Skipper Excited For Gills Challenge

On the back of a good string of results, Margate Ladies Captain Rebecca Longley, revealed the mood in the camp is buzzing in anticipation of the visit of Gillingham Ladies this Sunday.

The FA National Women’s League side visit Hartsdown Park to take on Evan Paris’ side, with a place in the Kent Women’s Cup semi-finals up for grabs.

Having knocked out higher league opposition in the competition so far, Margate Ladies have enjoyed a number of impressive victories in recent weeks.

Speaking about the campaign so far, Longley gave insight into how the team has come together over the past few months.

“It was a difficult start to the season, as it was a big change for the younger players as they progressed into senior football and there were also a lot of new players joining the team, including myself.”

“Everyone’s had to adapt but we’re gelling as a team now and understanding how each other play which is getting us the results. The next few games will be key for us, especially in the League as we try to overtake Maidstone and Tonbridge Angels.”

The Ladies are currently sat third in the South East Counties Women’s League, Division One East and face a tough test as they host Kent’s top placed team ranked divisions higher this weekend.

It’s a challenge but one Longley and her team-mates are relishing.

“Gillingham are a good side and it will be a tough game but we’re all looking forward to it.”

“They’ll be expecting an easy game, but we’ve proved we can come out on top as the underdogs and anything can happen in a cup! We just need to play our game and I believe we can get to the semis.”

Longley added, “Confidence is good within the team, we’re really progressing and playing some great football, so we’ll be going into the game on Sunday feeling positive!”

Donations towards supporting the club will be accepted at the turnstiles on Sunday, offering supporters of The Gate and women’s football fans in general, a brilliant opportunity to watch two good teams in action on a great playing surface.

Longley is certainly set on making home advantage count and called upon Margate supporters to pencil 3pm this Sunday into their diaries.

“Playing at home will be great for us, it’s a lovely pitch that we’re all used to now and hopefully we’ll have the home supporters which will give the team a boost!”

“Having the support there is so important. We have the solid few (mainly parents!) supporting us every week but as they say the crowd is the 12th man on the pitch, so it would be amazing to see some more friendly faces up there.”

“It’s not very often these games like this come around and if we can get a win out if it then it will be a massive game for this side of the club. We’re getting great support from the club, so it would be great to see people down there and give them a good performance to watch.”

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