Go Contactless Kent FA Plate Final
Thursday 16th April – 7.45 pm
Maidstone United Women 3
(Wilkinson 5, Rowsell 49, Ascott 86)
Cray Wanderers Women 0
With thanks to Charlie Bradford for the information provided.
Cray Wanderers Women’s first cup final appearance ended in defeat as Maidstone United proved too strong in the end but Cray certainly contributed to the evening and perhaps merited a goal for their efforts.
The Wands needed to start strong but Maidstone took the lead after five minutes when Kelsi Wilkinson netted a header from a left wing corner.
Maidstone were impressive early on and from a corner Chi Madamombe saw a stable towards goal cleared off the line by Millie Main who was playing as cover centre half.
Cray though recovered from the nervy start and Ellie Rivers was played through on a one-on-one but was denied by a good save by Cara Davies. Rivers also saw a shot deflected wide of the left post.
Still Cray sought a leveller and Chloe Francis saw a half volley go over the top and before half time Sarah White saw a header saved before Maidstone came close with an attempt against the bar.
HT – 1-0
Maidstone once again started better at the start of the second half and added a second in the 49th minute. Kylie Manktelow was unlucky with a shot which was brilliantly saved by Zaria Aimey against the right post but following up Tilly Roswell’s right wing cross looped into the net.
Cray looked to reduce the arrears and Emily Symonds saw a shot saved by Davies who bravely saved at the feet of White.
Davies was certainly busy and also had to save well to deny Maddie Bone’s right wing shot.
Maidstone added a third six minutes from time when after Georgia Culpitt hit the bar a cross from the right was headed in by Aimee Ascott.
Chloe Boys came close to netting a consolation but in the end Maidstone just had enough knowhow to keep their treble bid going. Maidstone lie 2nd in the SECWFL Premier, a point behind Tonbridge and unbeaten in the league. The Stones also face the Wands again in the SECWFL Cup Final (again at Maidstone) on Thursday 28th May.
Cray though look in the meantime to preserve a third place finish and travel to Long Lane on Sunday.
