Folkestone Optimists Ladies 4s edged a dramatic 3–2 win over Sevenoaks Ladies 7 on a sunny but bitingly cold March afternoon, a result that sealed promotion to Division 3 despite the performance feeling more gritty than glamorous.

Armed with bottles of bubbles and the confidence of a team already dreaming of next season, Folkestone burst out of the blocks with swagger. The opening goal came from a moment of pure composure: Poppy Rockall threaded a perfectly weighted ball from the top of the D, and Suzy Hill was exactly where she needed to be on the post to tap it home.

The second followed soon after. Imogen Ritchie during a short corner, calm at the top of the D, struck a clean, decisive shot that flew past the keeper. At 2–0, Folkestone looked in cruise control.

Sevenoaks refused to play the role of polite visitors. They grew into the game, capitalised on loose marking, and pulled one back from open play. Their confidence rose, and a second goal — a crisp strike from the top of the D — levelled the match and rattled Folkestone’s rhythm.

From there, the Sevenoaks keeper blocked, smothered, and parried everything thrown at her. Folkestone’s forwards peppered the goal but couldn’t break through.

With tension rising and time slipping away, Folkestone found the precision they’d been missing. Sarah Cheeseman fired a beautifully judged ball to the far post, and once again Suzy Hill was waiting, stick down, ready to guide it home. A classic poacher’s finish, and a huge sigh of relief from the sideline.

Player of the Match: Poppy Rockall — for her composure, speed, and the assist that set the tone early on.

Promotion secured
It wasn’t Folkestone’s finest performance — the team will be the first to admit that — but a win is a win, and this one carries extra weight. With three points in the bag, the Ladies 4s are officially promoted to Division 3 next season.

A cold day, a nervy match, but a brilliant result.