Our women celebrated the return to SW17 in style by marking the occasion with a victory that was sealed by Ashlee Hincks.
Last season’s top scorer struck the second in a 2-0 win versus Actonians after an own goal had put Wimbledon ahead in what was a well-attended fixture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The Dons got off to an encouraging start as Ellie Dorey came close to opening the scoring by forcing a fine save from the visiting keeper inside the opening 10 minutes. The Dons kept searching with Hincks as the focal point, her impressive runs into the channels ensuring that the Actonians keeper was kept busy.
The best chance of the half came when a fine cross from Ellie Dorey went across the face of goal, but Ashlee Hincks and Rebecca Carter were both just unable to get on the end of it.
Following a start to the second-half when Wimbledon struggled to create anything of note, Billie Brooks headed wide on the hour after getting on the end of a cross by Hincks. Shortly afterwards there was a lengthy stoppage in play as Rebecca Carter received treatment for a serious looking injury. Carter was replaced by Remmi Gardner, player of the match last time out, and she made an instant impact by winning possession to start an attack that led to an own goal.
After deservedly making the breakthrough, Wimbledon took complete control and with 20 minutes left the advantage was doubled through Hincks, who finished off a fine team move to seal the three points.
First-team coach Andy May said: “It was pleasing to grind out a result. We didn’t really set our tempo or intensity out of possession. The stuff we did in possession was good, but we could have produced better in certain spells. When we did play quickly we got success, so we’ll be looking for more of the same in the coming weeks.”
Our women’s next home is at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday 2 October (2.00 pm kick-off) versus Wymondham, so look out for ticket information soon. Next up is a trip to Cheltenham for a rearranged FAWNL Cup game on Sunday 25 October (2.00 pm kick-off).
Wimbledon: Faye Baker, Rosie Russell, Kelly Highman, Hannah Billingham, Steph Mann (Amy Taylor), Emily Donovan (Mia Lockett), Becki Bath, Rebecca Carter (Remmi Gardner), Ellie Dorey (Chloe Sampson), Ashlee Hincks.
Pic credit: Glyn Roberts.