Feature Interviews
Kay: The last few games have been strange
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on April 6, 2010
Les Kay had one of the strangest afternoons in a Gills shirt that she has ever had, as she was a virtual spectator in the second half.
Yet she saw her side come away from the time with the Cobblers with only one point instead of the three that their second half performance deserved.
Talking about the Gills Ladies first draw of the season, she said: “It was very strange drawing, the last few games have been strange, we can’t seem to get out of second gear, not sure what it is.
“This may give us the kick up the backside we need, we played some really decent football, but just couldn’t seem to finish it off, Northampton were really up for it and just wanted it a bit more I think, and defended for their lives.
“The second half was pretty quiet for the defence, as the ball didn’t seem to come into our half, we just attacked for the whole half, and put them under so much pressure, but nothing ended up in the back of the net, Northampton did everything they could to keep the ball out of the net.”
Les was full of praise for goalkeeper Katie Duffy despite the two unfortunate own goals that she conceded on the day.
She added: “Yeah Kate has been great this season, and was very unlucky with the goals, the wind just seemed to take the ball into the net, and then the second one she didn’t know anything about it, was smacked against her and then went in, but she doesn’t need to worry, these things happen some times, and she has saved us on plenty of occasions anyway.”
Les started the season playing in the centre of midfield but is now playing at left back and she freely admits she loves it.
“I think this happened because I am now too old, so was pushed back to left back, surprisingly I am really enjoying it, didn’t think I would but its good, to be honest I don’t mind where I play just as long as I’m playing and doing my job. I played centre half last season and really enjoyed that, but I got kicked out of that position as well.
“I think reading the game is one of my better assets, I also like to try and play the ball around from the back.
“I’d like to think I’m not a player that panics and just hoofs the ball away, I see myself as a playmaker, and I guess this has come from my time in midfield, I sometimes try to pull my skills out now and again to the annoyance of Ian!”
On Thursday evening the Gills take on Millwall in the Kent Cup final and like all the other players Les is really looking forward to the occasion.
She said “I can’t wait for Thursday, it’s going to be a great night for all the girls, everyone has really put it in this season, and we really deserve to be there, and I know that everyone is really up for it and going to put in a top performance.
“I’m really looking forward to Thursday, I love a night game under the flood lights, I think we have a really good chance this year which makes it even better.
“We just need to step up which I know we will and play the best football we can, hopefully this will be the start of our treble run. Come on the Gills!”