On a blustery and rainy afternoon, the loyal Folkestone supporters were treated to an 8 goal thriller! Final score Knole Park 4 – 4 Folkestone Optimists.

Knole Park started well putting Folkestone on the back foot with various attacks down both wings. However, they were finding it difficult to break down a solid Folkestone defence with some superb tackling from Poppy R and Coraleigh. When the home team managed a shot on target it was dealt with effectively by goalkeeper Ailla.

Folkestone’s double trouble duo of Erin and Isla Biddis began to get more of the ball. In Folkestone’s first attack of the match, Isla got the ball to Poppy H who managed to slot the ball into the corner from a tight angle.

Knole Park equalised to make it 1-1 but shortly afterwards Isla B popped up at the back post to slot the ball past the goalkeeper for 2-1 Folkestone. Knole Park then had a good spell of play managing to score 2 goals to take the lead to 3-2.

However, the Folkestone girls responded with some lovely hockey. Abi showed her speed and stamina as she was able to support the defence as well as get up the pitch to pose a real attacking threat. Poppy H eventually got the equaliser after a great pass from Erin.

As the match was coming to an end, Poppy H chased a long ball forward and just managed to tap it past the goalkeeper to claim her hat-trick.

However, despite more great defending from Poppy R, Coraleigh, Abi and Ailla, Knole Park managed to find an equaliser. In a final flourish the Folkestone girls almost grabbed a winner with some fine hockey. Abi passed to Isla B who then found Poppy on the right, who crossed it hard across the goal for Erin who struck it first time…just wide of the goal. Almost a contender for goal of the season! But the game ended in a 4-4 draw which was a fair result overall and the girls can be very proud of their performance.