Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.17 2021-22

Actonians end Hashtag unbeaten run

Actonians Ladies 1 Hashtag Utd 0
Actonians edged a highly competitive
FAWNL Division One South East match with
a single penalty goal to end Hashtag United’s
superb unbeaten league run.
A fine team display and a dash of good
fortune allowed the hosts to prevail against
the league leaders but the thoughts of all
present will be for the speedy recovery of
Hashtag player Courtney Clarke. seriously
injured after an 85th minute aerial collision.
Actonians started the better, pressing
the Hashtag defence and forcing several
corners with skipper Ashleigh Ward's set
piece delivery threatening Imogen Riches'
goal. Hashtag gradually played their way into Naomi Graham slides in to challenge Gemma Abela
the contest and went close to the opening goal (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
on 27 minutes. Maddie Thomas broke clear on
the right and crossed for Malika Apindia Gille to hit the woodwork.
Actonians' Jennie Brereton was fouled after a neat turn in the box for a penalty,
confidently converted by Sharon Odofin on 34 minutes to give the hosts a half time lead
which their energy and positive play probably deserved.
Hashtag returned with great purpose and Thomas lifted a great chance over the bar
from six yards on 47 minutes. The pressure continued to build but the home defence
protected keeper Paige Horsnell with great concentration and determination.
Hashtag skipper Grace Gillard hit the angle of post and bar with a super free kick
from wide right on the hour and then struck another set piece inches over Horsnell's bar.
On 65 minutes, Thomas sent a half chance high over the bar as the match reached the final
twenty minutes.
Sub Clarke's head injury led to a thirty minute break in play to await the arrival of
the emergency services. Upon resumption, the leaders pressed for an equaliser to
maintain their unbeaten start but Actonians managed the game really well, retaining the
ball with style and keeping play far from their goal for much of final minutes.
This win consolidated Actonians' third place jn the South East Division table albeit
still seven points behind Hashtag who also have games in hand. Hashtag will undoubtedly
be in contention for promotion to the FAWNL Southern Premier Division despite this
setback.
Actonians Ladies: Paige Horsnell, Jennie Brereton, Meila D’Santos, Naomi Graham,
Maria Ledezma-Viso, Sharon Odofin, Ashleigh Ward, Rhiannon Ishmael, Imogen
Sinclair, Samaira Khan, Beatriz Pinto Correia. Subs: Chelsea Orridge-Golding, Georgia
Young, Roschelle Shakes.
Hashtag Utd: Imogen Riches, Madelyn Thomas, Grace Gillard, Hayley West, Cerys
Adams, Katherine Nutman, Gemma Abela, Sophie Kelly, Emma Samways, Amy-Leigh
Abrehart, Malika Apindia Gille. Subs: Abbey
Davies, Courtney Clarke, Sasha Adamson,
Kelsey Smith, Eva Carvalho.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 17 - 13 January 2022