MATCH REPORTS
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Regular match reports after each friendly, league and cup game, get in touch to find out more
VS PARK WOOD RANGERS
Borough Green 1 - 5 Park Wood
14/08/2022 - Preseason Friendly (Home)
In the scorching 30 degree temperature we welcomed Park Wood Rangers to our home ground this weekend.
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With a skeleton squad feeling the effects of holidays and injury, we battled through 90 minutes of heat but still came away with a smile. Remembering that preseason is purely a fitness test is helping us through the tough games whilst lots of players are absent!
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We began well, working together and putting into practise a few key lessons learnt from the previous match. After going 1-0 down as Park Wood came 1v1 with our keeper, we held our heads high and struck back.
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A corner came from Pip, which was netted by new player, Bekks, lifting the spirits and feeling like there's all to play for.
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The second half was hard, legs were very tired, and when Park Wood got behind our defence we were finding those recovery runs difficult. It's clear to see that our general play of football and communication has come on leaps and bounds from the previous friendly against West Kent, but we certainly need to work on some fitness to keep the performance strong all the way through the second half.
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It was great to welcome three new players to the pitch this week - Bekks, Sav and Megan - who we are looking forward to playing alongside and strengthening the team with.
VS WEST KENT
Borough Green 1 - 4 West Kent
07/08/2022 - Preseason Friendly (Home)
Our first preseason fixture ahead of the 22/23 season! With eight potential new signings and multiple pregnancies in the team, it's fair to say we had some new line-ups to test and some new partnerships to begin forming!
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Four of our new players made their debut today, all getting stuck in and making a big impact on the pitch.
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The tempo started off high, everyone was excited to be back on the pitch. We began with some strong football, playing at fast pace and linking up from the defence, through the midfield and up to the strikers as well. Borough Green broke down the oppositions defence to get some shots away and things were looking promising.
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Two corners came from new player, Cristie, the first was defended away, but the second was neatly tucked away in the back of the net by another new signing, Megan M.
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With scorching hot temperatures, the game was split into quarters for drinks breaks. Slowly the heat and fitness levels were taking their toll on the team and play was getting disjointed.
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West Kent took advantage of a lower defensive line than we would usually hold, being played on side in a more vulnerable position. Three goals came in quick succession in the final quarter of the game when it was clear that we were playing our first match after a while off!
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Lots of positives to take from the game, but also some valuable lessons and areas to work upon.
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FAVERSHAM VS BOROUGH GREEN (FRIENDLY)
20/06/21
FRIENDLY - Faversham Strike Force 0 - 3 Borough Green Ladies 20th June 2021
FT: 3 - 0
An early pre-season fixture saw Borough Green travel to Faversham Strike Force in a head-to-head battle. The two teams only clashed recently in the last fixture of the Round Robin League, but with no title place to play for and new players and positions to try out, there was no saying which way this would go.
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Trying out a new formation of 3-5-2, Borough Green started on the back foot before settling into their stride. A.Somerset and K.Stroud were two players who hadn’t played a match with the team before, but both started strong and settled into the pace of the game. Somerset ran her legs off down the right wing, chasing down balls, putting in great passes and strong tackles whilst Stroud remained solid in the back line, laying off passes to the midfield and tracking down Faversham’s attacks.
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There were certainly some scraggly moments of play from the Ladies but it was to be expected after over a month off matches, however it was great to see the moments when passes were made, players were linking up and as a result there were chances on goal made which sometimes even paid off with the reward!
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The first goal came from L.Upstill who linked up with fellow striker A.Earle, receiving a flicked on header before finishing with her left foot in the bottom corner the goal, out of the reach of the goal keeper.
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Our upfront pair have begun linking up well in recent weeks at training and this was great to see it come to life in only their second match playing alongside each other.
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We had super safe hands A.Cockerill in goal, utilising her all-round skills and doing just as well as we all know she can in goal even though outfield is her preferred position, showing great sportsmanship and commitment which we are all thankful for. Cockerill made a few tremendous saves including a double-save where she had legs kicking and the ball flying, but after the second strike she was able to dive onto the ball, preventing any further chances for Faversham.
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After a good display of football and passing and movement between the midfield and upfront, our second goal came from A.Earle with another hard and low shot, hitting the opposite bottom corner to Upstill's earlier goal.
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Half time: Faversham Strike Force 0 – 2 Borough Green Ladies
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The second half was another long 45 minutes in the muggy weather, but there was no time to slow as we were determined not to lose our lead and hoping to keep a clean sheet too.
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A really great performance was shown by our defender A.Rose who has only just finished her first ever season, today she put everything into practice and really showed how she has come so far in the past year. Rose was setting off great passes to the wingers and balls over the top of midfield for the strikers to run onto as well as getting stuck in, meeting every ball and showing some strong tackles.
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The third goal came after a perfect through-ball was delivered from the defence and and excellent save was made by Faversham's goalkeeper. A.Earle didn't give up on the rebound when the ball was batted back into a difficult angle towards the corner, beating the defender with her speed to get to the ball first and calmly tuck away her shot into the back of the net and secure her second goal of the game.
