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.
Paris Smith latched onto a through ball to beat keeper Sade Rider to make it 2-1 and then defender Chana Hinds headed in a right-wing corner from close range during stoppage time.
The chances dried up for both sides in the second half but Dartford were the team in the ascendancy as they dominated possession and territory.
However, credit had to go to Aylesford’s stubborn defence, particularly Witham and Ami Burnham who kept any sights of goal to a minimum.
Dartford’s Jo Woodgates went close with a long-range free-kick but the winner duly arrived with 12 minutes left. Gabby Howell was a constant threat down the right but she took a free-kick from the left and managed to catch the keeper out at the near post to put her side ahead.
Dartford, led by player-of-the-match and captain Emily Vaughan, were good value for the win as they added another piece of silverware having already won the League Cup this season.
Aylesford: Sade Rider, Juliette Blyghton, Alex Witham, Ami Burnham, Becky Burnham, Atlanta McLean, Lucy Dante, Beth Hulme, Milly Penfold, Imogen Armstrong, Rebecca Elsley, Katy Skelton, Ruby Wignall, Milly Driscoll, Kara Richardson, Elsa Ejupi.
Dartford: Jade Charlton, Jo Woodgates, Chana Hinds, Charlie Torry, Hannah Cleary, Molly Hawkins, Lizzi Adams, Shauni Griffiths, Emily Vaughan, Meghan McKeag, Gabby Howell, Xayla Alberts, Georgie Davis, Beth Powell, Emily Woodhouse, Paris Smith.
Referee: Imogen Sweeney.