We're in for a tough battle against leaders Portsmouth, says Gillingham Ladies' manager Simon Ratcliffe

GILLINGHAM Ladies manager Simon Ratcliffe felt his side were unlucky not to get more from their final away trip of the season to Queens Park Rangers last Sunday.

After a disappointing loss to Keynsham, Ratcliffe revealed he was pleased to see his team respond well in a goal-less draw at Uxbridge.



 CHAMPIONS: Gillingham celebrated winning the Kent Women's Cup by beating London Corinthians 5-3 on 25 March at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium.
Photo: Kent FA

“All of us were frustrated with the result and team performance at Keynsham. I was very pleased with Sunday’s display and felt we were much improved from that game,” Ratcliffe told the club’s website.

“The players performed well as a unit and each of them did what was asked of them and that was reflected in the periods we dominated possession and the chances we created.”

Ratcliffe added: “We were unlucky not to win the game with the chances we had and we could have taken all three points at the death with another good opportunity.

“Unfortunately other results in the league did not go our way, making it an even more important point and this Sunday’s game even more crucial.”

Third-from-bottom Gillingham wrap up their season at Chatham Town FC as they host league leaders Portsmouth on Sunday.

Ratcliffe is well aware his side need to pick up points in this clash and will face a big challenge to do so.

He said: “We are expecting a hard game as Portsmouth push for the title. They’ll be coming to Kent with a strong and focused team who will be needing three points as much as us.

“It is important that we retain the same level of performance from the QPR fixture and if we do so we can get a result.

“With the support we’ve received this season at home, I fully believe and expect the home crowd will help push us on and motivate the players in what will be a tough battle.”

“It’s also an opportunity for us to thank those who have helped and supported us throughout this season. We’re extremely grateful and will put on a display to reflect that.”

Admission prices are £3 (adults), while under 16s go FREE.

Visit Gillingham Ladies’ website: https://glfc2013.wordpress.com

Gillingham v Portsmouth
The FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division
Sunday 26^th April 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR