Features, Ian Varley

Varley: Sunday is a completely new game

Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on November 27, 2010

Gills Ladies head into a local derby with Charlton on Sunday afternoon as they get back to League action after a month’s break.

Having not had a League game since this time last month, Ian is desperate to get back to playing week in week out.

Talking ahead of the game, Ian said: “It is a local derby this weekend and in a way it adds some extra spice to the game.

“The fact that the majority of the players from each team know each other as well always adds to the occasions.”

The two sides have met already twice this season with the Gills victorious on both occasions, but Ian doesn’t think it gives his side anymore of an edge.

He added: “Sunday is a completely new game and what’s gone on previously doesn’t have much bearing on the result.

“Yes we have beaten them twice already and to me that says how well we are doing as a team. Charlton are still known as a big Club in the women’s game but we are certainly up there with them now and we’ll hope to take the points on Sunday.

“Gone are the days when all the Kent based players signed for Charlton, they now want to come to us and that shows how far the Club has come.”

Having seen all of his attacking five score last weekend in the Kent Cup the manager is hoping that this form continues into tomorrow’s game.

“We have got to remember that they scored in a game against very poor opposition. Obviously it was great for those players to score and we need to start scoring more goals at this level on a regular basis” said Ian.

“On the other side of the coin we need to start keeping clean sheets so our forwards have the platform to go and win games. We are still very much learning as we go at this level but were not a million miles off.

“We just need a bit more consistency and if we stay in this League and don’t manage to get promoted I guarantee we will win it next season. Promotion is still the aim though as it is still mathematically possible.”

Charlton are a side who will come and give the Gills a good game judging by the first two games of the season and Ian is well aware of this.

He added: “Yes they are an extremely solid team and play some good attractive football so we’ll have to be at our best. As with most teams they have their weaknesses so we’ll be looking to exploit them on Sunday. If we can look after Gemma Bryan properly I am confident we will win the game.”