AFC Wimbledon progressed to the Fourth Round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup on Sunday as we beat higher division Gillingham in style.
Another fantastic defensive display included some fine saves from Faye Baker, whilst a goal from Ellie Dorey secured a safe passage through.
The Dons went into the game having not played in more than a month, with the weather playing havoc with our fixture list prior to the winter break. The extended gap between games showed in the early stages as we struggled to get going in the torrential rain at Plough Lane.
Baker was called into action after 25 minutes as she produced a stunning save to keep the scores level. Up the other end Megan Stow tested the Gillingham keeper a few minutes later but in truth it was a cagey first-half overall.
Nevertheless, the game came alive in the second-half as Ashlee Hincks got on the end of a fine ball from Dorey to force the Gills keeper into her first save of the half with 50 minutes on the clock.
Emma Plewa was introduced just south of the hour mark, which brought about a spell of domination from the Dons as we began to create more chances. This saw us take the lead thanks to a neat finish by Dorey from close range.
Rather than sit back and invite pressure a further attacking change was made as Gloria Siber was brought on to ensure we stayed on the front foot. A powerful longe range effort from Hincks produced a fine save from the Gillingham keeper as the visitors kept the game alive. In the dying minutes it was backs against the wall stuff from the Dons but some fine defending ensured that we booked our spot in Round Four.
We’ve been drawn at home against Championship side Charlton in the next round, with the game scheduled to be played on Sunday 29 January. More details for the fixture will be announced in due course. Before then we make a trip to Norwich on Sunday 22 January.
AFC Wimbledon: 1 Faye Baker, 2 Rosie Russell, 3 Billie Brooks, 4 Steph Mann, 5 Kelly Highman, 9 Ashlee Hincks, 12 Megan Stow (15 Gloria Siber), 16 Emily Donovan, 17 Becki Bath (7 Emma Plewa), 20 Hannah Billingham, 22 Ellie Dorey
PICS: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)