London City Lionesses U21 v Darts Women: Match Report

DARTS WOMEN THROUGH TO KENT CUP FINAL AFTER PENALTY SHOOTOUT VICTORY!

GoCardless Kent Women’s Cup Quarter Final, played on Sunday 15th February 2026.

The women switched focus to cup action and headed to Cobdown Park to face London City Lionesses U21s in the semi-final of the Kent Women’s Cup.

The Darts began the game on the front foot, and created the first chance early in the first period. In the 4th minute, Lizzie Adams volleyed from the edge of the box, but the shot went high over the crossbar.

The visitors continued to create the best of the chances and went ahead just before the half hour mark. In the 28th minute, Darts captain Xayla-Rae Alberts did superbly well to intercept a loose pass from the London City keeper. A fine pass from the Darts midfielder found Darts forward Shauni Griffiths, who turned and fired the shot into the bottom corner.

Darts went close to doubling the lead 7 minutes before the break. In the 38th minute, pinball midway inside the City half saw the ball fall to Lizzie Adams. The shot from the Darts midfielder went just over the crossbar.

The visitors began the second period similarly to the first and went close to doubling the lead early in the second half. In the 47th minute, a good interchange between Georgie Davis and Mercedes Bromfield down the left saw a shot from Davis that went just over the crossbar. The home side began to grow into the game in the second half and went close 10 minutes after the restart. A free kick from distance was heading for the top corner, however, a super stop from Darts keeper, Jade Charlton, prevented the equaliser.

London City grew in confidence as the second half went on and got the equaliser 16 minutes from time. In the 74th minute, a well worked move down the Darts left created a greatchance and the home side capitalised with a fine finish into the bottom corner.

Both sides searched for the winner in the 13 minutes of stoppage time. Darts keeper, Jade Charlton, pulled off two stunning saves to keep the tie level and the game headed to penalties.

The penalty shootout was full of drama. The home side converted all of their first four penalties, whilst the Darts had converted three of their four spot kicks. The home side looked to be heading to the final, only to be denied by a super stop from the Darts keeper.

Shauni Griffiths stepped up and calmly slotted home from twelve yards to send the shootout to sudden death.

Both sides converted their first penalty of sudden death with confidence. The Darts keeper stood tall and saved London City’s second penalty in sudden death to set up a chance for the Darts to reach the Kent Cup final.

Darts defender, Georgie Davis, stepped up and calmly slotted home from twelve yards to send the Darts through to the Kent Cup Final.

FT London City Lionesses U21s 1-1 Dartford FC Women (5-6 Pens)

Darts Women through to the Kent Cup Final after a shootout victory against London City Lionesses U21s and will now face Chatham Town in the final.

A big thank you to all the fans who travelled for their support. We will see you all back at Princes Park next weekend! Up the Darts!

Connor Brennan

Photo Joe Kwok