The Reserves signed off their league campaign in style on Sunday by beating Brighton Reserves 2-1.

Midfielder Whitney Judd was on target in the game scoring the winner, and she was delighted with the way the team played.

Speaking after the game, she said: “It was a really good way to sign off the league season. The girls worked extremely hard and stuck at their jobs! We got the result that we came for and we did it brilliantly.

“There was loads of pressure on us to win the game to keep our hopes of staying in that league alive.

“The girls turned up to the game as they usually do, full of banter and ready to try and get another three points. As soon as we stepped on to the pitch we had to forget about everything and just concentrate on the game.”

Heading into the Reserve cup competition Whit is joint top scorer in the reserve team.

She added: “It was good to just get a goal to be honest, but scoring the winning goal just made it even better!

“Amy Taylor’s goal was also great today, she had literally just come on and her first touch was to volley the ball into the back of the net.

“I am proud of being top joint goal scorer. Going from never scoring in the past few seasons to being joint top goal scorers for the ressies is quality.

The Reserve cup kicks in during the next few weeks and the reserves will be going all out to make the knock-out stages.

The 22-year-old said: “Yeah I am very confident. We can beat anyone on our day and I’m sure we will beat Charlton and Millwall. We want to get some silver wear this season, so this is a great opportunity to get some and show everyone that we have had quite a successful season!

Looking back at the season Whit believes it has been the hardest yet, but hailed manager Becky Lyon for having such a positive impact at a time when they were struggling.

She added: “This season has been very tough. For our first season in this league we have done quite well I think. We were finding it really hard until Bex took over and then we started picking up results and getting points.

“Bex has been amazing for us, she has got every bodies confidence back up, got the team spirit going really strong again.

“If we had her from day one, we would have definitely not been in the situation that we are in now. I am just hoping that Arsenal smash Watford so the players and Bex get another crack at this league. We deserve to without a doubt.

“The way the girls played today was fantastic and all of them have had a brilliant season. Bex has had a quality first season in her managerial role and Daisy has been a little diamond as well. I am so proud to be a part of the ressies this season. They are a quality bunch of girls and I love them all… Gilllllssssssss!”

Bryony Smith is one of the players to make the step-up from the Gillingham FC Centre of Excellence last summer to the Ladies squad.

The midfielder has taken to the women’s game like a duck to water putting in some impressive performance for someone who has only recently turned 17.

Speaking about the differences between the C of E and the Ladies team, she said: “It is extremely different playing for Gillingham ladies compared to the C of E.

“The competitive nature of the games has changed dramatically as there is something to play for, points. So I had to up my game to hold my own as the women who play for the ladies have a lot more strength.

“Obviously being only young I have a lot to learn, and fortunately some of the more experienced ladies have been giving advice and encouraging me, making me feel like part of the team.

“The step for me has not been that bad, obviously it is a lot different from the C of E and I have had to adapt, and I think that I have done it ok. Learning and gaining experience with every game, I learn more each week.

“I played for the C of E for six years and enjoyed all of it. It was a definite success and I would look back on the time I spent there with pride. My highlight at the C of E was getting player of the season for the whole of the south east at under 14s.”

Since linking up with the Ladies Bryony has played entirely with the first team and it is something she didn’t foresee when she signed up.

She added: “I did not expect that I would make the first team at Gills ladies in the first season being only 16. When I joined I thought it might be a working progress being a keen believer of hard work and determination, and it looks like that all my hard work has paid off so far.”

The 17-year-old has played in a variety of positions and so far sees it as a very successful season for the Ladies.

She said: “I definitely prefer playing in midfield and feel that it is a natural position for me, but I have played in every position at least once, even in goal! What a disaster.

“I think that the season has been very successful, I have thoroughly enjoyed the season and hope that we end the season on a high. Against Anchorians it was a comfortable and easy win yet a little challenging as I had never played a whole game in defence before.

“For the rest of the season I hope that the team maintains the position in the table and if we can progress higher by winning the rest of our games.

“Ian, Crouchy, Matt and the girls have really made me feel part of the team, and I have learned a lot from them over the last six months as the season has progressed. The girls are really supportive and I have really enjoyed being part of the team.”

