Harlow Town 0-0 AFC Wimbledon
By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (28/3/22)
Above: Action from the game yesterday between Harlow Town and AFC Wimbledon. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
AFC Wimbledon were held to a 0-0 draw away to Harlow Town on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
The Dons went into the game full of confidence after a performance to be proud of saw them draw with league leaders Hashtag United last weekend despite illness severely depleting their ranks.
Wimbledon got off to a good start when Katie Stanley forced the home keeper into action inside the first two minutes. The Harlow custodian was again forced into action a few minutes later as Angel Fowler got on the end of Megan Stow’s cross.
The Dons continued to build on the early pressure as a fine move involving Kelly Highman and Katie Stanley before Jessica Lewry’s shot was deflected away by the Harlow keeper. However, after a good first 20 minutes, Wimbledon began to fade as the physical nature of the game began to take its toll as the first half ended goalless.
The second half was a disappointing one from the Dons as they never really got going again after the restart. The physical nature of the game was starting to make a bigger impact on both teams with Dons head of medical Steph Cantelo fresh from helping out with the men’s first team the day before, being called on several times with multiple players struggling.
There were some positives in the second half as Ashlee Hincks made her return from injury for the final 30 minutes after having a spell out injured for the last couple of weeks. As the game was coming to a close the Dons were forced to bring off Gloria Siber due to injury and the only unused sub was goalkeeper Lauren Allen which meant that Allen had to come on and play upfront for the final few minutes. The final chance of the game fell to her but she was not able to get on to the end of Megan Stow’s cross.
After the game Dons player Kelly Highman said “It was really frustrating to be honest. You know, we had quite a few chances today, and to be fair to Harlow, so did they but we could have easily taken three points and we obviously didn’t.”
AFC Wimbledon first team coach Andy May reflected: “It was a difficult day in the office, we probably just… well there’s no probably, we were not at our best today. We created some good chances, good clear-cut chances but it just felt like one of those days if I am being honest.”
Wimbledon are back in action at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane under the lights on Wednesday against Actonians with a 7.45pm kickoff. Tickets are available now via: https://tickets.afcwimbledon.ltd.uk/selection/event/seat?perfId=101630941850&ot=0>mStepTracking=true
Teams: HARLOW TOWN: Team sheet not published.
AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Billingham, Fowler, Highman, Sampson, Stow, Childerhouse, Stanley, Siber, Lewry. Substitutes: Allen (GK – but used as an outfield player), Mann, Sargent, Hincks, Taylor.
Attendance: 67.
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