Divisional cup semi final. Not many outside of Lydd Town gave us a chance.
But….. They didn’t bank on the heart, desire and sheer determination from the players to not let this chance go by.

First half, and Hollands & Blair with the wind behind them put Lydd Town Ladies under pressure.
Some good saves from Harris kept Lydd Town Ladies in the game.

As the half wore on, we grew into the game and started to create chances of our own.
A lovely interchange saw Williams shoot just wide.

Then into added time of the first half and a ball over the top was latched onto by a Hollands & Blair’s forward, they cooly slotted past Harris to give them the hosts the lead.

Second half, Lydd Town Ladies pressed for the equaliser and created numerous chances but just could not find the net.

Lydd Town Ladies were then awarded a penalty as Conceicao went into the box and was pulled back!!
Unfortunately the pen was missed.

We kept pushing which left the hosts open to the counter, but the defence held firm. That illusive goal just wouldn’t come.
Lydd Town Ladies were then awarded a corner in the 94th minute.
Everyone inside the box, the ball was swung in and a deft header from Williams levelled the game! We started to belive as you can imagine.

Extra time.
We were on the up and a good move down the right from Matthews & Bristow saw the ball reach Conceicao who saw the captain, finish into the bottom corner. 2-1

The lead didn’t last long as the hosts from the kick off equalised 2-2.

Second half of extra time saw chances for either side and this game wasn’t for the faint hearted!

Six minutes to go, Chambers was brought down just inside the box.

Penalty to us. Captain Conceicao stepped up and smashed it in. 3-2 Lydd Town Ladies.

It was now about concentrating and battling to stay in front. But as you can imagine, the drama wasn’t over.

A double save from Harris kept Hollands & Blair out and then with virtually the last kick of the game.
The host’s rattled the crossbar.

Lydd Town Ladies got the ball cleared and the final whistle sounded+ Queue wild celebrations.

As Manager, at Half time I asked them to dig deep and go through the pain to achieve the result they deserve.

By the end, I got what I asked for. The ladies did a brilliant job and some could hardly walk off the pitch they were so exhausted.

I am so happy for the whole squad.

All deserve a mention as this really was an effort from all sixteen players.
Harris, Ahmed, Bristow, Chambers, Conceicao, Eakers,
Gennery, Laing, Long, Marshall,
Matthews, Moore , Phillips, Reynolds, Stevenson, Williams.

Thank you for the fans for coming & John Bottom for the photo’s. We will now look forward to the final”

#upthelydders