Ladies continue superb start to season
AFC Wimbledon Ladies marched into the third qualifying round of the SSE FA Women’s Cup by striking double figures against Abbey Rangers on Sunday.
Manager Chris Lyons was understandably in upbeat mood after the 10-0 victory and he wished to thank Neal Ardley and principle sponsor Mike Richardson for showing their support by attending the game.
We had a very good period in the second-half when our passing was exceptional, and when you add to that our very good attacking movement, we can open up any defence. On the back of this performance, we now have six players in the London and South East Regional Women’s League’s top fifteen goalscorers. “Abbey made things as difficult as they could, but the league gap between us was apparent from the first minute,” said Chris. “I was pleased with our response after our talk at half-time, and I thought all the substitutes had a good impact today.
“With the next round drawn away at Gillingham on 11 October, we’ll be looking to continue our run in this competition, and show again how we measure up against another Women’s Premier League team. I’d like to pass on our thanks to principle sponsor Mike Richardson and first-team manager Neal Ardley for coming down and showing their support.”
Sian Wylie started a fine afternoon by putting the Dons one-up after just three minutes, calmly finishing past the Abbey goalkeeper. The Dons continued the relentless pressure and after 12 minutes the advantage was doubled when Kelly Jade-Whelan bagged her first goal of the game. Wylie and Whelan continued to combine well and it wasn’t long before Wylie grabbed her second to make it 3-0.
The first-half saw Libby Suchley, Zoe Clifford, Rebecca Sargent and full-back Linsey Clark all go close with fine efforts, and the first notable bit of attacking play from Rangers resulted in a save from Dons goalkeeper Tylee.
Following half-time, Clarke went close after another fine passage of play and there was no let-up from Wimbledon at 3-0. Wylie celebrated her hat-trick after a fine cross from Clifford to increase the advantage. With the Dons finding a fluid passing period, Whelan then put the finishing touches on two good moves to put the Dons 5-0 ahead.
Substitute Emma Keady nearly made an instant impact with a crashing shot turned onto the visitors’ bar. Soon after, the substitute turned in a superb cross for Whelan to head home. Keady struck twice in the final stages to reward her impressive substitute display and there was also time for Wylie and Whelan to both get their fourth goals of the day.
Next up for the Dons is a return to league action at Fulham on Sunday.
AFC Wimbledon: Tylee, Clements (Hoesli-Atkins 17), Carnell, Houghton-North (Keady 68), Clarke, Trimnell (Bavington 60), Sargent, Suchley, Clifford, Whelan, Wylie. Subs not used: Colliver, McLaren.