Suffolk had won both their games but Kent’s victory at VCD Athletic last night lifted them above Essex into second place in the Fred Welham’s Cup table and a win against Hertfordshire will now see them finish top.
The hosts were soon ahead as Emily Symonds turned in Kallie Balfour’s looped cross at the back post.
Although Suffolk had an effort deflected over following a free-kick, Kent got the second as Charlotte Gurr got clear to find Balfour, whose shot was saved but deflected in by the unfortunate Aimee Harrison.
Katie Startup made a save at her near post from close range as Suffolk threatened again but it was 3-0 when a short goal-kick hit Amy Russ and her first-time volley beat the keeper.
Paige Shorten’s strike from 20 yards went in at the far post to reduce the arrears and the visitors nearly scored again but Startup tipped a free-kick onto the post and although it rebounded off her back, she stopped it crossing the line.
Four minutes after the restart and it was 4-1, a swift counter-attack seeing Jade Keogh sliding the ball through to Gurr to slot home.
Fliss Gibbons then bagged a ten-minute brace, the second of which came via a fine pass from April Bowers.
Russ hit the bar from 25 yards before Natasha Thomas was played through on goal to net Suffolk’s second goal.
Photo – kentfa.com
