Phoenix Sports powered to the Kent Under 16 Cup title with as comfortable a 2-0 win as you could wish to see over a Swale Ladies side who battled magnificently well throughout, but just fell short to goals in each half.
Indeed in ever worsening conditions, both sets of players must be complimented on continuing such a high level of play in the very increasing cold and wet weather.
The game started brightly with both sides having chances. Swale went close first as Shannon Burden outpaced a defender before sliding the ball wide of the advancing keeper but also the post as well, whilst at the other end, Eloise Necker should have done better as the ball dropped into the box.
Abi Williams then put the Sports in front with a terrific low drive from 20 yards which crept into the bottom corner just beyond the despairing reach of Swale keeper Maisie Jones.
The game then became an intriguing battle as both sides looked get that decisive grip, but as the rain got heavier in ever worsening cold conditions it was difficult even to get a second touch.
When they did find a second touch, Phoenix were able to double their lead as Ayo Shokunbi scored with another really well placed shot.
It was almost as though Swale had run out of ideas as Sports dominated. Rosie Norman had a shot cleared off the line before Chloe Roberts forced a fine save from Jones from a shot on the turn.
Phoenix looked full of ideas and looked capable of scoring every time they went forward, but with the teams tiring visibly, the closest they came were from driven crosses – Norman with the first – her cross just too far in front of sliding team mates at the far post, before Skokunbi clipped the outside of the back post with a vicious ball that just so nearly was the perfect delivery but missed the target.
The relief at the final whistle was something to behold and cherish – the temperature drop really got to everyone, and so huge congratulations must go to both sides for keeping going to the end – a point beat boss Gary Bareham emphasised as a beaten but proud manager.
“We always knew Phoenix are a really good side, and that this is a really good result for us. I told the girls to go and enjoy themselves and I hope that they did.”
“This time last year we were losing games 15-0/16-0… and today we’re in the Kent Cup Final! It’s a great result for the club and one that we can definitely build on.”
Speaking to Kent Sports News at the full-time whistle, Phoenix manager Mark Norman was thrilled for his side:
“We had to beat two of the best teams (Kent Football United and Long Lane) in the county even to get here. Our side sets their standards so high that there will be some of them who’ll think that they haven’t played very well today.”
“But how can we get across to them that they’ve just won the County Cup? It’s just a good job that they’re all so close – we’ve had a great day and after not entering the competition last year, I’m putting in a claim that we’ve retained the trophy!”
Cue the champagne corks to start flying over already sodden Cup winners.
PHOENIX – Sekwila Mwandwe, Nancy Riley, Jemma Witchkow, Shae Ludlow, Miak Keen, Rosie Norman, Ayo Shokunbi, Abu Williams, Eloise Necker
Subs – Chloe Roberts, Rosie Jackson-Ward, Lauren Feeney, Ellina Driscoll-Niles
SWALE LADIES – Maisie Jones, Cassie Ellard, Einice Olown, Annie Harris, Grace Gates, Molly Catchpoe, Alex Gorbel, Shannon Burden, Ashlea Bravery
Subs – Charlotte Bareham, Ella Stacey, Jemma James
Referee – Laurel Collins,
Assistants – Sam Morse and Alfie Pailes
Fourth Official – Angela Hill
Pictures supplied by www.psp-images.co.uk