FA Women’s National League Division One (South East)
Team: McLean, Bishop, Jordinson, Lewin, Wardlaw, Searle, Akerman, Hennessy, Moore, Petit, Stanley
London Seaward came into this game in third spot, but it was the R’s who were soon dominating possession at Rectory Park. A good opportunity fell to Gabby Bishop, who fired her effort just wide of the upright.
However, the pendulum began to swing the other way when the next goalscoring opportunity fell to the visitors. The resulting shot closely evaded the far post.
Then, Katie McLean had to be alert to the oncoming threat as she ran to the edge of the box to bravely smother the ball.
London Seaward took the lead on 22 minutes when Katherine Long made no mistake from the penalty spot.
The visitors doubled their lead nine minutes later following a defensive error which led to a quick breakaway. GiorgiaBracelli then slotted the ball home after facing the R’s keeper one-on-one.
Kasha Petit pulled a goal back after looking up and superbly chipping Alicia Garwood.
The game was halted after Katie Akerman went down seemingly after a collision? After being led off she was soon okay to make her return.
London Seaward’s No.11’s cross/shot flashed just wide of the far post.
The East Londoners increased their lead just before the break following a dangerous cross from the right. Rea Thomas-Arayo took a touch before hitting the ball low and beyond Katie McLean.
There was still time for the R’s to double their tally following a foul on Ellie Searle. The free kick was knocked into the box and after a bit of a scramble, Kasha Petit poked the ball home from close range. Half-time: 2-3.
Rangers made an assertive start to the second-half and drew level on 56 minutes, courtesy of an own-goal.
Two minutes later, Mel Hall was introduced at the expense of Brogan Moore, which was quickly followed by Jo Blodgett replacing Laura Hennessy.
The visitors would have certainly taken the lead but for some outstanding goalkeeping. The cross into the box found her unmarked team-mate and the resulting shot forced Katie McLean into a magnificent full-length diving save.
Lauren Jordinson made an excellent sliding tackle to win the ball and avert the danger.
The East Londoner’s wasted a good opportunity to regain the lead when a close-range effort was blasted over the bar.
At the other end, Rangers were denied a blatant penalty when Mel Hall was clearly clipped in the box.
Good pressure from the home side continued through the final stages, but at the final whistle it remained a hard-fought draw.
Two other changes were made in the second-half, which saw Millie Cutler and Ailish Carolan coming on for Grace Stanley and Ellen Wardlaw respectively.
Well done to Peter Lungstrom and the fifteen or so fellow Swedish R’s for their excellent support.
Steve Russell