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S.Miles had a break to make the fourth goal for Borough Green which she slid hard and low beyond the keeper, however it was called offside, robbing her of the reward she deserved from her performance today.
BOROUGH GREEN VS FAVERSHAM
16/05/2021
Borough Green Ladies vs Faversham Strikeforce 16th May 2021
FT: 3 - 0
Our final game of the season saw Faversham Strikeforce travel to Potters Mede for a fight for first place. After our 9 vs 11 game at Betteshanger and coming away with just 1 point rather than the 3 we would have hoped for, we found ourselves fighting for first place in the final game of the Spring Round Robin league.
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We welcomed back two players from injury - T. Shaw and C. Pickford - who both played their hearts out and put in a battle coming back from months out. We also welcomed new signing A. Earle to the squad for her first match with Borough Green Ladies.
A minutes silence was firstly observed in memory of Jordan Banks, a 9-year-old footballer who sadly lost his life earlier in the week.
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In this game the ladies demonstrated some great passing and movement, particularly between winger K. Blundell and P. Golding & K. Golding in centre midfield, as well as throughout the pitch, making it difficult for the away side to track down.
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Possession was looking strong in areas and plenty of balls were passed up to the strikers, as well as good crosses in from J. Garland and S. Miles.
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A throw-in near the penalty box saw the ball played between strikers L. Upstill and A. Earle before Earle struck through the ball from difficult angle into the back of the net. A great start for the new signing to get us off the ground and 1-0 up in this important game.
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Faversham were a talented footballing side, with a strong back line and central midfield. They played some quick football which at times would test the Borough Green Ladies. H. Wheeler put in a great performance once again, using her speed to her advantage to track back the attacks on goal.
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HT: Borough Green 1 - 0 Faversham Strikeforce
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R. Mapp was tested a few times in goal, but used her presence mostly - coming off her line and intimidating the attack.
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J. McCafferty and V. Bull were tracking down and working hard in defence, battling with strong tackles and proving to be difficult for Faversham to get the better of.
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The all-round work rate was great and rewarding to see possession being kept so well and pass and movement training focuses to be put into action. C. Abbot held strong in the middle, giving aid to the defence by holding deeper when it was needed.
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The Borough Green Ladies managed to hold a lot of play in Faversham's half of the pitch until a Faversham goal kick fell into empty space and allowed A. Bond to control and strike through the ball to score in the bottom left of the goal. A hard and low shot which would have been difficult for any keeper to save.
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70th minute: Borough Green 2 - 0 Faversham Strikeforce
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The girls would have understandably been tired but thankfully a great, strong turn out of 18 players enabled fresh legs to keep us looking energetic! E. Crouch provided some pace upfront whilst A. Rose kept the pressure on in defence.
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And finally, what we were hoping for - something to seal the deal and bury the game. V. Bull stepped up to take a free kick which whipped in the top corner and secured Borough Green their win against Faversham in the last 10 minutes.
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80th minute: Borough Green 3 - 0 Faversham Strikeforce
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With just ten minutes to hold out, the ladies were desperate to keep a clean sheet in their final game of the season and so they kept strong and pushed until the final whistle. A very well deserved win in the game and in the league which represents a brilliant 10 months since the team was first formed!
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However, we were reminded (she wouldn't let us forget!) that this was C. Gooderham's final league game for the team as she hopes to commit to rugby next year. A brilliant final performance today from the one who got us our first ever Borough Green goal in the first game the season. You'll be missed, but we know you won't be far!
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Goals: A. Earle, A. Bond, V. Bull
OPOTM: A. Earle
BOROUGH GREEN VS RAMSGATE
02/05/2021
Borough Green Ladies vs Ramsgate 2nd May 2021
FT: 1 - 1
Today Borough Green Ladies welcomed Ramsgate to Potters Mede for their first home match in the Round Robin league. The ladies knew this could be a tough match as their opposition are two leagues above and a well established side.
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With Ramsgate winning the kick off, Borough Green started on the back foot as the away team made a quick attack down the wing, looking fast and confident. The girls became defensive but held their own, although collectively felt frustrated with the way the match had started.
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H. Wheeler was doing a great job of using her speed to keep tabs on the Ramsgate attack, backed up by strength from our defenders either side of her - J. McCafferty, A. Bond and V. Bull.
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There were plenty of attacking chances for Borough Green, with A. Nichols and L. Upstill proving they could make their way around the opposition's back line, but unfortunately couldn't tuck away any goals.
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Ramsgate went 1 - 0 up in the first half after they used their speed to inch past our defence, a strong strike at a difficult angle was fired into the back of the net - it was a difficult goal to stop.
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A penalty was given to us after a bad tackle against our striker in the box, but unfortunately a wide strike meant we missed the opportunity to make it 1 - 1 in the first half.
