We have worked so hard for this - the treble would be the icing on the cake, says Jay Blackie

GILLINGHAM Ladies’ manager James Marrs has issued a rallying cry for Kent football fans to watch his side claim a deserved treble on Sunday.

The Gills welcome Coventry City to Chatham Town’s Maidstone Road ground in a winner-takes-all, top-of-the-table showdown where a win for the Kent side in their last game of a successful season will hand them not only The FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division title but also the treble.

Club spokesperson Charlotte Richardson said: “This Sunday, Gillingham Ladies’ outstanding season draws to a dramatic finale as a first-versus-second battle at Chatham Town FC decides whether the Gills seal an incredible treble – officially making them Kent’s most successful women’s football team in the modern era.

“After winning the Kent Women’s Cup for a third year in a row and retaining the Ryman Women’s Cup, Gillingham Ladies’ are one win away from being crowned FA Women’s Southern Premier League champions.

“The local Kent side have enjoyed a hugely successful season in the league, sitting at the top of the table for a considerable period and enjoying much acclaim from their league colleagues for their style, attitude and ability.

“Now, with the league tightly poised, the Gills currently lead by four points with Coventry City Ladies and Coventry City Ladies placed closely behind with a game in hand.

“Gillingham Ladies can win the league on Sunday if they beat rivals Coventry City.”

The two sides have crossed paths twice already this season.  Gillingham drew first blood with a commanding 4-0 victory when the travelled to the Midlands in the league.

However, Coventry City won the League Cup tie between the two sides 1-0 in very tough conditions.

Ms Richardson added: “To celebrate a historic season, which besides a collection of silverware also includes many other highlights including; a trip to Arsenal Ladies in the FA Cup; a record breaking unbeaten run and number of clean sheets in one season.

“Although everyone is very welcome, in a special offer to particularly encourage young female players in the county, Gillingham are keen for youth clubs to come along to the game by offering free entry to all players who attend the game in their club shirts.

“The Gills will also be granting free entry to all under 16s.  Even if you don’t qualify for free entry, a full ticket is only £3!”

Manager Marrs, who was named coach of the year by the Kent FA last month, is fully focused on finishing the job on Saturday and looks forward to showcasing the often lauded style of play his team display week in week out.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible to get down and join in the atmosphere,” he said.

“We need as many Gills fans as possible on Sunday to help push the girls on against Coventry.

“It would be amazing to have lots of fans there for the game and really do their best to give us that twelfth player mentality.”

Meanwhile, captain Jay Blackie encouraged young players and football fans in Kent directly to enjoy a brilliant finale to the season and provide much welcome support for the team.

The defender said: “It’s going to be a fantastic game to be involved in and to watch.

“The atmosphere created just by the fact it is a league decider is not even going to match the atmosphere created by the heart and desire that we are going to be playing with.

“We have worked so hard this season and this would be the cherry on the top.

“It would be an opportunity missed if you are not there to watch the game; two very good teams with their eye on the trophy.

“We need your support. If we can get a big crowd in it would mean so much to everyone and would help push us on to win we deserve.

“Any young footballers out there, this is a chance to see where you can soon get to if you work hard.”

Gillingham look to join the list of Team Bath, Chelsea, Cardiff City, Watford, Fulham, Millwall Lionesses, Barnet, Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth and Reading as previous winners of the division.

Tickets for the biggest ever women’s football match to be played in Kent are on sale at the turnstiles priced at £3 (for adults) and free for under 16s.

Visit Gillingham Ladies’ website: www.gillinghamladies.co.uk

Gillingham  v  Coventry City
The FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division
Sunday 18th May 2014
Kick Off 2:00pm
at Chatham Town FC, Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR

Article published 20:30 - 12/05/2014