Ladies vying for runners-up spot
AFC Wimbledon Ladies secured a vital win under the lights at the Cherry Red Records Stadium with a double from Caz Bisson maintaining their league challenge.
A 3-1 victory against KIKK United moved the Dons level on points with Fulham and Carshalton as one of three teams vying for the runners-up spot behind Champions-elect Old Actonians in the London and South East Regional Women’s Premier Division.
In a first-half of few chances on Wednesday evening, the visitors edged it and Wimbledon needed goalkeeper Liane Tylee to make a fantastic double save to keep them on level terms.
However, the Dons once again came to life after half-time, a factor that proved crucial last Thursday when they bounced back to win the Surrey Women’s Cup after extra time.
As on so many occasions this season, top goalscorer Bisson (pictured) was the instigator as she produced another touch of genius by rounding the goalkeeper in style, before slotting home the opener.
KIKK seemed almost stunned into a reaction and Dons centre back Alysha Clements was perhaps harshly penalised for a challenge in the box on Sophie Le Marchand. There was no mistake from the subsequent penalty and Wimbledon knew that they had a fight on their hands.
However, manager Chris Lyons rung the changes and the introduction of inspirational club captain Jess Trimnell proved to be pivotal. Trimnell forced a corner and Emma Keady headed home emphatically.
The Dons were now in more control of the game, and playing better football, but the visitors were still proving to be a tricky side. Wimbledon’s defence held firm though with Lauren Carnell having another superb game in the back four.
It proved to be a tense finale with just a slender lead to protect for Wimbledon, but Bisson’s intervention sealed it as she latched onto a through ball and finished clinically in the final minute of normal time.