Features, Ian Varley

Varley: I can’t fault the effort

Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on January 24, 2011

Despite seeing his side fall to defeat on Sunday against Keynsham Ladies manager Ian Varley was pleased with the performance.

The Ladies went ahead thanks to a Laura Jeffery strike early in the second half but conceded two goals shortly after that was more of a concern.

Talking after the game, he said: “I really can’t fault the effort and performance today. The girls did everything I asked of them and I can’t actually believe we lost the game especially after going 1-0 up. It is a disappointing result but one that we can take a lot of positives from.

“We controlled the match up until scoring our goal and then for some reason we just stopped which you can’t do at this level.

“We needed to carry on taking the game to them but we didn’t and in the end that and a couple of defensive mistakes cost us. Full credit to Keynsham though they did well to get back into the game and both goals were excellent finishes.”

It is something of a concern for the manager that the Gills have conceded so often after taking the lead in a game.

He added: “It is a concern yes! The first 10-15 minutes after you score it is crucial you don’t let the other team back in it and we conceded just six minutes after.

“That just seemed to kill our confidence and we never really got going again. However, having said that we still had a few chances towards the end and just couldn’t take them.

“Next week is a huge game for us and one we need to take three points from. If we perform like we did today I am sure that will happen but the result is the most important thing next week.”