AFC Wimbledon 5-1 Cambridge United
by George Jones – AFC Wimbledon (17/3/23)
Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate a goal at Carshalton yesterday against Cambridge United. Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon secured an emphatic 5-1 tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East victory over Cambridge United, in a performance that was good preparation for their forthcoming Capital Cup Final against Arsenal.
A stunning goal from Rosie Russell was the highlight of a game that also saw Billie Brooks and Amy Taylor complete their comebacks from injury.
Having played Cambridge United a month ago, the Dons knew what sort of test to expect. Wimbledon dominated the opening stages of the game creating several opportunities as Emma Plewa forced a fine save and a Chloe Sampson effort cleared the bar.
However, it would be the visitors who would get the opening goal after 15 minutes from the penalty spot thanks to Sarah Wiltshire after the referee gave a harsh handball decision against Kelly Highman. The goal did not change the flow of the game however as the Dons continued to dominate with Plewa striking the crossbar.
Less than 10 minutes after going behind AFC Wimbledon drew level as Rosie Russell got her first of the afternoon from close range following some good approach work by Plewa. Less than a minute later they were in front as Ellie Dorey gave the U’s keeper no chance.
The pattern of Dons domination continued into the second half with some fine link-up play from a front three which included the returning Gloria Siber who was fresh back from scoring a hat-trick on international duty.
Russell plundered her second 10 minutes in when she produced some fine skill and thundered the ball into the net from 30 yards out. Just two minutes later it was 4-1 as Plewa got in on the act with a well-struck free-kick which benefited from a deflection.
Three minutes from time Dons were awarded a penalty as Sampson was brought down in the area. It was left to Plewa who made no mistake from 12 yards to complete the scoring.
“It was a really good second-half, I thought some of the combinations we played worked really well, I thought we were ruthless and positive going forward.”
Kevin Foster, AFC Wimbledon head coach.
Wimbledon’s next game is the Capital Cup Final against Arsenal on Wednesday 26 April at CB Hounslow. This is followed by our final game of the season as we welcome Norwich City to Plough Lane on Sunday 30th and tickets are ON SALE NOW.
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks (Wentworth), Highman (Taylor), Billingham, Ali (Heria), Donovan, Dorey, Plewa, Sampson, Siber (Chitole-Porter).
Scorers: Russell 27′, 57′. Dorey 28′. Plewa 60′, 87′.
CAMBRIDGE UNITED: Webb, Davies, Marden, Jackson, Rouse, Bennett, Otten, Edgar, Simpson, Wiltshire, Fox. Substitutes: McGregor, Short.
Scorer: Wiltshire 16′.
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