26thoct05G

Tuesday 25th October 2005

Fleet aiming to complete Woking double

Gravesend & Northfleet Laides took on their league rivals Woking in the first round proper of the FA Women's Cup last Sunday, and having played the Surrey side in the same league last season, the Fleet were under no impressions that Sunday's game was going to be easy, writes Stephen McCartney.

Both teams started well, playing some great football and threatening each goal keeper.

With some excellent through balls from the midfield, Gravesend were creating more chances with the striking force of Kimmy Carey and Mel Bishop working well together.

However, Woking applied some good pressure and on one occasion broke through G&N defence and forced the Fleet goal keeper Lisa Chickelday to make a great diving save.

Gravesend dug deep and applied pressure throughout the first half, being rewarded with some excellent ball control from left back Stacey Grey, juggling it around Woking’s midfielder and playing a perfectly placed through ball to left winger Jade McDermott, who neatly took on the Woking defence and slotted the ball passed their goalkeeper minutes before half time.

Gravesend ladies came out by far the better squad in the second half , playing the ball around the field with ease and class and within minutes of kick off Jade McDermott skilfully took her second of the game.

Still applying great pressure and keeping Woking tucked up in their own half Gravesend took a third goal from them, from a precision pass from the wing into the box, where Kim Carey feint to strike to let the ball pass through to striking partner Mel Bishop who knocked it wide of the keeper to slide in just inside the post.

Three nil up with 30 minutes to go Gravesend were flying high, whilst Woking seemed sit back and watch.

With some excellent work from centre midfielders Becky Merritt and Sally Appleton, Woking was unable to break through.

Gravesend were playing some positive confident passes across the field, when right back Bex Pattenden picked up the ball, running it down the line to make a fantastic pass into the box where centre forward Kimmy Carey controlled the ball on her chest turning it to face the goal then striking it with pin point precision passed the Woking keeper, adding her name to the Kent side's score sheet with her first of the season.

At 4-0 and 25 minutes to go, Gravesend & Northfleet manager Valter Antunes made two changes to the squad to rest winger Zoe Morrell and defender Stacey Grey, allowing Kealey O’Hanlon and Emily Hampton to make their mark on the game.

With some of the Gravesend team growing tired from the fast paced exciting game, Woking picked up and applied some more pressure, but were still unable to beat the defensive partnership of Skipper Amanda Spry and fellow centre back Kelly Gell.

Gravesend continued to work hard right through to the final minute securing their place for the first time in the clubs history into the second round proper of the FA Cup.

The draw has been made and they face the higher placed Combination League team Colchester United Ladies, at home on 13^th November 2005, at 2pm. For full draw please see club website www.intheteam.com/gravesendladiesfc

Next week sees Gravesend and Northfleet LFC take on Woking ladies again but in the League, at home. Kick off 2pm; all support welcome to cheer on G&N ladies as they play to protect their top of the league position.