Ladies Suffer Semi-Final Heartache

Margate Ladies missed out on reaching the SECWFL League Cup Final on Sunday afternoon as they were defeated 6-5 on penalties by Tunbridge Wells Foresters after the game finished 2-2 after extra-time.

Margate started the game strong with a good home crowd behind them. Play looked calm and structured with the team holding the majority of possession through the half.

At half time management made 3 of the 5 possible substitutions bringing on King, Galloway and Niblett. Soon after the however, a knock to Conabeer left Margate forced to make a further substitution just minutes into the second half.

In the 80th minute a text book corner from Greetham saw Slevin head the ball which was well saved by the keeper only for Adams to head the rebounded ball into the back of the net to give Margate Ladies the lead with just ten minutes to go.

Just one minute later, a long ball from Foresters and a pacey run from their striker saw a little tap in past the keeper and an even score line with just over eight minutes left to play.

Into stoppage time and Foresters scored a powerful long shot to take a 2-1 lead with just moments left.

The final kick of the 90 minutes saw a beautiful switch of play from Adams which saw Niblett through on goal. A composed run and well place strike and The 'Gate had evened the score at the final whistle.

Despite a goal from Margate which was ruled offside and several other chances, extra time it remained goalless in extra-time taking the sides to a nail biting penalty shootout.

Montgomery looked confident in goal through the shootout, getting fingertips to a couple of the strokes but it was the away side that took the win after six well stuck penalties.

Margate Ladies next play at Hartsdown Park on Sunday 12th March as they welcome Sevenoaks Town.

Kick-off is 2:30pm with free entry for all.

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