We caught up with Ladies vice Captain Natalie Crinean to get her thoughts on the recent draw away at West Ham.

Not only did we catch up with her about that game but also about scoring goals and the upcoming game against Anchorians at the weekend.

Although, we missed Farms on Sunday massively with her inspiring words and passionate approach. I feel I rose to the challenge, the games events were a test in themselves as it was on the feisty side. I did my best to ensure all of the girls remained focused on the game and did not get involved in the sideline antics.

I had made a pact to myself before the game that I ‘would lead by example’, as I have not got the cleanest record this season. I did just that and I feel it had a positive impact on my personal professionalism and the team’s performance. Our manager Ian Varley was happy with the day and congratulated me on my first game as skipper for the ladies.

As far as being a leader goes Farms has it all, she has great banter, YEARS of experience, great overall knowledge of the game, she’s approachable and friendly and a huge part of the squad. I feel I did a good job, and I enjoyed every second of it, my love for the club had a huge part to play in that I think, along with the fact I was buzzing to be returning from injury.

I think I can be a good leader, however to take on the role permanently is a massive responsibility. I am quite happy for the moment watching and learning from Danni Farmer and maybe I will be a more worthy leader in a few seasons time.

Do you know what this season the team motivation and spirit all happens it’s self. Everyone is on such a high it is brilliant. The icing on the cake is the captain’s words of wisdom building up to the game. I think with the squad we currently have and the team spirit we possess the most important thing the captain can do is ‘Lead by Example’ for example… Being at training, being on time to training, organising team events, having a professional approach at all times. Farms Demonstrates all of this always.a

West Ham are a solid and professional outfit and there is no taking that away from them. They have been pushing for promotion for two consecutive seasons now and have done well both campaigns. However every time we play against them we prove we are more than capable of beating them. It’s a great test when we play the Hammers, because it is obvious how much it means to both teams to get a result. With great respect to West Ham I feel they have been lucky to take any points off us this season, as in both games we have been the better side.

As we didn’t get off to a great start to the season we have been focusing on our head to heads, ensuring that we cancel out any points taken from us earlier on in the season. As it stands the only teams to take points off us so far are Colchester and Plymouth and I believe we were pretty unfortunate to not make amends in these head to heads.

I think on paper the results we have had against the Hammers this season look impressive, and before playing the games I would have settled for them. Having played the games and dominating the way we did it would have been more satisfying to have taken more from the games.

I’m happy with my form this half of the season; our new coach James has had a big impact on my performances. He’s bought a freshness that was needed, and has shaken things up. I think he will want some of the credit for my recent form I’m feeling confident in my ability at the moment; I am focusing on being consistent in my performances and making the opportunities on goal count.

I know it’s a cliché’ in football, but you really must treat every game the same. Regardless of your opposition it must be approached in the same professional manner as any other game. I find that if things are done differently in the build up to any game and our match day routine is not followed religiously it throws me completely.

I think I’m speaking on behalf of most sports people there. The way I look at it is, there is always something to take from EVERY game. No matter who you’re playing, it can be used to gain something either personally or as a squad. For example being an underdog in a game a test of character and team spirit.

Playing a team from lower levels can be used for personal fitness or confidence, maybe even experimenting with a new system. The options are endless. We will go in to the game against Anchorians with everything to play for and lots to gain.

Gills are determined to win the Kent cup, and are determined to keep it. It’s a great title to have and speaks volumes. We believe we are the biggest and best club in the County. It’s about time we get a bit of consistency. With the new addition to the coaching staff I have no doubt this is more than achievable.

Last season Danielle Carlton swept the board at the Player of the Year awards following some outstanding performances.

This season Danielle is in the same form and has been instrumental in the Ladies form and current League position.

She was part of the Gills team that picked up a point on Sunday afternoon against West Ham.

Talking about the game, Danielle said: “West Ham are a good team without a doubt, and the result was very good for us and with our team spirit at the moment.

“The way we have been playing we should defiantly be happy with the point but we were gutted not to be bagging 3 points! Yes we did come from behind but a goal is a goal and it was well worked and taken.”

