26thsept05G

Fleet sail into first round of Women's FA Cup

Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies eased into the Women’s FA Cup first round proper yesterday after convincingly beating Oxford-based team Carterton LFC in a second round qualifying tie, and previous to that disposing of MK Wanderers in their first qualifying round, writes Stephen McCartney.

The match was played at the Fleet Ladies home venue, AEI sports and Social club in Gravesend.

The Fleet went into the match anticipating stiff opposition from the Oxford based team who play in the southern premier division of their league. It quickly became apparent to Fleet ladies that they were the stronger of the two teams, as they pressurised the opposition’s defence from the beginning of the match.

Although Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies didn’t play particularly well in the first half, whether it was taking the opposition for granted or just one of those days, they only managed a 1 – 0 lead by half time,

Jade McDermott dribbled her way through the defence and slotted a pass to strike partner Mel Bishop who took the keeper on one on one and coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

After some stern words at half time and a well deserved kick into action from manager Valter Antunes, Fleet ladies returned much more focused for the second half and put together a fine performance, using a more incisive and quicker passing game they tore the opposition apart and the goals followed.

Striker Mel Bishop netting a hat trick on the day, including a well earned penalty, her strike partner Jade McDermott got a deserved goal after working hard to set up others during the match. Defender Rebecca Pattenden, continued her run of scoring cup goals, after converting a cross from the right wing by defender Kelly Gell and Sally Appleton opened her account for the season blasting the ball home from close range.

Carterton did mange to score a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game, leaving a very convincing 6-1 win for Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies, taking them into the first round proper for the second consecutive season. The next round draw is eagerly awaited by the ladies side to find out whom they are to play.

Next week Fleet ladies return to league action at home to Crowborough Athletic ladies, 2.00pm kick off, all support welcome.

Gravesend and Northfleet Ladies are currently seeking an experienced goal keeper, and centre back to enhance their squad and a linesman/woman to help out on home games, qualification not essential but experience would be good. Please contact the club for more details.

For further details on the team please use any of the following contact methods. Club website: www.intheteam.com/gravesendladiesfc - Club contact Tina ladies section: 07732 148011 - Club Email: spryamanda@aol.com. 

Club sponsors this season are S.E.A Limited, Secure Electronics Applications Ltd who are a local company specialising in access control and warden call systems and Accord Lift Services who specialise in the installation, maintenance, restoration and repair of all types of lifts.