AFC Wimbledon Women were twice pegged back in a draw at Worthing on Sunday, but the point was enough to seal title glory - and a long-awaited promotion!
A 2-2 draw meant that Kevin Foster's side will play next season in FA Women’s National League Premier Division South (tier three), after being confirmed as FAWNL South East Division One Champions.
It was an all-action start to yesterday's game with Hannah Mackenzie's last-ditch tackle stopping Worthing, before Skye Bacon's effort went agonisingly wide after fantastic wing play by Brèon Grant.
However, it was only a temporary reprieve for Worthing, as Bacon opened the scoring after latching onto a great ball by Sandra Soares Martins. The lead was shortlived though as the visitors went up the other end and scored. Lauren Allen produced a strong stop to deny the initial shot, but the Dons failed to clear the danger, and it was 1-1, after a crazy few minutes.
The high tempo continued in the second-half and captain Hannah Billingham's well struck free-kick was saved, before Soares Martins was denied by the home keeper after a fine ball into the box by Rosie Russell.
But there was no stopping the Dons shortly afterwards as Billingham restored the advantage in style, striking an excellent free-kick into the bottom corner.
Summer Roberts replaced goal scorer Skye Bacon on the hour mark to freshen things up approaching the latter stages, but the hosts drew level after Wimbledon were punished for a defensive mix-up.
To stop the hosts gaining momentum, Kevin Foster made a change in midfield with Molly Childerhouse introduced in place of Ashleigh Goddard.
The Dons almost conceded as there was a mistake at the back, but Kelly Highman was there to make an impressive goal-line clearance to keep the Dons level.
It ended 2-2, enough to confirm the Dons as Champions with a game to spare, thanks to an impressive record of 17 wins, two draws, and only two defeats, so far.
Congratulations from all at the Club to players and staff on securing title glory.
Photo Credits: Rebecca Sigrist
