Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.33 2022-23

AFC Wimbledon Development 1
Impact FC Women 0
The 'Battle of the Champions' for the Sue Sharples Memorial Trophy was a fitting
opening match of the Greater London Women's League Finals Day.
AFC Wimbledon Development and Impact FC won their respective Division Two
titles with a combined 179 goals scored and just 17 conceded so it was difficult to
predict how the match up would play out. In fact it was the defensive excellence which
won out over attacking power with few clear cut chances on either side.
What was certain was that the match opened at a frantic pace with no player
getting time on the ball and challenges fierce and frequent. Impact had the slightly
better positions in front of goal in the opening half hour but there were no difficult
shots for Dons keeper Eva Haunstett to save.
Abigail Kargbo, excellent in defence for Dons and deservedly later awarded
Player of the Match for her interceptions and calm distribution under pressure, was
well supported in keeping the Impact attack under control.
At the other end, Dons created a couple of dangerous first half chances late on,
only for Ashleigh Lewis-Shodeinde to make crucial tackles.
Impact had a big chance to open the scoring on 50 minutes when a fine move
down the right saw Sara Catriona Dick set up a shooting opportunity for Safia
Mohamed but the finish was wide of the far post.
There were other moments when pressure was applied on the Dons goal but it
was the Division Two South and Central champions who made the crucial
breakthrough with a quarter of an hour left.
With the generally sound defending on display it was something of a surprise
when a through ball found Chardonnay Smith racing clear of the last defender to
finish confidently past the advancing Buse Sevimli.
Hard as Impact tried to force an equaliser they were continually frustrated by a
rock solid AFC Wimbledon team who saw out the match without too many alarms.
The South West Londoners completed the double; but Impact, who only joined
the GLWFL in 2021 after originating as a Hackney based five a side team. had also
made a great impression with their strong and skilful performance.
AFC Wimbledon Development: Eva Haunstetter, Aliyah Abdool, Ellen Crossett,
Cydney Felix, Mia Ferioli, Jessica Frimpong, Brianna Gilbert-Lawal, Grace Hall,
Abigail Kargbo, Amber Powell, Chardonnay Smith. Subs: Nyasha Morris, Honey
Dulley, Amelia Walsh, Shaniya McKenzie, Francesca Zaza.
Impact FC Women: Buse Sevimli, Shakeelah Prince, Anna Benjamin, Diana
Ndukwu, Elizabeth Allen, Ashleigh Lewis-Shodeinde, Chantelle Springer, Jessica
Mortimer, Sara Catriona Dick, Chenay Hussey, Maria Bustillos. Subs: Chloe
Holness, Alice Williams, Lucy Rolington,
Meredith Fisher, Safia Mohamed.

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