Tunbridge Wells Foresters hit six of the best to win the DFDS Kent Women’s Plate Final at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium on Thursday night.
Despite racing into an early two-goal lead, Petts Wood still made a contest of it and the scoreline was not a true reflection of the chances in the game.
It was a view shared by Foresters manager Scott Moran
“It was a difficult game,” he admitted. “They’ve proved they deserve to be here and the scoreline probably doesn’t reflect the game.
“They made it hard for us, they pressed high and battled really well. Fortunately for us, we were clinical on the night and got the result.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the girls, they’ve worked so hard, especially for the last two seasons.
“It’s what we’ve been working towards and we’re starting to deliver the silverware.”
The 26-year-old boss added: “I got involved initially because my sister plays and it fell into my hands.
“I’ve been doing this group for four or five years but I was at another club before that. The team has grown so much from where we started to where we are now.”
Foresters could have already been ahead on five minutes but speedster Lauryn Underhill found the side netting after rounding keeper Scarlett Perfitt.
Two goals in a minute put them in the ascendancy, though. Orla Leech’s clever back-flick at the far post broke the deadlock and then a stunning cross by player-of-the-match Annable Stokes set up Underhill for a tap-in on 11 minutes.
Back came Petts Wood. A flurry of corners created pressure with Amelia Higgins shooting over and Beth Bunker’s right-foot volley crashing against the woodwork from a corner.
It seemed harsh on the balance of play that Foresters added a third through Underhill on 24 minutes, a lead extended just four minutes later when excellent work by Roan Wignall ensured a tap-in for Stokes.
Petts Wood deservedly got on the scoresheet when Lily Draycott’s precise free-kick from the angle of the penalty area clipped the underside of the bar and went in seven minutes before half-time.
The chances dried up at both ends in the second half. On the hour a clever reverse pass by the talented Wignall sent Stokes through but keeper Perfitt saved smartly with her legs.
Then Petts Wood’s Higgins burst clear at the other end but keeper Nancy Syrett was there to deny her.
Two goals in the final 14 minutes ensured Foresters finished with a flourish. Initially forced wide by some good defending, Stokes somehow found herself back in the penalty area and blasted home an unstoppable near-post shot.
Then a left-wing cross was turned in at the far post on 84 minutes by Leech as Foresters’ clinical finishing ensured they were comfortable winners, despite lots of positive play from their opponents.
Tunbridge Wells Foresters: Nancy Syrett, Adi Stapleton-Berry, Louisa Lippiatt-Durnell, Courtney Smith, Katie Allen, Olivia Carter, Kelly Moran, Rona Wignall, Lauryn Underhill, Annable Stokes, Orla Leech, Helena Fothergill, Maisie Gibb, Zara McAiney, Amelia Baker, Macie Stapleton.
Petts Wood: Scarlett Perfitt, Orlagh Berry, Jamie Daughtrey, Annabelle Underdown, Sophie McCormick, Lily Draycott, Ameilia Higgins, Jess Tickle, Beth Bunker, Gabriella Hawkins, Holly Harris, Connie Johnson, Lucy Langley, Evie Elliott, Grace Gills, Ali Morgan.
Referee: Amari Taylor.
