Sunday 23rd September 2007 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC

Match Report:  Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 4 - 2 Gillingham Ladies

(South East Combination)

Diamonds almost paid the price for sitting back on a two goal lead as Gillingham clawed back the deficit in the second half, but two goals in the final ten minutes secured three points for the home side.

Manager Vicky Gallagher was faced with a problem before the game kicked off as keeper Charlene Ward failed a fitness test during the warm up. With Nicola Raith traveling to West Bromwich with the reserves, Diamonds were left without a specialist goalkeeper for the game, so Gallagher herself donned the keeper's jersey. Stephanie Thompson returned to the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle injury received at Wimbledon three weeks ago, while Katie Loydall and Aileen Whelan started in place of Gallagher and Laura Dunn. Kirsty Cooper replaced the injured Rosie Thurston in the centre of defence.

Gillingham's first choice keeper Donna Harris was also injured having missed the last two games. Defender Natasha Bartlett took her place between the sticks.

Having won at Bedford last weekend, Diamonds confidence was high and they went on the attack right from the start, having much of the early possession. With just 6 minutes on the clock, they took the lead. The Gillingham defence seemed to relax as Bartlett cleared from the area, but the ball was headed straight back by Aileen Whelan to Mikaela Welford in space on the edge of the area. The striker had time to run onto the ball and shoot past the helpless keeper to give Diamonds the advantage.

Diamonds continued to enjoy possession and pressed hard for a second. Anna McLeod had a shot saved by the keeper, while Jade Linnell also had a good chance to take the ball towards the keeper, but elected to shoot from long range to the visitor's relief. The keeper also saved from Whelan after a quick free kick. Gillingham were having difficulty getting out of their own half, and found themselves another goal behind on 25 minutes. Charly Wright picked up the ball on the edge of the area and her long range shot sailed over the keeper and into the net.

More chances fell to Diamonds. Linnell's cross found Stephanie Thompson in space, but her header went wide. Gallagher had virtually nothing to do in the opening 35 minutes, but she had to be quick off the mark as the visitors tried to launch an attack. Gemma Ridge then put in an awkward cross but Kirsty Cooper was alert and cleared the danger.

Stephanie Thompson made two further chances just before the break - Kelly Robinson heading over from a corner, and Jade Linnell going clear only to shoot straight at the keeper.

HT: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 0 Gillingham

Laura Dunn replaced Linnell after the break as Diamonds continued where they left off, but Gillingham started to get into the game more as the home side seemed to take their foot off the peddle. Gallagher held on well to shots from Kirsty Woolard and Jaclyn Fiddyment.

Both Anna McLeod and Katie Loydall were combining well in midfield however with Loydall making some good attacking runs down the right. Diamonds should really have been out of reach as Welford had another shot saved at the near post on the hour. It was a bit of fortune that got Gillingham back in the game. The referee's assistant had made several dubious offside decisions and as the ball was pumped forward on 67 minutes, Welford raced clear of the defenders only to be given offside despite being in her own half when the ball was kicked. In fact, Gillingham initially placed the indirect free kick inside the Diamonds half before the referee moved the ball back. From the free kick, Anna Broad struck the bar, with the ball rebounding out to Jaclyn Fiddyment to score from close range.

Diamonds tried to respond with Charly Wright taking the ball forward down the centre only to shoot straight at the keeper, but Gillingham started to believe they could get something out of the game as they pushed forward. With 11 minutes remaining, Kirsty Woolard sent in a dangerous cross for Jaclyn Fiddyment to slot the ball home for her second goal.

As Gillingham celebrated, Diamonds went back in front within 40 seconds. Shortly after the restart, Aileen Whelan picked up the ball in the centre circle and run towards goal. She played the ball across to Anna McLeod, who fired Diamonds back in front. The game became much more open as Gillingham tried to fight back again. Welford had another glorious chance to score after 84 minutes, but shot wide with just the keeper to beat while at the other end, substitute Kylie Overton's shot went straight at Gallagher.

Diamond finally made the game safe with a minute left of normal time. McLeod crossed from the right, Welford allowed the ball to run to Aileen Whelan in the centre who fired past Bartlett from the edge of the area.   

FT: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 4 - 2 Gillingham

Diamonds made hard work of what should have been a comfortable win, but another three points leaves them high in confidence ahead of next weekends difficult visit to Welwyn Garden City. The Hertfordshire side remain unbeaten after their 4-0 win over League leaders Lewes. That result meant Diamonds take top spot on goal difference but they will need to take their chances if they are to stay there. Before that game, Diamonds Ladies take on local rivals Northampton Town on Wednesday evening at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC - 7.45pm kick-off.

Teams:

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Vicky Gallagher, Amy O'Brien, Kelly Robinson (Leanna Doyle 57), Kirsty Cooper, Anna McLeod, Aileen Whelan, Katie Loydall, Charly Wright, Mikaela Welford, Jade Linnell (Laura Dunn HT), Stephanie Thompson.

Subs not used: Nil.

Gillingham Ladies: Natasha Bartlett, Whitney Judd, Nikki Seath (Nichola McCormack 76), Zara Phillips, Leanne Stevens (Terri Reynolds 85), Lesley Kay, Rebecca Lyons, Gemma Ridge (Kylie Overton 53), Jaclyn Fiddyment, Anna Broad, Kirsty Woolard.

Subs not used: Carla Maistre.

Goals: Mikaela Welford 6 (1-0), Charly Wright 25 (2-0), Jaclyn Fiddyment  67 (2-1), Jaclyn Fiddyment 79 (2-2), Anna McLeod 80 (3-2), Aileen Whelan 89 (4-2).

By Dave Mason

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Other results (SE Combination):

Ipswich Town 2 Enfield Town 1

Northampton Town 1 Bedford Town Bells 1

Welwyn Garden City 4 Lewes 0

Whitehawk 10 AFC Wimbledon 0

Forthcoming fixtures:

26th September Northampton Town (Home - 1945 kick-off)

30th September Welwyn Garden City (Away)

7th October Whitehawk (Home)

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Reserve Team fixture

Midland Combination Reserves

West Bromwich Albion Ladies 2 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds

Goals from Fay Howell (2).