There has been a marked improvement this season for the Ladies and DC puts that down to last season’s experience.

He added: “Last season we were new to the League, a lot of new players came in including myself, so we had to adapt to higher expectations that was asked of the girls the season before.

“Even though last season some of the points didn’t go our way, every game was a new game and it was hard to go into knowing what position we were playing, a goal went in last season and all our heads would drop because we were so used to it.

“Our team has the best players but it just didn’t come together last season but it’s just so much different in every way this year. This season we have shown how good we are and when we go a goal down or a goal up we work hard to get one back or go and get another!

“We all believe in one another and we all know how good we really are, it shows how much better we are by looking at the points we have and where we are in the league from last season. NO PLAY OFF GAME THIS SEASON GIRLS as we play like Barca now

“It is a great step for us of course and in the right way to, as last season they took all six points from us, West Ham are just like any other team in our League no better than us otherwise they would have done the same as last season.

“We have grown so much as a team now; we don’t make the silly mistakes for teams to beat us like last season.”

DC netted her first goal of the season against Brighton, and she was delighted to get off the mark.

The left back said: “I did, and yes it was great to get on the score sheet and it come just at the right time too.

“Brighton were top of the League and we knew we had to win, we were buzzing in the game, and before and after too. I am glad my goal counted as we ended up winning that game 2-1 which was a great result for us.

“Of course I enjoy setting my team mates up, it’s all part of being a team and when your involved in a build up to a goal it’s such a good feeling to know that you provided the pass or the ball to contribute to the end product.

“Scoring is obviously a little more special and hopefully I can get a couple more before the end of the season, it’s always good to score a goal and especially when we work so hard within games.”

The Ladies take on Anchorians in the Kent Cup this Sunday and DC believes it is a completion the Club should look to go as far as possible in.

She added: “We would love to go far in the competition and hopefully all the way to the final with a good chance of winning it!

“As a team though, we always just look at things game by game and Sunday is our focus and we need to make sure we get a good result, good play and hopefully some good goals to push us even further to our goal.”

The League season is drawing to a close and in summing it up DC believes it has gone better for a number of reasons.

DC said: “We only have two League games left I think, it has gone so quick. I feel like this season has been better than last for so many reasons. Our team spirit is massive, we are buzzing and looking like a team every game and every training session, we are scoring goals and we are WINNING!

“Last season we didn’t have much luck at tall and we knew that if we didn’t play well it would happen again this season. The girls have been a great group this season and I hope we all stick together and grow more as a team and hopefully we can be looking for bigger things next season.”

Enya Lynch is part of a Reserve team that has thrived in recent weeks under the guidance of Becky Lyon.

She has formed a solid partnership alongside Lou Jackson at the heart of the Reserves defence which is part of the reason that they kept a clean sheet on Sunday against Watford Reserves.

Talking about how tough the game was on Sunday afternoon, Enya said: “Yes it was a battle throughout the whole game as we were put under a lot of pressure and seemed to have a lot of chasing to do.

“However, at times when we managed to settle down things became a lot easier and we proved what we are capable of doing. Overall I feel that the team did well to battle hard until the final whistle.

“A point is a point; therefore I am quite comfortable with a draw. As you say our job as the defence is to keep a clean sheet, and that’s what we did. After being put under a lot of pressure the defence did extremely well to keep a clean sheet, especially with Jess pulling off some great saves.”

It is another clean sheet for the young central defensive partnership of Enya and Lou Jackson as they look to build on a good understanding

Enya added: “I feel that Lou and I have formed a great partnership this season as we communicate very well with one another, and both understand how each other play. Therefore this has helped us to deal with the pressure that we receive from the opposition.

“I feel very comfortable playing with such a solid back five with Lou, Alex, Kimi and Jess. We all communicate very well with one another and work well as a unit. Knowing that I have solid players around me gives me a confidence boost as I know that I am able to rely on any one of them.”

Enya was also full of praise for her manager Becky Lyon who is in her rookie season as a manager with Reserves.

She said: “Bex has done a great job stepping up as Reserve team manager. After all the ups and downs we had, we seemed to have lost our team spirit and motivation.

