Ladies strike nine against Rangers
AFC Wimbledon Ladies produced an impressive display of attacking football to march into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.
The Dons triumphed 9-0 in their SSE Women’s FA Cup first round qualifying tie against Regents Park Rangers with striker Kelly-Jade Whelan netting four of the goals. Full-back Linsey Clarke (pictured) also got in on the act by heading home her first goal of the season.
minute after a good move involving Libby Suchley and Zoe Clifford. Dons club captain Jess Trimnell doubled the advantage just a few minutes later and it was 4-0 by the half hour mark with Clifford netting a quick-fire double, her first struck in fine style from 18 yards.thWhelan notched her first in the 11
Though Regents Park mounted a few attacks in the last 15 minutes of the first-half, Wimbledon goalkeeper Lianne Tylee was barely troubled.
Showing good control in midfield, Wimbledon refused to rest on their laurels in the second-half. With impressive one-touch passing movements, the Dons were much more near their best and Whelan made it five with a superb individual goal. Full-backs Clarke and Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins were able to push forward effectively with Wimbledon enjoying such supremacy and it was six shortly afterwards. Clarke headed home emphatically after a fine cross from Clifford.
With the Dons now rampant in attack, manager Chris Lyons put on another striker to go for more goals. Emma Keady entered the fray for Megan Smith, who had another fine afternoon, and it did not take long for the substitute to make an impression. Keady produced a fine pass to set-up Whelan, who made no mistake to claim a hat-trick.
There was still time for Whelan to add her fourth after more good work from Clarke and Keady rounded off the scoring a minute before the end.
It had been an impressive display from the Dons in front of goal and Chris Lyons believes it will set his side up well for a tricky trip to Eastbourne in the league on Sunday.
AFC Wimbledon: Tylee, Hoesli-Atkins, Clements, Carnell, Clarke, Trimnell, Sargent, Suchley, Clifford, Smith (Keady 65), Whelan. Subs not used Salgado, Martin, Wylie.