A goal in each half moved AFC Wimbledon Women closer to winning the title and a long-awaited promotion.
Sandra Soares Martins made the breakthrough and a goal near the end by Emily Donovan secured a 2-0 win at London Seaward to leave Wimbledon needing only one more point to win the league.
After good early pressure that included a shot across the face of goal by Ellie Dorey, the Dons struck the opening goal through Soares Martins, who finished off at the back post after a lovely ball by Hannah Billingham to the back post.
Not long after, there was a blow for Wimbledon as Ellie Dorey was forced to come off through injury, replaced by Ashleigh Goddard.
Skye Bacon caused havoc down the wing and won a free-kick for her efforts. Billingham floated the ball towards the box and it was met well by Fran Ali, but her effort went just over the bar.
The second-half started out evenly, as the Dons searched for a second goal and Seaward pursued an equaliser.
Midway through the half, Lauren Allen produced a great save to deny the hosts a way back into the game.
The Dons picked up the tempo thanks to some excellent work from Emily Donovan in midfield and a chance followed for Soares Martins, but her effort was too close to the goalkeeper, who smothered the ball.
However, it was only a temporary reprieve for Seaward as Donovan doubled the away side's lead with a fine strike. Billingham sent a free-kick into the box and after it bobbled around in the box Donovan was in the right place to take advantage, striking a powerful shot into the back of the net.
The goal effectively sealed the points and a valuable victory that means clinching the title is tantalisingly close.
PICS: Emily Topping
