There may have only been a single division between the two sides but Gillingham dominated this final qualifying round encounter between the top two Ladies side sides in Kent.

“The difference was the fitness levels and two mistakes cost us two goals today”, said Herne Bay Ladies manager Anthony Deer, “the first goal put our game plans out of the window”.

Gills Ladies got off to the best possible start when Kallie Balfour capitalised on a defensive error with barely two minutes on the clock.

The home side then dominated the majority of the first half, might have doubled their advantage in the 10^th minute when Emma Tune’s right foot shot fizzed past Cooper’s left hand upright who then denied Balfour a second with a brave blocking save.

But Herne Bay, who struggled to make the final third of the pitch for the opening half hour came back into the game and Gills looked vulnerable as they back peddled. The visitors could not force the opening despite one foraging run from former Gill, Daniella Farmer, and a 39^th minute free kick from the same player that ballooned over Shanly’s crossbar.

After the break, the visitors started brightly but were rocked back on their hells conceding twice in the space of four minutes. The first of those came in the 56^th when Ashleigh Loosemore swept home Balfour’s unselfish lay off and the second, on the hour mark, capped a fine personal afternoon for Kallie Balfour picking her spot. The FA WPL side were now in control, a three goal cushion proving sufficient and able to stroll into the competition proper.

With stoppage time looming, Carly Farrow might have sneaked a consolation goal for Bay but astute defending denied her the opportunity. Gillingham confirmed their progress and retained the Kent bragging rights, although Herne Bay Ladies can point to their own progression up the Ladies pyramid, closing the gulf that once existed between these two clubs.

“In terms of our domination of the game, it was comprehensive but not in terms of our clinical finishing”, said Gillingham Ladies manager Jack Wheeler, “they (Herne Bay) didn’t have a shot on target today, we’ve done really well, our performance, our possession was good.”

“The FA Cup is a big thing for us it brings the crowds in, people want to see Kent derbies and they’ve seen one today. We’re looking at testing ourselves against teams and potentially a team from the Women’s Super League. We’re on a good bit of form at the minute, the changing room is good”.

 

Gillingham Ladies: Courtney Shanly, Vanisha Patel, Charlie Thurston, Maddison North, Lauren Williams, April Bowers (Fiona Constable 80), Emma Tune, Katie Hardaker (Chelsea Wallace 78), Kallie Balfour, Ashleigh Loosemore (Jade Keogh 80), Shannon Redhouse.

Subs not used: Imogen Alabaster.

 

Herne Bay Ladies: Sarah Cooper, Nicola Morris (Amber Guyatt 65), Alex Roy, Beth Nugent, Debbie Blackmore, Kate Foster, Carly Farrow, Hannah Gardener, Gemma Sullivan (Rebecca Longley 75), Daniella Farmer (Amanda Beeput 69), Rachel Tracy.

Subs not used: Lucy Harrington.

 

Player of the Match: Kallie Balfour (Gillingham)

Referee: Joe McKay       Assistant Referees: Jack Mottram & Dan Friar

Attendance: 190

 

Gillingham Ladies (1) 3

Balfour 2, 60

Loosemore 56

 

Herne Bay Ladies (0) 0

 

SSE Women’s FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round

Sunday 8^th November 2015

at Chatham Town FC

 

Photo credit: Peter Guise – former Gill, Daniella Farmer, makes a rare incursion for Herne Bay into the Gillingham penalty area.