Bluebirds On Their Way Up

The Bluebirds have enjoyed life in the South East Counties Women’s Football league since the 2014/15 season. Promotion last year meant the girls took the step up to Division 1 East; it’s been a challenge but one Margate Ladies captain Chelsea Cornish says her team-mates have taken in their stride.

“There has been a massive jump from the teams we were facing. This season especially the difference in the teams we have played previously to now has been noticeable.”

“However, we are getting to a point in the season where we are facing opposition again and we have learnt how they play and the score line second time round is improving dramatically.”

It’s been a season focused on stabilising the club’s position in the League after years of dominance. Adapting to this has brought the team closer together and Chelsea listed a number of highlights the group have already enjoyed.

“For me personally, one of the highlights was the relief of getting a win under our belts away to Swale. As a team we’ve been hit with injuries and losing players at the start of the season was really hard. Off of that Swale game we then travelled away to Hassocks...”

“It is always difficult travelling to away games knowing you have 10 players and morale is down but we put in a shift and won 6-0 away to progress in the cup.”

Another highlight for the women’s team was their appearance at Hartsdown Park when The Bluebirds welcomed FA Women’s Premier League side, West Ham Ladies.

“I have to say experiencing the West Ham Ladies game at Hartsdown was a turning moment for a lot of players. To see hundreds of people, brave the cold on a Tuesday night to support you against a formidable opponent and to say that the girls were an asset to Margate Football Club, is a pretty good feeling.” 

“They were definitely our toughest opponent so far this season. To play a team in the Women’s Premier League, who has a five-year plan to make it to top flight of women’s football was always going to be a challenge for us.”

“They were very complimentary of the way we conducted ourselves and said to keep up the good work. I believe we may have the opportunity to face them again in pre-season, with a stronger squad it will be a tighter score-line.”

There’s lots of talented players amongst the ranks and the club has recently received an injection of new faces which makes for an exciting end to the season.

“In terms of standout performers, I have to say Rhyanna - but everyone knows her as ‘Dave’. For us has been outstanding this season. She never gives up, she will play wherever needs filling and gives 110% each game.”

“I’m interested to see how the new signings we have acquired will strengthen the squad. We received news that our local rivals Thanet Colts had folded and it isn’t nice when teams fold.”

“But for our team, it was an unexpected surprise as we had been struggling for players and have managed to sign another seven players of a decent standard. Watch this space, we are on the up!”

The Bluebirds certainly are on the up with the ambition to gather as many points as possible with the number of games they have left to play.

“For us, our aim is to stay in this division and I believe with the strengthening to our squad this will be achievable. Our main aim is to beat Dartford, Swale and both fixtures against Faversham to stay up and finish around mid-table.”

“We will be trying to pick up points wherever we can. We’ve experienced back to back promotion over the last two seasons and this season was all about stability in this league.”

After such a successful few seasons, there’s a tangible buzz around the women’s set up. For Chelsea, what sets The Bluebirds apart, is not only the way they do business on the pitch but the way the group are off it.

“To play for Margate Ladies means joining a friendship, our bond as a team is nothing on any other team I have come across in any league so far. To play football is one thing, but to play with people that become your best friends makes it so much better.”

“We celebrate as a team and we help each other when we are down. To me the team dynamic is the most important part of any team, trusting and knowing that your players have your back is a good feeling and it makes the pub trips even more enjoyable!”

“It is so important to promote women’s football especially at the moment considering the success of the Lionesses and Toni Duggan’s transfer to Barcelona women’s football is being put on the map. So, to be part of this, is special and to anyone that wants to join the team, get in touch!”

If you'd like to get involved with our ladies set up, please email mfcladies@margate-fc.com

Keep up to date with the latest from the women's team by liking them on Facebook and by following them on Twitter.

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