Margate Women Put In A Five Star Performance

By Steph Meek

Margate FC Women extended their run of wins as they defeated Parkwood Rangers at home on Sunday afternoon. In a six-goal thriller, the Blues beat the elements to remain on top form and close the gap to second place.

Sunday’s whether conditions were less than ideal, with high winds proving difficult for both sides. Opting to play into the wind first half, the Blues had to battle hard to finish the half on top. Stand in goalkeeper, Abbie Greetham, did well to withhold Parkwood’s relentless attacks on goal.

It was Margate who scored first in the 28th minute. A ball from Fleur Charman in the middle of the park was picked up by Charlotte Scales and lobbed to Paige Godden.

Godden was then able to loft the ball over the top of Parkwood’s defence and the ball was beautifully headed down by Kew-Stroud, who beat the defender and chipped the ball over the ‘keeper to give the home side the lead.

Parkwood were not deflated though, and a short lapse of concentration crept into the Margate ranks which saw their striker through on goal. A composed finish narrowly beat Greetham between the sticks and levelled the scores nine minutes before half time.

Parkwood couldn’t get to the break level as Margate reclaimed the lead on the 44th minute, when a poor pass was intercepted by captain Becca Slevin at the feet of the opposition. Slevin was able to drive towards goal before powering the ball past the ‘keeper from just inside the 18-yard box.

Second half saw the wind in the favour of The ‘Gate. With the opposition tiring, they were now playing against the wind, and this provided an opportunity for the Blues to put the game to bed.

In the 57th minute, Parkwood found themselves pressured to the touchline. Good play from Emily Hall saw them dispossessed, before she placed a ball down the right wing towards Kew-Stroud. It was Parkwood who met the ball first but a continued press from Kew-Stroud forced play back towards the ‘keeper and a poorly weighted pass was nicked by Godden, who slotted the ball past the ‘keeper and in at the near post.

The home side extended their lead just nine minutes later, when some quick football around the centre circle allowed Godden to play Kew-Stroud through on goal.

In almost a copy and paste exercise from the first, Kew-Stroud was able to chip the keeper and bring the score line to 4-1.

As the game reached the dying stages, Margate looked set to win and continued to play with confidence and high intensity which brought about its reward.

A Parkwood goal kick was met in the air by Slevin, who got a head to the ball and knocked it to the feet of Godden. A good first touch brought the ball under control, and Godden was able to turn to goal, firing home her second of the match.

As the final whistle blew, it was all smiles at Hartsdown Park as Margate took a 5-1 victory against close competitors, Parkwood Rangers, continuing a successful run for the side in the build up to the League Cup Final on the 21st of April.

The side next face Glebe at Hartsdown Park this coming Sunday in their final home game of the season. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.

Margate XI: Greetham, Charman, Coltham-Lai, Slevin (c), King (’45 Duff), Hall, Speller (’75 Mann), Scales (’35 Kemp), Luby, Kew-Stroud, Godden.

Goals: Kew-Stroud 28’ 66’, Slevin 44’, Godden 57’ 78’.

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