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Half time: Borough Green 0 - 1 Ramsgate
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The half time team talk for Borough Green was stern but encouraging, this was the first team that had left us feeling like we hadn't started quickly enough and so we had to change our attitude and play our own football to get back in the game, of which was definitely not lost yet - be first to meet the ball, find and make space and be on your toes...but most importantly enjoy the second half!
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And we did exactly that! The attitude and approach to the second half was completely different and Ramsgate had their work cut out.
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A short goal kick taken by Ramsgate and rolled to their defender who was quickly shut down by Borough Green. This allowed the ball to fall into the feet of Borough Green and an open goal as their keeper was still at the edge of her box. L. Upstill took advantage of this and very calmly and confidently took a shot from outside the penalty box, straight in the back of the net.
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A far more positive and attacking Borough Green were given more opportunities, winning more balls and looking more aggressive. Unfortunately an ankle injury was picked up by one of our strikers and our free kick bought no luck to put us in the lead.
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As our opposition got tired and made mistakes, our fitness levels showed as we continued to stay strong and shut down play until the final whistle.
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Some stand out performances from our defence in this game but an all round great result in the second half to change our attitude and become the dominating team.
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Goal: L. Upstill
MPOTM: H. Wheeler
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BETTESHANGER VS BOROUGH GREEN
25/04/2021
Betteshanger Welfare Vs Borough Green Ladies 25th March 2020
FT: 1 - 1
Borough Green Ladies FC travelled down to Deal to be welcomed by Betteshanger Welfare, who finished top of Kent Division 2 East league..
Before the game began, Borough Green were feeling defeated as 5 players and the manager had become stuck in stand-still traffic on the M20, meaning the only ones there for kick off were 8 fit players and 2 injured girls who were there to support.
Not only were half the team stuck on the motorway, but so were the footballs, the cones, equipment and first aid kit! After using flip-flops for makeshift cones and being given just one ball from the opposition to warm up with, it was nearing kick off with no positive news from the rest of the team.
Time was ticking by and still no movement on the motorway so the girls kicked off with 9 players. Of the 9 players, C. Gooderham went in goal (she had only come along to support after her injury!), 3 at the back, 4 in midfield, and 1 up top. The girls were well organised thanks to V.Bull (C) and T.Shaw who stepped in to coach from the sidelines due to her knee injury!
The whole team put in their absolute all, everyone knew they had to work their socks off and step up to the mark and were fighting on behalf their teammates. J. McCafferty played a blinding 90 minutes in centre mid, getting involved in every challenge, heading every ball and bossing the centre.
It wasn't just our stand-in goal keeper who was out of position, our regular keeper, R. Mapp was in centre midfield, using her strength and experience to her advantage.
The girls were passing and moving the ball around, playing their decent footballer as if they weren't 2 players down with no subs!
The defence stood strong with H. Wheeler, V. Bull (C) and A. Bond forming the back line. Thankfully these three players meant the backline had strength, speed and good communication. They worked so well together, with support coming back from the wingers too.
There were opportunities made, with J. Garland and S. Miles tracking up and down the wing, crosses being put in and through balls from the centre mids. L. Upstill worked hard up front on her own but pulled her quad muscle in the first 20 minutes of the match so it was tough work. Being the dedicated and hard working girls we know they are, they all ran through each injury they picked up and worked hard until the end.
In the 75th minute P. Golding as well as manager, Steve, and coach, Helen, arrived but unfortunately the ref shouted for Golding to wait for the ball to go out of play before coming onto the pitch. This shout of 'WAIT' from the referee unfortunately got the better of the girls on the pitch, and in their tired state they stopped for a brief second, allowing the attack to get behind our defence and a good goal was netted by Betteshanger...but it wasn't over yet!
75th Minute: Betteshanger 1 - 0 Borough Green
Now up to 10 men and one set of fresh legs, it was all about the attack and shutting the balls down for Borough Green in a final push for a point.
The wingers were still sprinting, the injured striker was still dribbling within their defence and shooting, midfield were still battling, the defence was still putting in strong tackles and feeding the ball back up the pitch. There seriously was no stopping these girls.
Eventually, a breakthrough. A long shot from defender A. Bond from the half way line fell just short of the goal, but our out of position goal keeper R. Mapp (playing centre mid) used her experience and took advantage of the injured Betteshanger player who was down near the goal, playing Mapp on-side! Bond's ball fell just short of the goal but Mapp was there to knock it past the keeper, a sigh of relief, a massive celebration, the most well deserved goal of our season!! Back in the game!
83rd Minute: Betteshanger 1 - 1 Borough Green
With just over 5 minutes left, all we had to do now was prevent Betteshanger on any attacks, but it was no match for our tired team who kept them at bay with ease. Even to the 90th minute we were looking strong and determined.
The final whistle blew at 1-1 and although the girls didn't have any more energy in the tank, they certainly radiated energy. It wasn't the game we had anticipated playing but the girls played for each other, they put in every bit of effort they had and it paid off, feeling like a win.
Goal: R. Mapp
Assist: A. Bond
OPOTM: V. Bull
MPOTM: V. Bull