“However, Bex stepped in and changed it around completely. She brought back the team spirit and boosted everyone’s confidence. Her positive influence has definitely rubbed off on the team.”

It has been a tough season for the Reserves so far but one they have learnt from and developed with every single game that they have played in, something Enya thinks they have coped with.

She added: “We have had to come up against some very strong teams within this league, therefore every single week we have had to be on top form throughout every game.

“With it being our first season in this league I feel that we have dealt extremely well with everything we have had to come up against. As a team we have put on some great performances, proving to people that we are capable of staying in this league.

“I am sure that the whole team will go into next week’s game with a very positive attitude, and every single player will be up for it as we know how important it is for us to pick up the points. I know that every member in the team wants it, so therefore we will go into the game with confidence. As a team we have all worked very hard this season so we want to make sure we get what we deserve.”

Deanna Cooper is one of Gills Ladies rising stars and her consistent performances certainly reflect this.

The 18-year-old is currently playing at centre half for the Ladies, proving she is versatile enough to play in any position.

Last weekend she was part of the team that overcame a tough Keynsham side.

Talking about the game, she said: “We were all very pleased with the three points Sunday; the momentum we have at the moment is good, I think it’s something like three defeats in the last 14 games, which for us is a great achievement.

“Especially when you look at last season, it’s the points we were looking for this season as it means we don’t have to look over our shoulder all the time, and now because of the way we have worked over the first half of the season we can concentrate on the football and enjoying it without the pressure of having to get points.

“It wasn’t an easy game but I definitely think the experience of being in the League last year has really helped us this season, it has happened a few times this season when we have ground out performances for the draw or to even keep hold of the lead.

“Last season we would have lost a lot of these games that we have drawn or won this season, but I think this is down to both the character and experience of the players in the squad.”

In their last two home games the Ladies have scored early and tailed off a little and Dea thinks early goals don’t always help a team.

She added: “Sometimes it can make you too relaxed if you score early doors as you know you have the lead and so don’t feel as if you have to work as hard, this isn’t the mentality we should have but it has happened in both home games, and we have managed to pull in back in the second half. This again shows the fight and character we have in the squad to want to get the result.”

Last season Dea was playing in centre midfield and this season she was handed a new challenge by the manager, and asked to play at centre half.

Speaking about playing in a new position, Dea said: “Playing centre half this season is a huge change for me as I hadn’t played there before the season had started, the last two seasons at Gills I have played centre midfield and I knew what I was doing as I had played there for so long. All I used to do was run, sometimes just to feel like I was helping the team, working hard as a midfielder is important but sometimes I used to get carried away and just run and chase everything.

“Playing centre half has reigned me in a bit as I have to be more focused on positioning and concentrate a lot more, as although I don’t feel like I’m doing as much, playing as the sweeper you can’t afford to be making mistakes, and so the job is just as important as if I was I’m midfield. Although sometimes I do get a bit bored playing there as I’m used to doing so much, so I go on some runs. But I always get a shout to get back and that I’ve had my excitement for the game.

“It definitely helps playing alongside experienced players as they can talk you through the game, sometimes I forget that I am still one of the youngest in the squad, but I use them a lot. When playing alongside Sarah she always talks to me and I think we play really well together, so I hope she recovers quickly!

There is definitely a lot to learn from the more experienced players in the squad as they all have different advice to offer as they have been there before. When playing I have a lot of confidence in the defence as we all have our jobs, mines pretty simple as a sweeper but when you have all three of the defence talking to each other well it makes it even easier.”

With the Ladies now all but mathematically assured of another season in the Southern Premiership, Dea thinks it is good to be looking up rather than down.

“We are more of a unit this season and the fact that we are grinding out results shows this, there’s always a lot of banter at training and on match days but we know when it’s time to knuckle down, this is down to the way we are around each other. The team spirit is brilliant around the squad and it definitely has helped us out this season so far.”

Finally, Dea was recently awarded a bursary for cricket underlining her status as a top sportswoman. We caught up with her for her thoughts on the reward.

She said: “I don’t see myself as that but it is great to be able to play both sports, it’s always been hard to juggle both but I have both managers talking to each other and both are very understanding.

