Gills ladies are through to their second Kent cup final in three-years after what can only be described as a lucky 1-0 win against Ebbsfleet on Sunday afternoon.

By Megan Sumner

After last week’s performance Gillingham were expected to fly straight through to the Kent cup final on Sunday afternoon. Although there were a few players missing, it is only fair to say that Ebbsfleet dominated the game, while the Gills were below par for only the second or third match this season.

Throughout the first half Gillingham could only create a few half chances, as they struggled to keep possession of the football. Fortunately, the ladies picked up slightly during the second half and Laura East managed to secure Gills a place in the final with a great strike just after the hour mark.

Ebbsfleet had the first opportunity of the game as Lisa Fulgence connected well with a corner only to see her effort fly over Jessica Nunn’s cross bar. It took the Gills until the 14th minute to muster their first effort on goal, as Lauren Philips fired a shot straight at Faye Baker in the Fleet goal, after a great pass from Lauren Williams to start the move off.

Moments later Ebbsfleet were awarded a free kick, and the ball was floated the ball into the area creating yet another opportunity for the visitors. Gills failed to clear the danger, showing slow reactions and Fulgence had her second opportunity but was denied a goal by a great save from Nunn in the Gills goal.

In the 27 minute Gillingham gained possession as Amy Taylor picked the ball up in the midfield, before  firing her effort from  all of forty yards out straight over the cross bar. Gills were unable to keep possession of the ball and Ebbsfleet dominated the first half with a number of throw in’s and free kicks, preventing Gills from being able to build up any sustained pressure.

Half Time 0-0

The second half continued where the first one had left off despite Ian Varley’s half time team talk, as the Ladies continued to give away possession cheaply. Ebbsfleet had the first opportunity during the second half as Fulgence caused more problems with her blistering pace for the Gills defence. She took the ball around several Gills players from the centre of midfield, all the way to the edge of the penalty area, where she struck a shot which was yet again denied by another great save by Jessica Nunn.

Ten minutes into the second half Gills finally picked up their performance and started to show the quality expected from them, creating a number of half chances through Natalie Crinean, Vicky Ashton-Jones that couldn’t be converted.

Following this, Philips had another good chance with virtually an open goal in the 60th minute, which should have seen Gills take the lead, but was somehow kept out by Ebbsfleet’s defence.

Only moments later Danielle Carlton had a great chance but smashed the ball over the cross bar from just inside the six yard area, after bring neatly fed the ball by Vicky Ashton-Jones. In the 67th minute Gills took the lead as Danielle Carlton slotted the ball into the area, which was met by Laura East who fired a fierce shot straight past Faye Baker to make it 1-0.

Ebbsfleet continued the fight for the equaliser, keeping Gills on their toes as they created half chances without failing to test Nunn fully. Only minutes before the full time whistle, Ebbsfleet went close for the final time, after they were awarded a free-kick just outside the Gills area. Jen Poole stepped up and fired goal wards but found Nunn equal to her effort in the Gills goal.

Despite a below par performance and a great effort from Ebbsfleet, Gillingham Ladies will be in their second Kent cup final in three years, where they will take on Charlton Ladies Reserves on a date in April to be announced.

Full time 1-0

Gills: Nunn, Williams, Jones, Witham, Carlton, Tune, East, Phillips, Crinean, Ashton-Jones, Taylor

Subs: Smith, Hardaker, Blackie.

Picture by Julian Hart Photography