AFC Wimbledon Women missed out on a final spot in the Capital Cup, after league rivals Ashford Town won in a penalty shoot-out.
Though the manner of defeat hurt - 4-2 on pens after a 2-2 draw - there's a quick chance to make amends at Ashford on Wednesday, and victory in the league rematch would take Kevin Foster's side closer to title glory.
The weather held up to allow the Capital Cup semi-final to go ahead at the Robert Parker Stadium.
Wimbledon enjoyed the majority of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, with Rosie Russell creating space for herself down the right wing. Ashford grew into the game, taking advantage of the speed of their forward players and the high winds.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Ashford had the best chance of the game, a corner hit the woodwork, and the follow-up sailed over the crossbar. Wimbledon responded with an equally close chance, when Molly Childerhouse’s shot grazed the outside of the post.
Wimbledon made the breakthrough with 40 minutes played when Billie Brooks delivered a perfectly placed free-kick towards Ashleigh Goddard, who forced it past the Ashford keeper.
Five minutes later, the Dons doubled the lead as Brooks soared higher than anyone to meet Hannah Billingham’s corner, making it 2-0 before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Wimbledon continued to push on at the start of the second-half, but it was Ashford who converted their first chance with a fiercely powerful volley from close range, giving Faye Baker no chance.
Breon Grant was given a chance from another Billingham corner, but the Ashford substitute goalkeeper smothered the ball bravely at her feet.
The Ashford keeper was once again in action with a spectacular top corner save from a Soares Martins effort.
With just over 15 minutes left on the clock, Ashford drew level after a free kick.
The Dons continued to chase for a winning goal, bringing Chloe Sampson and Olivia Carpenter on for Skye Bacon and Soares Martins.
It wasn’t to be though, and the game was concluded with a penalty shoot-out, which Ashford won 4-2.
Focus is now firmly back on league action, with AFC Wimbledon Women returning to the Robert Parker Stadium on Wednesday night (7.45 pm kick-off) for a vital league match.
