Kent FA Women's Cup final: Gillingham Women 3 Dartford Women 0

Gillingham ended a memorable season by lifting the Kent Women’s Cup at the Gallagher Stadium.

They beat holders Dartford 3-0 in front of an excellent crowd of 528 on Thursday night.

Two goals in four first-half minutes, from Phoebe Leitch and player-of-the-match Mel Espinosa, gave Gillingham a half-time advantage.

Dartford rallied in the second half before substitute Maddie Farrand added a late third just two minutes after her introduction.

“We lost in the semi-finals to Dartford a few years ago, so it’s nice to right that wrong a little bit,” said Gills boss Josh Oatham, after being covered in champagne by his players during the post-match celebrations.

“I’m proud of the whole team. It’s been a brilliant season and a brilliant way to cap it off.

“It was a good game of football, with fantastic support for both sides, which made for a really good atmosphere.

“It’s a game everyone will remember and it’s good Kent can provide this.

“We’re proud of representing Kent and this was a really good day.

“We’ve had an unbelievable season, it’s been a record-breaking points total in Tier 3, and then to celebrate with a trophy is exactly how it should be done.

“We had to grind it out at times, cup finals aren’t always pretty, but the players got over the line. I’m so pleased.”

Gillingham showed their National League class in a dominant first half against a battling Darts side who worked hard to stay in the tie.

Wingers Kara Fordjoor and player-of-the-match Espinosa were chief tormentors, constantly running at the Dartford defence.

While they caught the eye with their pace and trickery, Beau Parker ran the show in midfield, picking up the ball and dictating play in a classy performance throughout.

Megan Maslak, an assured player