Features
The Month that was … January
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on February 10, 2012
With February now upon us we take a look back at the games during January in the Month that was.
Traditionally January time when we see a lot of games postponed due to the weather and 2012 looks to be no different.
Both the firsts and reserves have managed just two games each in the month of January.
We will start by looking back at the games for the first team. They kicked off with a home tie in the FA Cup.
Colchester United Ladies who are top of the Southern Premiership were the visitors and were duly despatched 3-0.
It was the Gills best all-round performance of the season so far. With striker Natalie scoring twice, with a goal in each half to take her personal total to 15 for the season so far.
Danielle Carlton was also on target in the second half with a great strike to ensure the Ladies smooth progress into the next round.
Next up for the Gills was the Kent Cup semi-final at home to local rivals Ebbsfleet United Ladies as they looked to make their second cup final in three years.
It was a tight game and not one of the Gills best performances. The difference between the two sides was a Laura East strike in the second half.
It was a rare strike for East who was picked out with a great pass from Carlton and East fired home with just the keeper to beat.
With the home league game against Portsmouth postponed, it looks like the season will be extended again this season.
The Reserves
In the month of January the reserves completed their final two league matches of the season such has been the good weather up to now.
They took on and drew 2-2 against Charlton Reserves in their final home game at the Village Sports and Social Club.
They took the lead in the second minute when Alex Witham fired home with a fantastic strike, Charlton equalised through Stef Simmons.
In the second half Sam Rowland put the away side ahead before a very late goal scrambled home by Temi sealed a point for the Reserves.
In their final game of the league campaign they travelled to Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies knowing only a win would do.
They duly obliged with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Amy Taylor and Whitney Judd. Amy Taylor gave the Gills the lead firing into the back of the net with her first touch of the game.
Brighton then got back on level terms just after the hour mark when they slotted home under Jess Nunn. Whitney Judd then stepped up and headed home the winner following a Temi shot that crashed back off the cross bar.
The win gives them the chance to stay in the league they deserve to be in, but they now have to wait on other people’s results. The reserves are now looking forward to the Reserve Cup and doing well in that competition.
