AFC Wimbledon Ladies hit the goal trail on Sunday with an impressive victory against Denham Ladies.
In Wimbledon's first home league game at Colston Avenue since 16 September, goals from Rebecca Sargent, Jenny Nagle, Caroline Bisson, and Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins earned a 4-0 win. It sets up the Dons Ladies well for another home match with Norwich Ladies in opposition this Sunday, offering a chance to put pressure on the top two in FA Women's National League South East Division 1.
The Dons started well on Sunday with early attempts on goal, lovely passing and generally plenty of possession. Nagle was making her first start for a while, against her old club, having been on bench- warming duties. Her pace and strength worked well in the middle of the strike force, flanked by Bisson and Katie Stanley. The first goal came from a clinical strike by Sargent on 18 minutes after one of many excellent runs by Bisson, who crossed for 'Sarge' to finish it off.
Katie Stanley twice came close to doubling the advantage as she struck the woodwork twice, the latter with a superb lob over the keeper that hit the crossbar. It looked like Denham would go into the break just one goal down, but Jenny Nagle had other ideas as she finished clinically after good work by Stanley and Hoesli-Atkins. As the half-time whistle shrilled, Wimbledon's defence had coped comfortably, thanks to the efforts of Hannah Billingham, Sarah Wentworth, Rosie Russell and Hoesli-Atkins. Chanell Yardley is shaping up to be a worthy successor between the sticks to Tash Salgado, who joined Crystal Palace and recently made her debut.
The second-half started in the same spirit as the first had ended with Wimbledon not sitting on the two-goal cushion. After 10 minutes of the second-half a classic Wimbledon route one goal was scored. Yardley's long ball downfield set-up Bisson, who showed real determination to chase it down and net the third. Sian Wylie entered the fray for Billingham, who had been rather unfairly booked, and she quickly made her presence felt. A fine ball from Wylie picked out Bisson down the right and he cross was headed home in fine style by Hoesli-Atkins.
Substitute Georgia Heasman, who came on for Nagle, sent over impressive deliveries from corners and one of her crosses almost resulted in a goal for captain Jess Trimnell. Rosie Russell also headed just wide after a fine ball from Wylie and there was also a run-out for new girl Megan Kowalski, who replaced Becky Mclaren-Johnson.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies have another home game on Sunday (2.00 pm kick-off at Carshalton Athletic) with Norwich City Ladies in opposition.
The picture above shows (from left): Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins, Rebecca Sargent, Caroline Bisson and Jenny Nagle.