Superb second-half from Wimbledon
Substitute Sian Wylie struck twice to help AFC Wimbledon Ladies extend their 100 per cent league record at Eastbourne Town.
Dons Ladies had to be patient with all the goals in a 4-0 win coming after the break. Linsey Clarke (pictured) got the ball rolling with Wylie’s double and a goal from the prolific Kelly Jade Whelan maintaining the momentum.
Zoe Clifford put an early chance over the home side’s bar, and this seemed to set the scene for one of the most one-sided halves without a goal. The visitors were rampant in possession, and carved open the home side’s defence at will, but a combination of fine goalkeeping from Eastbourne’s Walshaw, poor finishing, and misfortune kept the score 0-0 at half-time.
Within two minutes of the second-half starting, the deadlock was broken. Full-back Clarke joined in the attack once again and finished clinically at the end of a fine team move. Libby Suchley and Clifford both came close to doubling the advantage, before manager Chris Lyons made what turned out to be a vital substitution.
With almost her first touch of the ball, Wylie finished well to give the Dons the second goal they richly deserved. Wylie, keen to make amends for not starting the game, came on for striker Emma Keady and made an instant impact.
There was no let-up from Wimbledon after striking the killer second and Whelan continued her impressive goal per game ratio to increase the advantage. A fine win was sealed two minutes from time when Wylie grabbed her second of the game after an excellent through ball from Clifford.
Following the 4-0 win, AFC Wimbledon lead the London & South East Regional Women’s League with maximum points and next up they entertain Abbey Rangers in the second round qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup at Sutton FC.
Linsey Clarke was selected as player of the match by opponents Eastbourne on Sunday.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies: Salgado, Clements (Martin 75), Houghton-North, Carnell, Clarke (Colliver 80), Trimnell, Sargent (Mclaren 80), Suchley (Bavington 72), Keady (Wylie 60), Whelan, Clifford.