Sunday 10th February 2008 at Broadoak Road, Woodstock Park & Old Oak FC

Match Report: Gillingham Ladies 0 - 8 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(South East Combination)

After Diamonds took an early lead, the game was stopped for just over an hour after an injury to Gillingham's Tania Law. The Gill's keeper fell awkwardly on her head trying to keep out Vicky Gallagher's opening goal and after fears of a spinal injury, ambulance crews attended and conveyed her to hospital. With no substitute keeper, the home side did well to hold out for the remainder of the first half, but second half hat-tricks from Ashley Palmer and Charly Wright, plus one from Mikaela Welford gave Diamonds an 8-0 victory.

Diamonds started with the same side that had beaten AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup last weekend, with Ashley Palmer playing up front supported by Vicky Gallagher and Charly Wright. The only change was on the substitutes bench where Mikaela Welford returned. With the weather akin to a summer's day, Diamonds were quickly in their stride and took the lead after just 3 minutes. Aileen Whelan fed Fay Howell on the left and her cross was met by Vicky Gallagher whose looping header sailed over Tania Law in the Gillingham goal.

With the keeper falling badly, the injury was causing some concern to both sides and doubt as to whether the game could be completed, but ambulance crews eventually got the keeper on the way to hospital. Zara Phillips took over in goal, with Katie Flack coming on from the bench. The 63 minute break seemed to unsettle both teams with neither side able to take charge. The stand-in keeper did well to block Wright's shot and push the ball away to safety but the home defence was largely able to restrict Diamonds to long range efforts on goal.

Leanne Stevens created a great chance for the home side to get back on level terms on 16 minutes, but Kylie Overton's shot was blocked by Charlene Ward's legs, before she grabbed the rebound. Jaclyn Fiddyment then tried a long range lob over Ward which just cleared the bar.

Phillips continued to do well between the posts at the other end, saving from Charly Wright, and then tipping Aileen Whelan's shot past the post.

Half time: Gillingham Ladies 0 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Diamonds gained more composure at the start of the second half as they looked to get a second goal. Marsh and Howell utilised the flanks to better effect and when Whelan tried to force home Marsh's cross from close range, but the ball went agonisingly wide. Palmer also headed over. Gillingham still looked dangerous on the counter attack and Jaclyn Fiddyment nearly capitalised on some indecision, while Kirsty Woolard got clear only for Howell to make an excellent challenge to clear the danger.

The second goal finally came for Diamonds on 55 minutes, when Caroline Moran's corner was played back in the middle by Charly Wright and Ashley Palmer was on hand to bundle the ball over. Dillingham almost replied moments later, but Ward produced an excellent save after Fiddyment had got the better of Kirsty Cooper.

Mikaela Welford was brought on to replace player manager Vicky Gallagher just before the hour and almost immediately, Diamonds doubled their lead. First Marsh's cross from the right allowed Charly Wright to place the ball into the corner, then just two minutes later Howell's throw in on the left found Anna McLeod who turned the ball back from the by-line for Mikeala Welford to fire home.

Gillingham tried to come forward to reduce the arrears, with Anna Broad and Fiddyment trying to test Diamonds defence, but Leanna Doyle and Kirsty Cooper were both solid at the back. A fifth goal followed on 69 minutes when another cross from Howell was diverted towards goal by Charly Wright, the keeper just unable to keep out a low weak shot.

Despite the score-line, Gillingham tried to push forward to reduce the arrears, but after missing some early chances in the game, Diamonds piled on the agony. Charly Wright got her hat-trick on 81 minutes when the rooky keeper failed to clear a back-pass, intercepting the clearance and side footing home. Two minutes later, Ashley Palmer got another after Cooper got forward and set up the chance. Ashley Palmer's third came five minutes from time, heading in Wright's corner.

Full time: Gillingham Ladies 0 - 8 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Diamonds move up to 4th position in the League table but with just four games remaining and Ipswich Town twelve points ahead, they must concentrate on the League and County Cup competitions. The semi-finals of the County Cup take place next Sunday, when Diamonds visit Occupation Road, Corby to take on Stewarts & Lloyds (1:30pm kick-off).

Teams:

Gillingham Ladies: Tania Law (Katie Flack 3), Whitney Judd, Nikki Sheath, Anna Broad, Leanne Stevens (Kristy Good all 71), Lesley Kay, Zahra Phillips, Vicky Ashton-Jones, Jaclyn Fundament, Kristy Woodard, Kylie Overton (Kim Bolden 71).

Subs not used: Nicky McCormack.

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Molly Marsh, Fay Howell, Kristy Cooper, Leanna Doyle, Caroline Moran, Anna McLeod, Charly Wright, Ashley Palmer, Aileen Whelan, Vicky Gallagher (Mikaela Welford 59).

Subs not used: Nil.

Goals: Vicky Gallagher 3 (0-1), Ashley Palmer 55 (0-2), Charly Wright 60 (0-3), Mikaela Welford 62 (0-4), Charly Wright 69 (0-5), Charly Wright 81 (0-6), Ashley Palmer 83 (0-7), Ashley Palmer 85 (0-8).

Referee: Mr F.Woolett

By Dave Mason

==============================

Other results

South East Combination:

Bedford Town Bells 2 Northampton Town 0

Lewes 2 Welwyn Garden City 1

Forthcoming fixtures:

17th February Stewarts & Lloyds (Away)

(County Cup semi-final)

24th February Whitehawk (Away)

2nd March Lewes (Away)