Strikers Amy Russ and Jade Keogh both hit hat-tricks as Kent made it two successive victories to remain top of the South Group in the Southern Counties Cup Competition, with a resounding 6-0 win over Jersey.

Keen to build on the superb display in beating Sussex 4-0 in their opening match back in December, it was positive start from the hosts as they played some delightful football in the early stages of the match and thought they’d taken the lead on 15 minutes, only for Amy Russ to be denied by the offside flag. This only proved to be a temporary reprieve, as five minutes later Jade Keogh and Amy Russ combined for captain Russ to open the scoring. Five minutes later and the lead was doubled as the roles were reversed with Russ playing in Keogh for a fine finish. The visitors looked dangerous on the break but Natasha Moloney and Beth Powell stood strong in defence not allowing anything past them. Jersey were struggling to contain Amy Russ and she fired a shot over on the half-hour and moments later Ellie Rivers saw her shot well saved by Jersey 'keeper Sara Luce. Luce proved a tough obstacle to beat as, before the half ended, she denied Jade Keogh, Amy Russ and Megan Burrows to ensure the half time score was kept to 2-0.

Kent had another fast start to the second half and goal number three arrived just five minutes into the half; Ellie Rivers crossing for Amy Russ to convert. The hosts were attacking from all angles and both full backs came close to getting on the scoresheet, firstly Steph Adby fired over and then Abi Hearn saw her effort go inches wide of the post. The impressive Ellie Rivers was the next to come close to scoring after a wonderful solo run saw her curl a wonderful effort that narrowly missed the far post. Beth Powell struck the bar as Kent continued their attacking dominance and they increased their lead on 66 minutes with a delightful team goal, Megan Burrows, Amy Russ and Jade Keogh all combined in a great move that resulted in Keogh getting her second of the night. Substitute Hollie Musmeci got in on the attacking action and fired a shot just over the bar before both Jade Keogh and Amy Russ completed their hat-tricks in the closing minutes with goals in the space of two minutes to seal a resounding 6-0 for Kent. 

A great team effort against a Jersey side that never gave up all night but who in the end couldn’t cope with Russ and Keogh.

Next representative football action is Wednesday 5 February when the Ladies travel to face the Royal Navy needing a point to secure a place in the Southern Counties Cup Final.

Kent Squad: Hope Smith (London City Lionesses FC), Steph Adby (Gillingham Ladies FC), Abi Hearn (Gillingham Ladies FC), Sophie Chapman (Gillingham Academy FC), Beth Powell (Gillingham Ladies FC), Natasha Moloney (Kent Football United Women FC), Megan Burrows (Kent Football United FC), Mille Penfold (Gillingham Academy FC), Amy Russ (c) (Kent Football United FC), Jade Keogh (Gillingham Ladies FC), Ellie Rivers (London City Lionesses FC), Hollie Musmeci (Sittingbourne Ladies FC), Lauren Parsons (Gillingham Ladies FC)