FA Women’s National League Division One (South East)
Team: White, Petit, Searle, Jordinson, Grieve, Lewin, Pope, Blodgett, Wardlaw, Moore, Hall
The R’s had recorded a much-needed 2-1 away win against Norwich the previous Sunday, with goals from Brogan Moore and Erin Pope.
QPR’s next opponents were table-toppers Hashtag United, who had impressively won ten and drawn one of their eleven league games.
Returning in goal for the R’s after incurring a damaged finger, was Lucie White.
The visitors took the lead after just four minutes following a defensive mistake, which allowed Amy-Leigh Abrehart to score the first of her three goals.
Despite this early set-back, the R’s gradually grew into the game. Following a superb passing-move upfield, the final ball, unfortunately, wasn’t equal to it.
United doubled their lead after Vicky Grieve was penalised for a hand-ball in the box. Abrehart stepped up and made no mistake with her spot-kick.
At the other end, after another excellent build-up, Mel Hall took a good touch from just outside the box, rounded a defender and saw her effort come off the upright and into the keeper’s gloves.
The visitors were still looking to increase their lead. Lucie White made a very good stop with her feet and the follow-up then hit the post. Half-time: 0-2.
After the break, the R’s soon began to apply early pressure and won their first corner.
After 58 minutes, Steve Quashie brought on Laura Hennessy for Erin Pope and five minutes later Danielle Maloney replaced Georgina Lewin.
Although Rangers were having the best of it, Lucie White pushed away a deep cross and then superbly made a flying save from the follow-up.
Demi Edwards was introduced on 73 minutes and four minutes later QPR got the goal they deserved. Her excellent pass found Mel Hall, who then made a lovely turn into the box and fired the ball past the keeper.
An equaliser looked on for the R’s, but it was the Essex-based side who sealed the result when Amy-Leigh Abrehartcompleted her hat-trick in the closing stages.
Steve Russell