Sunday 27th April 2008 at the New Eyrie, Bedford Town FC

Match Report:  Lewes Ladies 2 - 4 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(South East Combination - League Cup Final)

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies came from behind to triumph in the South East Combination League Cup Final. Lewes went two up in the opening 26 minutes thanks to a brace from Kerry Tagg, but Vicky Gallagher pulled one back for Diamonds before the half time break. Jade Linnell's powerful shot through a crowded area put Rushden level midway through the second half. As the game entered the final minute, it looked as if the game would go into extra time, but Gallagher struck again, before Aileen Whelan added another in stoppage time.

Lewes had reached the final with wins over Gillingham, Whitehawk and League Champions Ipswich Town, while Diamonds had beaten Bedford Town Bells, AFC Wimbledon and Enfield Town. The League games between the two sides had produced 14 goals (Lewes winning 4-3 at Wellingborough, and Diamonds winning 5-2 at Lewes) with both sides playing some entertaining football.

There were two changes from the side which had lost in the County Cup Final two weeks ago, with Caroline Moran replacing the unavailable Anna McLeod, and Vicky Gallagher in place of Ashley Palmer who dropped to the bench.

It took just 4 minutes after Lewes had kicked off for the opening goal as Diamonds were guilty of a defensive lapse. They failed to deal with a long ball forward to Kerry Tagg who controlled the ball well. With keeper Charlene Ward having come out of goal, the striker shot low under Ward to give Lewes the lead.

The goal seemed to stun Rushden as they struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities. Kirstie Spice created space and another chance for Lewes, shooting just wide of the goal. It wasn't until quarter of an hour had elapsed before Diamonds Aileen Whelan went close from Charly Wright's cross.

Lewes went two up on 26 minutes and again, it was the failure to deal with a through ball which resulted in the goal. Kerry Tagg was given space on the left and fired a shot from the edge of the area which went over Ward and into the net.

Just three minutes later though, Diamonds got forward down the right and Vicky Gallagher won possession on the edge of the area. Her strong run across the edge of the box saw her clip the ball back past Lewes keeper Trish Gower and just inside the post. The goal was the boost Diamonds needed as Cooper went close with a header, Mikaela Welford went close from Wright's cross and Wright sent a shot straight at the keeper. In the closing moments, Gallagher and Moran both had efforts blocked.

Half time: Lewes Ladies 2 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Diamonds came out in fighting mood after Tony Blake's half time team talk and immediately pressed for an equaliser. Despite dominating possession however, they were unable to break down the solid Lewes defence and after a quick break out from the back, Clare Trafford had a great chance to increase the lead, striking the post, then blasting the rebound over the bar.

On 60 minutes with Diamonds still pushing forward, Amy O'Brien split the Lewes defence with a ball to Wright at the far post, but her shot again went straight at the keeper. Both teams made changes in the next few minutes, with Michelle Mangan replacing Lauren Harding for Lewes and Rosie Thurston replacing Wright to shore up the Diamonds defence.

Diamonds got the all important equaliser on 67 minutes after some great work by Gallagher on the left. As the ball was played in, it came back to Jade Linnell on the edge of the area and she volleyed through the crowded area leaving the keeper with no chance.

Ria Rottner came on for Kerry Tagg with twenty minutes remaining and fired in a long range shot which was comfortable for Ward. Spice also tried from long range, while a strong run from Trafford ended in a lob which just cleared the bar. But Diamonds kept pressing forward as the game entered the final minute, and it was Vicky Gallagher who got the vital goal. After receiving a pass from Thurston, she took the ball inside and shot past Gower, the ball going in off the underside of the bar.

As Diamonds celebrated, the 4th official indicated 4 minutes of stoppage time. They did well to keep possession, taking the ball into the corner with Lewes forced to concede the corner. With everyone expecting them just to hold the ball by the corner flag, Aileen Whelen burst through with pace and raced inside firing a fierce shot past the keeper from a narrow angle to secure the Trophy.   

Full time: Lewes Ladies 2 - 4 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

After the disappointment of losing to Northampton Town in the County Cup Final two weeks ago, Diamonds Ladies ended the season on a high. It was a fitting tribute to Assistant Manager and Coach Tony Blake, who had announced his retirement following this game after nine years at the club. After going two goals down, the determination to get the right result saw Diamonds produce an excellent second half display that Lewes were unable to match. At the end of the game, captain Kirsty Cooper and player manager Vicky Gallagher lifted the League Cup, while tributes were paid to Tony for his dedication to the club over the past nine years.

Teams:

Lewes Ladies: Trish Gower, Zoe Jackson, Lesley Smith, Helen Whitton, Kelly Newton(c), Katie McMillan (Chelsea Lee 90+4), Kiera Chapman, Clare Trafford, Lauren Harding (Michelle Mangan 61), Kirstie Spice, Kerry Tagg (Ria Rottner 68).

Subs not used: Michelle Sarson, Katie France.

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien, Fay Howell, Kirsty Cooper(c), Leanna Doyle, Caroline Moran (Stephanie Thompson 90+4), Jade Linnell, Charly Wright (Rosie Thurston 64), Vicky Gallagher (Ashley Palmer 90+4), Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Welford.

Subs not used: Bethan Lelliott, Naomi Dauncey.

Goals: Kerry Tagg 4 (1-0), Kerry Tagg 26 (2-0), Vicky Gallagher 29 (2-1), Jade Linnell 67 (2-2), Vicky Gallagher 90 (2-3), Aileen Whelan 90+2 (2-4).

Referee: Mr A.Meadlock.

Attendance: 106.

By Dave Mason