AFC Wimbledon Women certainly had their shooting boots on yesterday as they ran out as remarkable 12-0 winners over Hounslow.
After a hard-fought win against Actonians last time out the Dons made four changes to the starting eleven with Amy Taylor, Chloe Sampson, Ella Newman and Megan Stow all starting.
We got off to a perfect start as an incredible long range effort from Becki Bath saw us take the lead within two minutes. Shortly after things got even better as Ellie Dorey tapped in a rebound after Ashlee Hincks hit the post.
Close to the half hour mark it was three as Hincks got amongst the goals with a fine finish. This signaled a flurry of goals as Dorey got her second three minutes later. Hincks then also had a brace, making it 5-0 after only 40 minutes.
Next up it was captain for the day Kelly Highman who scored her first goal of the season before our number nine completed her hat-trick. Hincks then had four to her name as she tucked home a penalty before the break.
The second-half started the same way as the first had ended with as Hincks took her tally to five after getting on the end of a fine through ball from Stow. The striker then made it six and 10 overall from close range.
Sampson got in on the act as the game entered the final 15 minutes. The biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Sarah Wentworth who completed her come back from a serious injury which kept her sidelined for 14 months as she replaced Billie Brooks. Hincks then plundered her seventh and the Dons’ twelfth to cap off a memorable afternoon.
Manager Kevin Foster said: “The best bit about today was seeing Sarah Wentworth back after 14 months out. She’s a fantastic character. It’s difficult mentally for players when they go through tough injuries but she’s never let it show around the group. She’s always set a good example for our younger players and is a credit to the club.”
Sarah Wentworth said: “It’s been amazing, it’s been hard don’t get me wrong but the medical staff, the girls and the management have all supported me.”
The Dons are back at Carshalton on Sunday as we face Actonians in the quarter-finals of the Capital Cup.
AFC Wimbledon: 1 Faye Baker (23 Lauren Allen), 3 Billie Brooks (18 Sarah Wentworth), 5 Kelly Highman (20 Hannah Billingham), 6 Amy Taylor, 7 Emma Plewa, 9 Ashlee Hincks, 10 Chloe Sampson, 12 Megan Stow, 17 Becki Bath (2 Rosie Russell), 22 Ellie Dorey (24 Charley Boswell), 25 Ella Newman
PIC: Emily Topping