Margate Women Face Historic Final

By Steph Meek

Margate FC Women etch their place in the club’s history books this weekend, as they play in the final of the League Cup for the first time since their reformation in 2014.

Although the team reached the final stages of the competition during Covid years, the competition was ruled null and void after it was decided the impact of the pandemic was too great for the competition to be deemed fair.

The squad have had a spectacular season, raising the benchmark for women’s football at Margate and making many memorable moments and performances along the way.

In October, the side reached the final preliminary round of the FA Cup, the furthest the team has ever reached in this competition and matching the men’s record in the same competition.

In January, yet another record was set by the team, after making the semi-final stage of the Kent FA Plate. To reach the semi’s, the team beat top of the table XL, 3-0, in extremely blustery conditions.

The route to this final has equally been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with a bye, the Blues then went on to face local team Baypoint FC in the second round. They won this match comfortably scoring eight times, with five different goal scorers.

In round three, the ‘Gate were fortunate to draw another home fixture, against reigning champions, Tonbridge Wells Foresters. These competitors had knocked out Margate last season, in the semi-final stage after a gruelling set of penalties, they later went on to win the competition. A dominant Margate performance led the side to a 3-1 victory and through to the quarter-finals.

This time the side drew an away fixture against Sittingbourne FC. Having a colourful history with this team, the team travelled with apprehension, determined to show their ability. After heading in level at the break, Margate returned to the field dominant and a second half brace from Paige Godden settled the game and secured their place in the semi-final!

The Blues found themselves back at home for the semi-final, facing Parkwood. Prior to the fixture the two teams had only met once this season with Parkwood narrowly taking the victory against a depleted Margate side. Again, the Blues delivered a high intensity performance. Quick off the mark and uniformed in their press, Margate were able to force two own goals from the travelling side and doubled their total with goals from Esmee Kew-Stroud and Paige Godden.

Margate head into this final off the back of five consecutive wins, scoring 23 goals and conceding just twice. Their fine form has seen them climb to third in the League and they have their eyes firmly set on collecting the team’s first piece of silverware!

The final will take place at The Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone on the 21st of April with kick-off at 10:30am! You can be a part of this historic match, by clicking here to get your tickets!

STADIUM ADDRESS:

THE GALLAGHER STADIUM

JAMES WHATMAN WAY

MAIDSTONE

ME14 1LQ

UP THE ‘GATE

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