13.11.08 - Kent Cup Round 2 by Manager Martin Andrews

Gillingham progressed to the next round of the cup with a comfortable 3-1 win against local team Maidstone Town at Kent Police HQ in Maidstone.

Many in the home camp felt that an upset was on the cards as Maidstone remain unbeaten this season whilst the Gills are again at the wrong end of their league table.

The condtions added to the Gills woes with a bumpy cut-up pitch to contend with as well as constant rain. All in all, the prefect recipe for cup drama.

However from the kick-off Gillingham found themselves in control with Vicky Ashton-Jones giving the Maidstone right side a torrid time.

After 15 minutes the Gills were 1-0 up courtesy of Anna Broad's first goal since recovering from an operation. At this stage Gillingham were enjoying the majority of the possesion of the game.

Maidstone though gave the Ladies a scare when they did get the ball into the net, but it was ruled unnecessarily offside. Had the actual goalscorer not helped the ball into the net the goal would have stood.

Soon after Victoria Ashton-Jones pushed Gills further ahead when, like last week against Norwich, she shot from range with the keeper was helpless as it headed to the top hand corner.

Half Time - 0 - 2

The second half saw Maidstone try to pick up the pace and force Gills backwards, however a quick break found Ashton-Jones pushing forward who finished smartly to put the Ladies three up.

The goal effectivly ended the match and chances where few and far between in the closing stages. However Maidstone did grab a consolation goal in the final minutes which gave them a glimmer of hope. However it proved too little too late.

Final Score 1-3 and Gillingham Ladies progress to the next round with a match against either Crockenhill or Ashford Town.

Scorers: Ashton-Jones (2) Broad

Squad:-
Laws, Bolden, N.Seath, Kay, Lyon(c), Judd, Phillips(K.Seath), Stevens (Ridge), Ashton-Jones, Overton, Broad.

Subs Not Used:- Martin