Ian Varley
Varley on Ebbsfleet win
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on April 28, 2010
Ian Varley was pleased to round off his sides home games for the season with an easy victory over local rivals Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night.
Not only did they out play Ebbsfleet but they were also presented with the South East Combination League trophy to cap off an impressive season.
He said: “They didn’t really offer anything to be honest and I thought we played really well tonight, I think it showed because the pressure was off.
“I am not sure that some of the players in recent weeks were aware of just how much pressure there was going to be and how tough it is. Tonight when there was no pressure we were relaxed and played some really good stuff.
“I thought that all the players came in did really well, the team that finished had six or seven of them who were 16. There were a lot of changes and it wasn’t our first team but again it could have been comfortably four or five. I am really pleased with two-nil and a clean sheet and we move on to Sunday.”
The amount of youngsters who played last night bodes well for the future of Gills Ladies and the emerging talent that they have.
Talking about the youngsters, Ian added: “It really benefits the club to have so many out there playing tonight. I thought they all did well, they all did the basics right and all worked hard, obviously they need to get used to the physical side a bit more.
“I am thrilled to bits with them, it does bode well for the future and hopefully over the years they can play regular first team football. Whether that be here with Gillingham or another team at this level they are all good enough to do that.
One player who is delivering the goods at just the right time for her manager is Danni Farmer and Ian was full of praise for his attacking midfielder.
He said: “She played really well again, especially for the first ten or fifteen minutes and she run Ebbsfleet ragged. We are playing her in a few different positions if anything she needs a little bit more space.
“Technically she is probably the best player that we have got and her touch and her passing is immense. I have to say Nat was unbelievable again tonight, those who saw her a few years ago I think she is getting back to that level again.
“Her touch and turn and strength, it is not going in for her at the minute but it will come and over the last few weeks her performances have been great.”
“Rachel and Jess have done really well tonight as well. Rachel has a good football brain and can play anywhere she has been patient and had to bide her time after coming back from a year out. She is doing well at the moment.
“Jess did well she has been getting rave reviews in the Reserves and rightly so, I was a little disappointed that she didn’t get a little bit more to do on the night. She swept everything up well and handled well when the ball did get to her. For a 16-year-old she is an excellent keeper and I know I can call on her if I need too.”
The Gills collected the League trophy after the game in front of a fairly big crowd and Ian thought it was the perfect occasion.
He added: “It was nice to win the game and collect the trophy afterwards. All credit to Martin who has done well with putting balloons out and getting a big crowd in.
“There was music playing and it just felt right tonight, and we gave a performance to match the occasion as well.
“This was the aim for the season to win the League and whatever else happened was a bonus, so hopefully on Sunday everyone will go nice and relaxed and play our football.”