DFDS Kent Women’s Cup Final: Aylesford 2 Dartford 3

Dartford came from behind to win an entertaining DFDS Kent Women’s Cup Final at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium on Thursday night.

Gallant Aylesford put up quite the fight after storming into a two-goal lead but Dartford’s extra quality came through as they put their foot on the throttle before half-time and then scored a second-half winner.

“We knew they were going to work hard and we tried to match that but they did catch us cold (at the start),” said joint Dartford boss Martin McCarthy.

“But these girls have got unbelievable character and they do us so proud.

“The game was a great spectacle for women’s football and there’s got to be big exposure on that. So many people want to play football, look at how many kids were at the game and want to play.

“It’s been 18 months in the making and people don’t understand the journey we’ve been on. The players have been unbelievable and we can’t praise them enough.

“It’s been a great night and a great season for us.”

Aylesford stunned the Darts by taking a third-minute lead, skipper Alex Witham collecting a cross from the left before producing a cool and composed finish from close range.

The advantage was doubled just 10 minutes later when Dartford keeper Jade Charlton cleared the ball straight to Aylesford striker Beth Hulme and the ball eventually fell for Rebecca Elsley to shoot low under the body of Charlton.

Aylesford had chance to add a third but Lucy Dante was unable to keep her effort down and then the impressive Hulme’s attempted chip was gathered by Charlton after her pace got her clear of the last defender.

Dartford switched formation in a bid to get back into the contest and they turned the tie around with two goals in three minutes on the stroke of half-time.

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