Fourteen Wins On The Bounce For Girls’ Academy!

Dartford Girls’ Academy delivered another dominant performance, securing an emphatic 8–1 away victory over Ipswich Town Foundation this week.

It was a day of firsts for the girls this season, playing on grass, operating in a new system, and with several players adapting to new roles. The response? Composed, ruthless, and relentless.

From the opening whistle, Ipswich launched the ball long from kick-off, but Dartford’s defence dealt with it comfortably, regaining possession immediately. Within the first minute, a deep cross skimmed just wide, an early warning sign of what was to come.

Dartford quickly established control, pinning Ipswich deep inside their own half. A perfectly-weighted ball over the top allowed the in-form Taffs to chase through and calmly slot home, taking her tally to 19 goals in 14 games this season.

Straight from the restart, Dartford regained possession with intensity. Quick play down the right allowed Edgar to release her first shot of the game, looping brilliantly over the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Edgar was again involved, delivering a superb set-piece that found Hepworth-Johnson, who guided a composed volley into the net.

Within 20 minutes, Dartford were in ‘dreamland.’ Ajose added her 16th goal of the season, underlining the attacking threat the side now carries across the front-line. Despite the goal-fest, the girls maintained discipline and composure.

An improvised set-piece then saw Edgar combine with Kelly, who beat her defender and fired an outstanding strike into the far corner from 20 yards out. At 5–0 going into half-time, it showed exactly why Dartford are flying at the top of the league.

The half-time message was clear: press aggressively and keep Ipswich pinned in their own half.

The second half began with similar intensity, although the breakthrough took longer to arrive. On 67 minutes, Edgar grabbed her second of the game with a clinical finish across goal, reigniting the tempo.

Wave after wave of Dartford attacks led to a penalty after sharp movement in the box. Hall-Price, who had been a Rolls Royce in midfield all afternoon, stepped up and converted with composure.

A brief lapse in concentration saw Dartford concede a soft goal, a reminder of the standards expected within the group. The response was immediate. Another well-worked move earned Dartford a corner. Edgar delivered, and captain Ford rose to finish, rounding off a commanding 8–1 victory.

Manager George Kingdon said: “To win 8–1 away from home, in a new system, with players adapting to new roles, and on a pitch that wasn’t forgiving at all, was a really strong performance from the girls.

“The focus never changes. We concentrate on the game in front of us and don’t look too far ahead. Other results in the league mean we now have an opportunity to potentially win it in two games’ time, away to second place. I’m really pleased to see the players pushing on with no signs of slowing down.”

Table can be seen here