Match Report: Kent Women’s Plate Final

It was a classic cup final in the opening stages, with both teams showing their quality. However, the Stones’ superior fitness proved decisive as the game wore on.

Maidstone made the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes. A dangerous inswinging corner from Kylie Manktelow caused problems in the Cray box, and Kelsi Wilkinson rose highest to nod home from close range despite being the smallest player on the pitch.

The Stones continued to press, and just minutes later Manktelow was again at the heart of the action. A slick one two with Chi Madamombe sent her through on goal, only for a last ditch challenge to bring her down – The penalty appeals were waved away.

Moments later, Manktelow’s delivery caused chaos once again, with the ball eventually falling to Culpitt, who finished emphatically, only to see the goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Cray Wanderers grew into the game and threatened an equaliser midway through the half. Rivers was played through one-on-one, but goalkeeper Cara Davies produced an outstanding save to preserve Maidstone’s lead.

Davies was called into action again late in the half, watching a powerful strike from a Cray corner narrowly clear her crossbar as the Stones went into the break with a slender advantage.

The second half saw Maidstone take full control. Manktelow came close to doubling the lead with a stunning 30-yard effort that crashed off the post after an excellent save.

The pressure soon told. Just after the restart, Chi Madamombe’s clever footwork created space in the box, and although her shot was deflected, it fell kindly to Tilly Rowsell, who showed great composure to chip the goalkeeper from a tight angle and make it 2-0.

Maidstone continued to dominate, with Manktelow again central to the action, setting up Maddie Dale for a powerful strike that flashed just wide.

Cray struggled to contain the Stones’ attacking momentum, and the third goal arrived late on. After winning possession, Platt drove forward before feeding Dale, whose pinpoint cross found Aimee Ascott, who headed home from close range to put the result beyond doubt.

There was still time for more drama, as Hinkley forced another fine save before Culpitt struck the post from the rebound, but the outcome was already decided.

At the final whistle, jubilant scenes followed as Maidstone United Women celebrated a deserved 3–0 victory and their first piece of silverware of the season.

Come on you Stones!