“It becomes very hectic at times when you’re driving from two hours of fitness with cricket straight to football training on a Thursday and then training for cricket from 8:30-11:15 on a Sunday morning before shooting off to football for KO at 2.

“The England women’s academy camps are for the entire weekend but luckily so far I haven’t had to miss many important games, but having two managers that both know the situation it becomes a lot easier for me.”

Ian Varley takes his side into the first of two home games this weekend when Keynsham travel to Kent.

The Ladies sit in 5th with their opponents for the weekend eight point further back in 8th place however Ian knows that they will be a difficult team to play.

Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “They will be a tough team; I know they haven’t been picking up results but they are always a strong team.

“Since the last game they may have got some new players in, I know of one that they might be trying to get in so that will make a difference to them.

“We have to ultimately treat it as any other game though; we are at home so that should make a difference. I place quite a lot of importance on the game on Sunday because we only have three home games left.

“If we can take maximum points from all of them then no matter what happens in the away games we will have a decent finish to the season. It is a big game because we had the Kent Cup last week and scored a few goals. This weekend we are back to the League and hopefully we will take the three points.

“You can tell from the players that the pressure is off of us a little bit this season, it shows in training and last weekend we were so relaxed. They all have a lot of confidence in each other; we are low on numbers at the moment a little bit. Sometimes though I think that helps a little bit as you get the same 14 every week. They get quite close knit and if one doesn’t play one week they will play the next week, it is a good little group.

“We are going to have to try and bring a couple in though as we are going to be a little bit a short one game so we might have to bring in a couple of loans. That said though it is good to be looking up the table and we will be confident going into Sunday’s game and taking three points.”

Natalie Crinean is on a rich vein of form at the moment.

The striker has scored five goals in her last three games, including a hat trick in the Kent Cup at the weekend.

Speaking about her hat trick, Nat said: “I am absolutely buzzing, I mean as a centre forward in a game like that I guess I am expected to score. I opened the scoring which is the important thing, and then we kicked on.

“The current run is probably my best form in a while, I am glad I am scoring and I hope I can get in to the habit and make up for my lack of goals from earlier on in the season and finish on a high.

“As I said my lack of goals in the earlier stages of the season was far from impressive, I am glad I’m starting to make up for that.

“Hopefully we will get the points as well as the goals, because at the end of the day the points are the important thing right?”

The Gills lifted the Kent Cup just two seasons ago and Natalie believes it is a competition they should be winning again.

She added: “I think the Kent Cup is a trophy that once you have won once you should make it your goal to keep for as long as possible.

“I think that trophy is shared between like three or four teams in the county. And I hope to see our name printed on it again this year.”

The performance was good on Sunday from the girls and Nat was full of praise for her team mates.

She said: “There’s no denying the team performance today, I mean 32 shots on target I think that says a lot about the game, however only 7 goals out of 32 decent attempts doesn’t look so flattering.

“Those games are difficult to maintain your usual match pace and quality. But we got the job done. Well done to the reserves that came in and did a great job. Anelle Massey could have scored seven alone, Bryony’s work rate was top draw as usual, Alex Witham on her first team debut and Charlotte Abbott back in the side. Last but not least Sarah Quantrill on pitch.

In the League it is the Gills most successful season ever but Nat knows that the Club can’t sit back on that.

She added: “I think in previous seasons when things haven’t gone our way, we have been happy to settle, well played like we were happy to settle, this season we have ground out results that we potentially would have lost last season. We know where we want be and we are going the right way about getting there.

“We know what we are capable of and are proving that to the spectator’s week in week out. We have even developed a tidy little fan club. Giiilllsss”

Team spirit has a massive part to play in this seasons upsurge in fortunes and Nat believes every team needs good banter.

She said: “The team spirit this season is unbelievable. I think that has shown in the games where things haven’t been pretty, but we have managed to get results. I think that when things aren’t going great on the pitch it is team spirit and Banter that gets you through. At Gills that is a key thing. Even players that have come and gone will vouch for that.

Finally Nat has seven goals now for the season but is she determined to win that golden boot for the season?

