Varley rues controversial decision

IAN VARLEY, the manager of the Gillingham ladies’ side, was proud of his side’s performance, despite their 2-0 defeat at leaders Enfield Town today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Gills’ returned to league action for the first time since 9^th November, but the north London side stretched their lead to five points of the South East Women’s Combination.

Gillingham set their stall out to defend with ten players behind the ball and although Enfield Town had the majority of possession, they were finding it difficult to get through the strong Gills’ defence, which was marshalled superbly by Lesley Kay.

However, the game turned with a very controversial decision after 35 minutes and Varley, who also plays Ryman League football for Sittingbourne, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he couldn’t believe the decision to award the goal was given.

“It was clearly offside,” Varley fumed. “Everyone in the ground could see that, but sometimes these things go against you and today it did.

“I appreciate the referees and assistants have difficult jobs but this decision today has cost us a point, which we thoroughly deserved.”

But despite the controversial decision that led to Enfield Town’s opener, Varley was proud of his battling team.

“Coming to the side top of the league was always going to be difficult, but I felt we more than matched them and were unlucky not to come away with a point,” he said.

“Our formation was set out to frustrate them, which it did, and if our final ball would have been better we could have scored ourselves but it wasn’t to be.

“Overall, the ladies’ were brilliant and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

Right-back Whitney Judd, who had an excellent game, also echoed her manager’s comments, adding, “I thought we were outstanding and everyone gave 100% up until the final whistle.

“We showed a good fighting spirit and just had a couple of bad decisions go against us.”

The Gills have no game next weekend but they face Millwall in the semi-finals of the Kent Cup at Woodstock Park, Sittingbourne on Sunday, 15^th February, kicking off at 1:30pm.

Gillingham: Tania Law, Whitney Judd, Becky Lyons, Lesley Kay, Nikki Seath, Kelly Seath (Kim Bolden 25), Zara Phillips, Leanne Stevens, Anna Broad, Kylie Overton, Kirsty Goodall.
Subs: Gemma Ridge, Sheridan

Visit Gillingham’s website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.com