By Chris Dicketts
Gills Ladies joined their male counterparts in the FA Cup third round after a convincing win over rivals Enfield Town on Sunday.
With games being called off right across the country including the Gills reserves game the first team were lucky to be in action.
In fact if it had not been for the work of Martin Andrews and Bob Lyon who mopped the water off the pitch prior to kick off the game probably wouldn't have been played- so well done to the two of them for playing their part in the Gills making it into the third round draw.
After having a week off last weekend, they looked bright and fresh from the start despite the challenging conditions and went in at half time 2-0 up thanks to goals from Danni Farmer and Natalie Crinean.
In the second half it was more of the same from the Gills as they continued to take the game to their hosts, in a bid to show them they mean business not just in the cup but the League as well.
Manager Ian Varley had the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from before the game and he decided he made two changes from the side that beat Maidstone Town last time they played.
Deanna Cooper returned from International Duty with the England Cricket team to replace Jodie Mugford in the centre of midfield. Katie Duffy returned between the sticks to replace the unlucky Laura Halfpenny.
From the kick off it looked as though the hosts had adapted to the conditions better than the Gills as they pinned the away side in their own half.
The Gills just couldn't get the ball off their opponents as they won a succession of corners but failed to capitalise on them.
After that the Gills got into the game and found their range with passes and starting to unlock the Enfield defence.
Good chances were spurned by both Natalie Crinean and Ashlee Hincks who had scored 60 goals between them before the game. This signalled the start of things to come for an Enfield side who knew they were in for a tough afternoon.
The Gills went 1-0 up when a quick counter attacking meant some slick inter play between Vicky Ashton-Jones and Natalie Crinean. The ball found its way to Danni Farmer on the edge of the area and she crashed home a shot into the corner, with the keeper having no chance.
It was 2-0 chance before half time when Ashlee Hincks launched a long ball forward for Vicky Ashton-Jones to chase. She cut into the area at pace and found Danni Farmer who hit a shot that was steered in by Natalie Crinean from close range.
The second half began much as it finished in the first half with the Gills a dominant force as they looked to press home their two goal advantage.
The Gills went close on a number of occasions with chances falling to the ever impressive Vicky Ashton-Jones.
Had it have been any other afternoon the Gills attacking midfielder would have slotted home at least one of the chances that she missed.
The game was put beyond the reach of Enfield and guaranteed the Gills a spot in the third round in the 70th minute when Ashlee Hincks slotted home. Enfield were the architects of their own downfall whena poor back pass was seized upon by Hincks and at full speed no one was going to catch her. She rounded the keeper and slotted home one of the easiest goals she will score all season.
Despite the conditions the Gills adapted well and played some pleasing football, with plenty of pass and move football in what was a great game for the Girls.
It is a credit to all those who worked hard to get the game on after the wettest November on record forced many games to be postponed.
The Ladies victory has earned them a home time against top of the table Barnet from the Southern Premiership.A game in which the Ladies will be able to showcase their talents takes place on Sunday December 13th kick off is 1pm.
Gills: Duffy, Judd, Herrett, Lyon (c), Kay, Farmer, East, Cooper (Broad, 70), Ashton-Jones (Abbott, 75), Hincks, Crinean
Subs not used: Mugford, Ahern, Halfpenny
