Ladies march on with victory against Argyle
Rebecca Sargent’s header edged AFC Wimbledon Ladies into the next round of the Women’s Premier League Cup after a thriller against Plymouth Argyle.
In a hard physical game, the Dons Ladies continued their debut run in the Women’s Premier League Cup with a 3-2 victory.
It was a fine afternoon for Sian Wylie, who was involved in all three of Wimbledon goals, the first of which came within the first 25 minutes when the right-back finished clinically. The match continued with a fast pace and provided more drama when Plymouth equalised in the 33rd minute through a Daniele Salt free-kick.
Despite Plymouth getting back into the game, it only took the Dons one minute to restore the advantage when Kelly-Jade Whelan slotted the ball into the net following a Wylie corner. A fine end to the first half for the Dons, while the visitors decided a change of formation would be the ideal opportunity to try and keep their cup hopes alive.
The second half continued in the same fashion as the first with a high tempo of football being played by both sides. As the game hit the hour mark, Ezme Wells levelled the score again with a stunning shot from outside the Dons penalty area. The final goal, and the best goal of the game, came in the 70th minute. Wylie crossed the ball from the right wing to find Rebecca Sargent (pictured) at the edge of the six-yard box and she headed the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. A stunning end to the game and Wimbledon remain in a cup competition that offers them a chance to continue their recent success.
Manager Chris Lyons said: “I was very happy with how we matched and overcame Plymouth today. They are an established WPL side who play at a high tempo and are physical in their approach. We had to battle for everything, and I thought the players showed an enormous amount of spirit to take the game to Plymouth.
“They set-up differently to how we expected, but we were able to contain the numerical advantage they had in midfield, and we used our wide areas intelligently. Down the right hand side especially we were dominant, and they changed their formation in the second-half to try and contain us. For me, that is a huge compliment as to how well we played, and shows we have what we need to progress in the WPL.
“All the players ran themselves into the ground, and the substitutes made a huge impact at the right time. Overall, I’m very happy with the performances of everyone and we’re ready for this weekend’s game.”
This Sunday the Dons Ladies are back in league action away at Milton Keynes Ladies with a 2.00 pm kick-off at Newport Pagnell Town FC.
AFC Wimbledon – Salgado, Wylie, Houghton-North, Bock, Billingham, Sargent, Trimnell, O’Halloran, Keady (Low 76), Whelan (Bisson 62), Fever. Sub not used McGuigan.