“In terms of scoring I have been pretty stale for a while, at the moment they just seem to be falling perfectly for me. However, I’m just taking each game as it comes I was happy at Gills when I wasn’t scoring and am happy now that I am! I’m determined to win an award of some sort this season even if it is ‘Just the golden boot’ #Banter city.”

Amy Taylor is a player who has had to bide her time for her opportunities this season but when they have come she has taken them.

She played 90 minutes against Spurs on Sunday afternoon and only a few weeks ago grabbed a brace in an outing for the Reserves.

Speaking about the game against Spurs Ladies, she said: “It was pretty tough. To be honest I think we made it more difficult for ourselves though.

“Only 37 seconds really? It could have been more goals and looked like it could have been but we just couldn’t take our chances.”

Amy played in a three player defence on Sunday afternoon having played either in midfield or at left back and she admits it is a learning curve.

Amy added: “I am still getting used to playing there but yeah as a defence I think it’s working out really well to help us be a little bit more attacking.”

Having spent a bit of time on the bench with the firsts this season against Brighton Reserves Amy got a run out with her former team mates and loved every minute of it.

She said: “I loved being back with the Ressies they’re a wicked bunch of girls and they all work well to help each other a lot. To score was even better and just topped off being back.

“I still don’t know how I got on that diving header ha ha. To get a hat trick would have been nice but I settled for the two in the end and it was good to get the three points and take us above Brighton on the day.

“I am pleased to be a part of such a great squad this season and try my best to help them push forward.”

Against Spurs Amy took a whack on the head but admits that it is all part and parcel of being a footballer and playing the game.

Amy added: “I’ve taken many hits to the head playing football nothing some paracetamol cant fix just have to get on with it don’t you.

“For the rest of the season I hope that I can get a bit more playing time with the firsts and take every opportunity that comes along and that the team as a whole can push on and hopefully break into the top 3 or 4 and challenge those teams more.”

Kim Bolden is now in her third season as Captain of Gills Ladies Reserves and she has played a massive part in their success.

This season she is captaining them in their toughest season ever as they take on some of the best Reserve sides in the Country.

Last weekend the Reserves took on and drew with Arsenal Ladies Reserves who had only dropped points once this season until Sunday.

Speaking about the game Kim said: “I am so proud of the girls we’ve been on the wrong end of them twice already this season and we knew what they had to offer but we have worked hard at training to get our formation right and make sure everyone did their jobs.

“I genuinely feel that everyone won their individual battles across the pitch by just working hard at their job.

“We all know Arsenal have had the League in their pocket for a few seasons now so it’s an even better feeling to know we have rattled them. No one has forgotten the pasting’s they’ve already handed us but I think that shows the strength and character of our team and how far we have come in such a short time.”

Liv McGregor netted the Reserves goal against the Gunners and it is nothing short of what she deserved something Kimi agreed with.

She added: “I think Livvy certainly deserved a goal it has been a long time coming. She is a player who performs consistently week in week out in a difficult midfield role and she doesn’t always get the credit she deserves. The midfield are often outnumbered and yet she works solidly for 90 minutes every game.”

Since Becky Lyon has been appointed Kimi believes that a consistent line-up week in week out and the new manager’s passion has been a key part in their recent fortune.

Kimi said: “I have always been frustrated when we play a different line up each week because I do believe a consistent line up allows a degree of trust and understanding where each player knows who will be around them and what is expected.

“Bex has been a really positive character and the team have really taken to having her in charge. She has really shown a willingness to learn and has worked really hard to keep the team positive and focused. She has clearly had an impact on the team and is helping us to move forward as a squad and I fully support all that she has been doing.

“The team feel so positive towards the rest of the year which is great after another shaky pre-season for us.”

Against Brighton Kimi scored her first goal of the season and it was a candidate for goal of the season, although it isn’t the only one like that she has scored in her career.

She said: “My goal is the third of its kind I scored two similar last year- quite obviously not shots most have referred to them as clearances but I’d like to label them more as a well placed cross! I certainly hope I’ll be able to pull off a few more convincing shots this year!

“I am looking forward to the rest of the year and am very proud to be the skipper of a great team! (Even if we do have to wear pink).”