By David Hansen
Margate Women secured their first three points of the season with a commanding 3-1 win over newly promoted Betteshanger Welfare at Hartsdown Park.
Manager George Adams made five changes to the side that fell to Maidstone United last week, with starts for Anna Watson, Beth Miller, Emily Hall, Kelsey Knell and Natalie Ribas.
From the first whistle, Margate showed intent. Shannon King was central to the early pressure, threading a clever pass through to Hall, whose shot fizzed narrowly wide. Moments later, good link-up play between Michaela Beach and Hall again saw the latter drag an effort just off target.
The breakthrough came soon after. Beach showed brilliant footwork and composure, weaving past several defenders before slotting home confidently at the near post to give Margate a deserved lead.
While Margate dominated the early stages, Betteshanger slowly found their rhythm. They came close to equalising when a powerful strike hit the post before the rebound was sent wide. Goalkeeper Suzie Urban then made a crucial low save to deny the visitors, preserving Margate’s lead.
Just before the break, Margate doubled their advantage — and once again it was Beach on the scoresheet. She latched onto a pinpoint cross and made no mistake from close range to make it 2-0 at half-time.
The ‘Gate came out flying in the second half, eager to put the result beyond doubt. Beach turned provider with a pinpoint delivery that found Rebecca Niblett, whose effort unfortunately flew over the bar.
Margate continued to threaten. A slick interchange between Eloise Parnham and Hall led to another chance for Beach, whose low drive was well saved by the Betteshanger keeper. After a short stoppage for treatment to the visiting goalkeeper, Margate resumed their attacking play, with Hall swivelling smartly in the area and firing just wide.
Hall’s persistence was finally rewarded. After excellent work from substitute Anna Butova down the left, she delivered a low cross that Hall calmly slotted into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Betteshanger did pull one back late on, however, Margate remained in control and nearly added a fourth when Miller struck the crossbar from close range following another dangerous delivery from Butova.
The final whistle confirmed a well-earned 3-1 victory — Margate’s first of the season — and a performance full of energy, quality and promise as they look to build momentum in the league.
Margate Women Line-Up:
Starting XI:
Urban, King, A. Beach, Watson, Miller, M. Beach, Greetham, Niblett, Hall, Knell, Ribas.
Substitutes:
Farmery, Manning, Parnham, Butova.
