WOMEN AND GIRLS UPDATE

Gillingham Ladies have pulled off two successive extra time victories in as many weeks to progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Premier League Plate and FA Women’s Cup respectively.

The goals have been pouring for Gillingham FC’s women’s side in recent weeks, with the club accomplishing a fantastic 5-3 victory away at Lewes Ladies before travelling again to see off London Corinthians with a 4-3 win.

The Gills travelled to Lewes Ladies, who compete a division higher, but it was the visitors who dominated the opening of the FA WPL Plate tie, establishing an early 2-0 lead.

Paige Baker-Carroll opened the scoring for Gills, skilfully netting after creating time and space in the six yard box. Her goal was followed by a bullet header at the back post by Katie Hardaker who rose highest to meet Madison North’s pinpoint set piece.

With torrential conditions making it difficult for both sides, Lewes were able to craft a way back into the game. A whipped ball escaping everyone, including goalkeeper Courtney Shanly, rolled into the back of the net.

The second half proved to be an entertaining encounter, with free flowing football and end-to-end attacking play. Whilst Gills Ladies had opportunities to extend their lead, Lewes secured an equaliser pushing the game into extra time.

Whilst the weather continued to deteriorate, Gillingham Ladies upped the tempo in the opening period of extra time. Baker-Carroll bagging another before Lewes retaliated again to make it 3-3.

The visitors showed great determination and endeavour with Girls Academy player Georgia Reece stepping up to score her first goal in senior football, handing Gills Ladies the advantage once more.

It was an opportunity Jack Wheeler’s side would not let escape again and Baker-Carroll bagged another hat-trick for the club to ease nerves and set up a home tie against either Newcastle or Wren Rovers Ladies in the New Year.

After a huge effort in the Plate, the following Sunday Gills Ladies showed the same battling qualities to beat London Corinthians.

Kallie Balfour scored a cracking goal three minutes into the game, setting the tone for a dominant 90 minutes for Gills Ladies. Up against a goalkeeper in form and a resilient opponent in London Corinthians, Gills Ladies were unable to get the goals to reflect their superior performance and a long range shot from the hosts gave them an equaliser to take the game beyond 90 minutes.

The Gills looked to have got the upper hand when Balfour was bundled over in front of goal, gifting her team a penalty. Girls Academy youngster North stepped up to convert. This was quickly followed by a clinical finish from Baker-Carroll whose fine form up front continued.

London Corinthians caused a scare pulling two goals back including a contentious penalty and it was down to Baker-Carroll to show class with a fine finish to get Gills the match winning goal, teeing up a visit to Forest Green Rovers in the next round.