Gills Ladies match against Coventry has been moved to Chatham Town ahead of this Sunday's scheduled league fixture
Due to forecast adverse weather conditions, Gillingham Ladies would like to advise fans that this Sunday’s scheduled FA Women’s Premier League match against Coventry Ladies FC will be played at Chatham Town FC.
Club Chairman Paul Scally revealed Gillingham FC were monitoring the club’s new pitch on a day-by-day basis and whilst committed to staging women’s football at Priestfield Stadium, have on this occasion re-located the match.
“Many of our fans have eagerly watched the development of our new pitch over the summer and seen the fantastic quality of surface we’ve been able to provide our teams both male and female.
"Unfortunately given the early stage we are at with the new surface, we need to assess its progress continually and be cautious on a day to day basis.
“With the forecast weather and our game against Scunthorpe on Saturday, we’ve made the decision to switch the venue of Sunday’s FA Women’s Premier League Cup game to Chatham Town FC to ensure our team has the best possible chance to play a high quality match.”
The Chairman added: “I’ve been delighted at the reception and support our women’s side has received since we welcomed them to Priestfield Stadium. I’m pleased with the crowds we’ve attracted to our games and understand the important part they play in supporting our team and apologise for any convenience this news may cause.
“It’s another brilliant double header for Gillingham FC fans this weekend and I hope fans will take up the opportunity to watch our club on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.”
Gillingham Ladies captain Lauren Williams supported the decision and revealed the change of location will add further nostalgia to the occasion.
She said: “All the girls are looking forward to the game and the opportunity to play Coventry after their move to the Northern section of our division.
"A handful of us can clearly remember the last time we played Coventry at Chatham Town. It was a huge occasion for us - the title decider - and unfortunately the occasion overawed us, we lost and Coventry deserved their win. On Sunday, we have a point to prove and although most of the team from that game have moved on, we’ve got the chance to seize the game with a fresh set-up.
“It will be nice to return to Chatham Town, the opportunity to play at Priestfield is brilliant and underlines the club’s commitment to us, but in turn we’re committed to the club on a larger scale and appreciate with a new pitch being laid during pre-season, and all the hard work by the ground staff to accommodate us, there will be occasions where we return to Chatham Town.
“We hope this will help broaden our fan base however. The crowds we’ve been getting have been outstanding, the fans know the role they play and the motivation they bring us, so despite the venue change, we hope they’ll bring their voice and support the short trip to Chatham!”
Gillingham Ladies FA WPL Cup game against Coventry Ladies kicks off at Chatham Town FC, The Sports Ground, Maidstone Rd, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR at 2pm.
Admission is £3 for adults and free for U16S. This week the club also announced free admission for students upon presentation of a valid student card in support of Women’s Football Week.