Bolden's Blog
Bolden’s Blog: Graduation, big wins and a new arrival
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on November 14, 2009
Since the last blog I have officially Graduated, started a new job, the Reserves have won 5-0 against Crockenhill, the firsts have won 6-0 in the cup, the munchkins won 8-0 away to Brighton, and Annelle has a new baby brother…
Our game against Crockenhill was a good one, with all of the reserves showing far more potential than the previous few weeks performances. The first team came to support us after their game was cancelled, and this certainly encouraged the reserves to step up the game.
The passing was clean and accurate, and the good communication was evident from the lack of mistakes. Gills pushed forward early and often, with the first fifteen leaving the Crockenhill keeper to face a barrage of shots.
The game took an interesting turn when one of the opposition was sent off for a clear stamp on Chloe Jaimeson after having already left Annelle Massey on the floor. Kylie Overton made the most of the teams distruption by setting the standard with a first half hatrick.
The second half saw Crockenhill make a few more attacks than the first half all cleaned up well by keeper Jess. If you ask any of the defence the reason for this, we will all have the same answer- the lone forward for Crockenhill. She made us laugh so much when she recieved the ball with her comments of “now what do I do”, “Ahhhh someone help me” and her constant fits of giggles, we were finding it difficult to concentrate when tackling her.
The Gills strikeforce didn’t help make her job any easier, through Chloe Jaimeson and Kirsty Goodall adding two more for the team. After the game the Gills agreed that all had put in a decent performance, and were pleased to have stepped back into their stride after the 1-1 wobble against Castle Colts. We now face Long Lane at home on Sunday, who we have already beaten this season.
The Gills Ladies Firsts did well this weekend in the cup, beating Oxford 6-0 in the cup, leaving them to face Enfield in the next round. We wish the girls good luck and hope to see some more exciting draws coming up in the next round!
The munchkins were in action this weekend after a nice and early 10am kick off at the Falmer site in Brighton. Playing on a 3G pitch, the Gills girls started as they meant to go on, while warming up in the area, when approached by the Brighton manager who attempted to take the ball from them, one of the angels left him face down on the floor with no ball in sight – nice.
Brighton we admittedly at a disadvantage as this was their first 7 aside game this season, but with credit to them they battled hard and never gave up. Matt and I have re-jigged the formation, moving our three at the back, one in the middle and two up-front, to leave just two at the back, three in the middle using more of our quick wingers, and one up front.
From the very start the girls looked organised and confident and displayed some brilliant passing. We were unluckly to score several goals early on, but soon started the goal avalanche which ended at 8, with our previous “centre back” scoring 4!
We left the game really pleased with the girls progress, and although the scoreline was rather favourable, we have to stay focused on the girls progression, and we felt every player left with something valuable to take from the game. A nice trip to the pier (and the arcades!?) in the sunshine made a nice end to a good day.
Half term saw me graduate which I found highly amusing dressing up in our robes and hats for our ceremony in the 02, with plenty of very cheesy photographs and a first time visit to the 02 for the Grandparents. The ceremony was long and boring as always, but was a great chance to catch up with all as we have all been apart for four months.
After graduating in a recession it seems many are doing well to keep busy, but jobs are certainly proving hard to come by. Despite studying Graphic Design, I have decided to go down the teaching route due to the better opportunities for the future. I started my new job at a Primary school working as a TA, with plans to move on to my teacher training as soon as possible. I have just completed my first week with year 5, and have thoroughly enjoyed it, although I am completely exhausted now! Afternoon naps are proving very popular!
I have already put in the motions for starting up their first girls football team, and am looking forward to getting that underway.
A great time to mention our congratulations to Annelle Massey who’s new brother was born last week, and although I don’t know his name, we hope he is well and Mum too.
So despite training being down to one a week at the moment with the weather, spirit in the camp is high and with both teams at home this weekend, we all look forward to another successful Sunday.