Match Report: Dartford FC 3-1 Dorking Wanderers FC
London and South East Regional League Cup, played on Sunday 2nd March 2025.
Team: Jade Charlton, Georgie Davis, Chana Hinds, Abbey Davies, Lizzie Adams, Shauni Griffiths, Amy Russ, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Gabby Howell, Beth Powell, Ellie Dolby.
Subs: Brionne Fowle, Poppy Payne, Emily Vaughan, Sarah Hill, Emily Woodhouse.
Following last weekend’s stalemate, Darts were back on home soil in cup action. We welcomed Dorking Wanderers to Princes Park for the semi final of the League Cup.
The home side began the game on the front foot and went ahead early on. In the 5th minute, Georgie Davis with a looping through ball put Lizzie Adams through on goal.The Darts midfielder’s shot from the edge of the box nestled in the far corner to put the Darts ahead.
Darts continued to have the better of the early exchanges and went close to doubling the lead midway inside the half. In the 19th minute, a well worked corner from the home side found Beth Powell in space 25 yards from goal. The Darts midfielder sent an effort goal bound, forcing a good save from Dorking keeper, Tea Oldroyd.
The visitors grew into the game as the first half went on and were level in the 27th minute. Dorking forward, Sandy Martins worked an opportunity for herself inside the Darts box and poked the ball home from a tight angle to equalise for Dorking.
Darts went close to getting ahead again 7 minutes before the break. In the 38th minute, Amy Russ found Lizzie Adams free inside the Dorking box. The Darts midfielder saw her effort on goal come back off the post and we were level at the midway point.
The home side began the second half, similarly to the first, and went close four minutes after the restart. Amy Russ put Xayla-Rae Alberts through on goal. The Darts midfielder shot towards goal, only for it to come back off the post.
Darts continued to create chances and went ahead midway through the second half. In the 63rd minute, a great move from the home side found Xayla-Rae Alberts free on the left. The Darts midfielder rifled a shot beyond the Dorking keeper and into the roof of the net to put us back ahead.
Darts sealed their place in the final 11 minutes from time. A corner from Abbey Davies found Brionne Fowle in the 6 yard box. The Darts midfielder rose above everybody in the box to head home to secure our place in the League Cup Final!
FT Dartford FC 3-1 Dorking Wanderers FC
A good performance from the Darts against Dorking sees us through to the League Cup Final, where we will take on Fulham FC Women. A big thank you to all the fans for coming out to support us! We will see you all down at Saltdean next Sunday!