AFC Wimbledon 4-1 Chesham United
by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Women (6/3/23)
AFC Wimbledon sustained their tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East title challenge on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over a determined Chesham United side.
In the absence of top scorer Ashlee Hincks, Emily Oliver went straight into the starting line-up after being recalled from her loan spell – with Ellie Dorey playing upfront.
The Dons continued their recent habit of making flying starts as Emma Plewa put the home side in front after just seven minutes, much to the delight of a big crowd at Plough Lane.
However, the lead would last less than a minute as an error from Billie Brooks allowed the Buckinghamshire side to level thanks to Natalia Makowska’s goal.
The next 15 minutes were a scrappy affair with neither team able to create a clear-cut opportunity. Wimbledon retook the lead through an unlikely source as captain Hannah Billingham fired home a rebound after Becki Bath struck the woodwork.
It was 3-1 not long after as Emily Donovan scored a fine volley from inside the penalty area after the visiting keeper failed to successfully claim a cross.
Gloria Siber completed her return from international duty off the bench and had an impressive cameo as the Dons looked to further add to their tally knowing goal difference could be vital come the end of the season.
Dorey completed the scoring in the final quarter. There was an emotional moment as Sarah Wentworth came off the bench to make her first appearance at Plough Lane in 15 months as Wimbledon completed another important victory.
Speaking after the game, Dons head coach Kevin Foster said: “We played some good stuff in there. The combinations worked really well at times, especially down the left.”
Emily Oliver, who returned to the lineup on the day reflected: “It was a good game, a little bit scrappy in the first half, but once we got into it and got the ball down, we created lots of chances.”
The Dons are back on the road on Sunday as they travel to Cambridge United. This is followed by the Capital Cup semi-final against Ashford Town (Middx) at Carshalton Athletic FC on Sunday 19th March. AFC Wimbledon return to Plough Lane on Sunday 2nd April against Cambridge City. Tickets are now available via https://tinyurl.com/7kfh773c
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks (Wentworth), Highman, Plewa (Sampson), Ali, Donovan (Siber), Bath, Billingham, Dorey, Oliver.
Scorers: Plewa 7′, Billingham 23′, Donovan 54′, Dorey 78′.
CHESHAM UNITED: Team not released.
Scorer: Makowska 8′.
Attendance: 529.
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