Ashlee Hincks scored the ultimate consolation goal as our Women saw their FA Cup run come to an end at the fourth round stage.
Championship side Charlton Athletic emerged as deserved 5-1 winners on the day, with the two division gap between the sides proving to be decisive.
The Dons got off to a poor start as we fell 2-0 behind inside the first 15 minutes. Charlton’s first came through a tidy bit of play on the edge of the area that was capped by a powerful finish, before they headed home a second from a corner.
Up the other end Hincks forced the visiting keeper into a good save before Ellie Dorey’s shot went narrowly over the bar. However it was the visitors who increased their lead as they scored from a second ball after we won an initial header.
The second-half saw more of the same as the Addicks tucked home a fantastic solo goal for fourth, before another corner brough about a fifth. However the most memorable goal of the game came for the Dons as Hincks produced yet another stunning effort from inside the center circle that flew over the visiting keepers head.
After the game manager Kevin Foster said: “We always knew it was going to be a tough game. Charlton are a very good side and the quality they posses was there to see today. We gave it our best shot. The best bit about it was that the girls kept on going and got a goal for their efforts.
Ashlee Hincks said: “We are extremely proud, we had a tough game against a Championship side that are flying in that league so it was always going to be difficult. They are full time but I think we gave a good account of ourselves and should be really proud.”
The Dons are back in league action next Sunday as we travel to Actonians.
AFC Wimbledon: 1 Faye Baker, 2 Rosie Russell, 3 Billie Brooks, 4 Steph Mann (6 Amy Taylor), 5 Kelly Highman, 7 Emma Plewa (10 Chloe Sampson), 9 Ashlee Hincks, 16 Emily Donovan (12 Megan Stow), 17 Becki Bath (15 Gloria Siber) 20 Hannah Billingham, 22 Ellie Dorey (21 Mia Lockett)
PIC: Emily Topping