22ndapr04

Whitstable players called up for league representative honours

Whitstable Town Women wrapped up their league campaign with a 1-0 victory over division rivals Lindfield last Sunday.

A finishing position of third was at stake and the home side required only a draw to secure it.

The hard fought game was refereed by South East Counties Women's Football League chairman Mr Lionel, who commented that Whitstable's women's team would not be out of place in the first division.

Despite losing right-back Hellyn Faulkner to injury early on, Whitstable's defence stood strong, more in the shape of goalkeeper Sarah Hardy, Ky Halls, Summer Lovegrove, Wendy Smith and Lenni Frampton.

In recognition of their season's efforts, Hardy and Lovegrove have been selected the South East Counties Senior and Under eighteen sides respectively.

Whitstable Town's reliably strong right side was superceeded on the day by the gritty performance of Halls and midfielder Laura Thom on the left.

Thomas, voted supporters player of the match, confidently demonstrated skills developing in training sessions with FA coach, Chris Jones, and outwitted Lindfield's defence to put through the goal of the season.

Her blossoming performance, coupled with the growing strength from midfield from Wharfe, substitutes Jones and Phillips, McNally and skipper Blackmore, bodes well for Sunday's Chairman's Cup Final against Hastings.

Despite the future of the club being in doubt at the start of the season, Whitstable Town have battled hard against all odds to earn themselves admirable league status and with this weekend's fixture maybe a trophy too!

Whitstable Town: Hardy, Faulkner, Frampton, Smith, Lovegrove, Halls, Thomas, McNally, Wharfe, Jones (sub), Phillips (sub), Blackmore, Miller.

South East Counties Women's Football League - Chairman's Cup Final
Whitstable Town vs Hastings
@ Lordswood FC, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Chatham
Sunday 25 April 2004 (12.00 Noon)

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk