Ladies eight unbeaten after late winner
AFC Wimbledon Ladies extended their superb start to the season with victory against Fulham FC Foundation, thanks to a winner from Kelly Jade-Whelan.
goal of the season was decisive in the 2-1 win after Fulham had drawn level, but so too was the performance of goalkeeper Tash Salgado (pictured), who made vital saves on the day.thWhelan’s 16
This win keeps Wimbledon firmly in top spot of the London and South East Regional Women’s League after an excellent unbeaten record of seven victories and a draw from eight matches.
It was so nearly a dream start for the Dons when Emma Keady came close after getting on the end of a corner, but Fulham responded and Salgado was required to stay alert to deny a couple of efforts from the visitors.
minute when captain Jess Trimnell converted a penalty after a Fulham defender was adjudged to have handled in the area.thWimbledon took the lead in the 20
The Dons attempted to build on their advantage with Keady and Rebecca Sargent threatening to double the advantage. However, it needed the save of the match to keep Wimbledon in front by half-time with Salgado rising superbly to tip over a shot from outside the box.
All of Wimbledon’s hard work was undone just after the hour though when a defensive error gifted Fulham captain Verity Snow an easy chance to level the game.
The Wimbledon response was just what manager Chris Lyons wanted as his side fought back and earned their reward 10 minutes from time. Zoe Clifford, who was handed a role further forward, hit a post and Whelan showed that poacher’s instinct once again to strike the winner.
Chris Lyons said: “This is always a game we look forward to and the way our players dealt with Fulham’s attacking play and physicality was very good. We did the ugly stuff when we needed too, and asked a lot of questions of our opponents all over the pitch. Once again, our gritty response to conceding a goal was fantastic and the final score showed we had too much quality and strength for Fulham to deal with.”
Tash Salgado earned the player of the match award, voted for by the opposition.