Watford Ladies continue pre-season with victory (From Watford Observer)

Watford Ladies continue pre-season with victory over Gillingham Ladies

12:30pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in Sport

Watford Ladies continued their pre season schedule with a 3-1 victory over Premier League south side Gillingham Ladies.

A strong first half performance laid the foundations for the win and the Hornets had the ball in the net within the first ten minutes.

Kate Natkiel crossed the ball in from the right flank and it was touched home by Irene Martin Garcia. But the referee ruled she had used a hand and the goal was ruled out.

Watford did opening the scoring shortly after, as Sarah Wiltshire received a pass and calmly slotted home.

The lead was quickly doubled and Wiltshire was again involved. Her free-kick into the box was touched past the keeper by one her own defenders.

Wiltshire wrapped up the first half scoring on 30 minutes. After receiving the ball, she moved into a central position and smashed a shot from 25-yards into the corner.

At the interval, John Salomon made several substitutions and, as a result, the Watford side were unable to continue the momentum from the opening 45 minutes.

However, further chances were created and Jo Wilson, Kate Natkiel and Chloe Gunn all hit the woodwork.

In the closing stages of the match, Gillingham grabbed a consolation goal as a poor clearance was pounced on and fired into the top corner by the home side’s centre-back.

Hornets’ boss John Salomon said: "Today was another excellent test for us against a very good side. The players are doing everything we are asking of them and developing very well in each game. I am very pleased with our progress.”

Following their relocation to Berkhamsted, Watford Ladies will be holding several events to raise the club’s profile.

This Saturday the Hornets will be running a stall on the town's busy market and at Berkhamsted moor, coaching staff will be running various events throughout the day for people to come along and view or get involved in.