An injury-time winner by Ashlee Hincks earned a place in the third round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup for AFC Wimbledon Ladies.
The Dons made it 10 matches unbeaten in all competitions with a dramatic 1-0 win at Hashtag United and our ladies did it after making several changes due to injuries.
A scrappy first-half was slightly edged by Hashtag United, but neither team had a clear-cut chance so the 0-0 half-time scoreline was a fair reflection of the competitive game that was playing out. The second half started in much the same way, but as the game went on the Dons began to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The front three of Rebecca Carter, Gloria Siber and Katie Stanley became more influential as the game progressed and chances followed
It appeared that the game was heading for extra-time though until that dramatic intervention by Hincks in the 92nd minute. After a foul on Gloria Siber, Hincks stepped up and smashed home the free-kick from 20 yards out.
The late winner ensured that Wimbledon’s unbeaten run was extended to 10, scoring 37 goals and conceding just seven along the way.
Manager Kevin Foster said: “Credit to the girls, they were excellent. We were not at our best, but one thing this group is growing in is resilience. We kept going and going and it was a bit of quality at the end that won us the game.”
Our Ladies are now just 90 minutes away from reaching the fourth round, which would bring the prospect one of the Women’s Super League clubs. The third round of the competition takes place on Sunday 12 December.
Next up for the Dons is yet another away game (a fifth in a row) with a match at Portishead on Sunday in the FAWNL Plate.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies: Faye Baker, Rosie Russell, Kelly Highman, Rebecca Sargent, Angel Fowler, Steph Mann, Ashlee Hincks, Megan Stowe, Gloria Siber, Katie Stanley, Rebecca Carter.
Subs: Lauren Allen, Sarah Wentworth, Chloe Sampson, Hannah Billingham, Abby Delves.
Pic credit: Glyn Roberts.