Oxford United Women are on the road this weekend as they travel to Kent to face Gillingham Women.
The game will be played at Gillingham Women’s new stadium, the Bauvill Stadium, and entrance is FREE for everyone. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Kick-off is at 2:30 PM.
It’s Gillingham’s first home game of the season, having played seven games on the road, winning three, losing three and drawing one.
The home side play their first game at their new home with new owner Kevin Hake taking over the club. At the start of the season, GWFC released a statement announcing the uncertain state of the club’s future, but last Tuesday detailed how the club would be saved by Hake.
The U’s enter the weekend off the back of a hard-earned extra-time victory over Bridgwater United in the FAWNL League Cup, their second victory in a row to regain their start-of-season form. Leah Burridge and Carly Johns have been back amongst the goals and will look to add to their impressive tallies on Sunday, while keeper Rose Kite will hope to make it three successive clean sheets.
“They’re playing their first game at home so it’s an exciting one for them, and we’ll prepare as we do for anyone. We’ve had two good results in a row now and we have to keep that momentum going. It’s an important time in the season and we need to stay focused to get the three points” said Manager Liam Gilbert.
This fixture is one that holds fond memories for Oxford United Women; a 1-0 victory away to Gillingham in the final game of the 2021/22 campaign earned them second place in the league.
Top scorer Burridge is well aware of what home advantage can do for a squad, as the Yellows have gone over 1,000 days without defeat at Court Place Farm
“They’re going to have the backing from their fans and they’re going to be well up for it. They’ll want to be the first team to take three points from us so we can’t take any game lightly,” said Leah.
“An away game is going to be a challenge in a new environment. We’re playing on grass which we’re not very used to but we are all up for it and have worked really hard this week, continuing on our strengths as a team and we are ready for Sunday” added Burridge.
If you can't make the journey down to Kent this weekend, Oxford United Women are back in action at Court Place Farm against Chesham United Ladies on Sunday the 13th of November in the Women's FA Cup.