Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.9 2022-23

AFC Wimbledon 0 Watford 1 (aet)
Watford progressed in the FAWNL League Cup after an epic battle with AFC
Wimbledon which was only settled by a goal in the last minute of extra time.
The Dons, of Division One South East and beaten finalists in the League Plate
last season, fought tooth and nail against their opponents who had put six goals past
previous lower tier opposition Norwich City in the Determining Round. Watford had
a number of chances throughout but Dons also impressed in attack in an exciting and
highly committed tie.
The match started in an absolute deluge and at a frantic pace with both teams
moving the ball quickly over the slick surface. Watford keeper Georgie Ferguson was
the first to be tested by a Becki Bath shot but her opposite number Faye Baker had to
be alert on two occasions to turn away dangerous cross shots.
Wimbledon went agonisingly close to an opener on 25 minutes when a Hannah
Billingham cross was flicked on and rebounded to safety off the far upright. Apart
from that close call there was nothing to choose between the teams as the half ended
in bright sunshine.
Watford rang the changes for the second half and offered a far more potent
threat to the Dons defence primarily through use of both wings. Flo Fyfe and Poppy
Wilson were soon threatening the home goal whilst Gemma Davison made up a trio
of Watford players looking to commit defenders at pace.
Watford went close on several occasions, Wilson hitting the bar, Annie-Lee
Rossiter firing just wide and Davison forcing Baker into a fine save low to her right
on 71 minutes. The Dons weathered the Watford storm and brought in their own
reinforcements as the match looked set to go into extra time,
Chances were traded throughout a lively first period of extra time. Gloria Siber
drew an excellent save from Ferguson with a powerful drive on the 100 minute mark,
whilst Bianca Baptiste nearly marked her return from injury with a Watford goal.
With both defences strong throughout the afternoon, it seemed inevitable that
spot kicks would decide the outcome but Grace Garrad had other ideas. With seconds
left, Garrad hit an unstoppable 30-yard effort high into the Dons' net for a stunning
finale to a fine contest.
AFC Wimbledon may have exited the competition but gave an excellent display
against quality opponents and both teams earned the appreciation of the sizeable
crowd at the War Memorial Ground.
AFC Wimbledon: Faye Baker, Rosie Russell, Billie Brooks, Kelly Highman,
Hannah Billingham, Steph Mann, Emily Donovan, Becki Bath, Ellie Dorey, Ashlee
Hincks, Gloria Siber. Subs: Amy Taylor, Megan Stow, Emma Plewa, Chloe Sampson.
Watford: Georgie Ferguson, Nicola Gibson, Emily Wallace, Andria Georgiou,
Melis Mehmet, Megan Chandler, Allison Palisch, Grace Garrad, Gemma Davison,
Helen Ward, Ellie Head. Subs: Bianca Baptiste, Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Flo Fyfe,
Annie-Lee Rossiter, Poppy Wilson.

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