sunday 16th April 2023 as they travel to Herne Bay Reserves, as Meek’s side look to continue their fight for a top three finish.

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