Caroline Bisson struck the opener to help AFC Wimbledon Ladies to continue their impressive run in the SSE Women’s FA Cup.
However, the stand-in captain was quick to pay tribute to a fine team performance after the Dons triumphed 2-0 against a Portsmouth side currently a division above in the league pyramid.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have won against Portsmouth and to be in the draw for the next round," said Bisson. "Everyone stepped up their game and it showed on the pitch. We defended very well when we needed to, and took our chances at the other end. We said to each other before the game that if we out-work them, win our own individual battles and stick to our game plan, then we could win - and that’s exactly what happened. For me, to be captain in Jess Trimnell’s absence is something I am very proud of, and I couldn’t be happier for the team and everyone at the club that we are through to the next round!”
The picture above shows the victorious first-team with members of the Under-11 girls squad.
The Dons started brightly and kept it going in the second-half with Georgia Heasman netting after the break and next up in he cup is a third round match away at Hull City LFC.
Wimbledon’s start to Sunday’s match was rewarded in the 28th minute when Bisson’s long free-kick floated past everyone and went into the far top corner. The play was free-flowing from Wimbledon and it meant a deserved 1-0 lead at half-time.
Portsmouth came out determined to play harder and faster, but Wimbledon had similar ideas. On 57 minutes, the advantage was doubled. Following great build-up play in midfield, Bisson put over a tremendous cross for Heasman to bring down and she deftly put the ball beyond the keeper to make it 2-0.
The Dons continued to go forward, looking for the third. Katie Stanley replaced Heasman and injected her own direct style. Chanell Yardley was confident in goal, not leaving any room for error. Billingham and Wylie continued to produce superb free kicks, threatening to supply the breakthrough ball, but the third goal wouldn’t come. However, Wimbledon stayed resolute and worked as a complete unit. The defence was strong and organised. The midfield, although missing regulars through injury, did not allow Portsmouth the space to work in. One last chance fell to Pompey, but Yardley made a brave dive to feet and kept a clean sheet.
Starting line-up: 1 Chanell Yardley, 5 Rosie Russell, 7 Jenny Nagle, 9 Caroline Bisson, 11 Hannah Baptiste, 12 Sarah Wentworth, 15 Georgia Heasman, 16 Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins, 17 Sian Wylie, 18 Kelly Highman, 20 Hannah Billingham
Subs: 2 Megan Kowalski, 3 Linsey Clarke, 14 Katie Stanley, 22 Madi Parsonson, 24 Justine Buckmire
The Ladies are involved in more cup action this Sunday with another home fixture, this time against Cambridge United WFC in the third round of the FA WNL League Cup. The match will be at Carshalton Athletic, Colston Ave SM5 2PW. Kick off 2pm. Follow the Dons Ladies on Twitter @afcw_ladies, Instagram @afcwladies and Facebook @AFCWimbledonLadies.