FA Women’s National League Plate 2nd Round
Team: McLean, Curr, Searle, Carolan, Jordinson, Gunn, Pope, Blodgett, Cutler, Akerman, Petit
To alleviate any doubts about playing the re-scheduled Cup fixture at the Powerday Stadium, it was decided that the match would be switched to Harlington.
On a very cold afternoon, it was the visitors who took the lead after just three minutes. Following a cross from the right, Rhian Robbins side-footed the ball into the back of the net.
After this early set-back, the R’s soon grew into the game. After collecting a loose ball in the box, Kasha Petit turned, and the resulting shot was saved by the keeper.
Following a good Rangers move, Erin Pope forced a good save from the Posset’s custodian.
Ellie Searle bombed down the right-wing and her cross was deflected up into the air where Kasha Petit threatened, but the keeper managed to grab the ball.
The home side’s dominance continued. Katie Akerman’s strike from fully 30-yards went over the crossbar for a corner.
Rangers got the goal they deserved after Kasha Petit’s run into the penalty area had been blocked by the keeper. The R’s No.11 made no mistake with her spot-kick.
However, the away side took the lead just minutes later after a free kick ended up going behind. Ellie Strippel then got on the end of the in-swinging corner.
Jo Blodgett went close for the R’s, but at half-time it remained 1-2 to the visitors.
The home side made it 2-2 within a minute of the re-start. Ellie Searle went on a great run, which took her ahead of a defender and produced a shot that rebounded off the bar. But following up was a well-placed Millie Cutler who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Later, Erin Pope’s audacious, lofted effort hit the crossbar. And on the hour-mark, Steve Quashie brought on Ellen Wardlaw at the expense of Millie Cutler.
Rangers went close again when Kasha Petit knocked the ball over, only to see it come off the crossbar.
Alice Curr was booked after a mis-timed challenge. The free kick that followed was successfully blocked by the Rangers wall.
The R’s got what was to be the winning goal courtesy of substitute, Ellen Wardlaw’s superb 25-yard strike.
On 76 minutes, Katie Akerman made way for Ami Martins.
The away side broke away and Katie McLean denied them an equaliser when she went down and grabbed the ball.
Kasha Petit was harshly booked in the closing stages for what looked like a legitimate shoulder charge.
A well-deserved win for Steve Quashie’s side, which successfully took them into the next round.
Steve Russell