FAWNL League Cup
Team: Clarke, Lewin, Wellesley-Davies, Searle, Gotch, Dzyadyk, Ali, Hill, Leach, Mehmet, Adebowale-Arimoro
Subs: Blodgett, Doyle, D’Santos, Owen, Sampson, Munro, Orchard
A strong Bournemouth side included the likes of Welsh international, Elena Cole in the starting line-up, and Bermudian international, Kenni Thompson on the bench.
Two minutes into the game, it was the visitors who provided the first shot on target, when Kenny Clarke held Elena Cole’s attempt from distance.
Five minutes or so later, Emily Hill’s low strike was comfortably saved by Katie Scadding.
With a pause in the incessant rain and following a period of pressure around the box from the away side, the ball was headed over the crossbar.
Just after the half-hour mark, Emilia Newton, from a good position, shot wide of the upright.
On 36 minutes, Kenny Clarke made a superb reflex save following a deflected shot from a around 25 yards.
Three minutes later, a good move down the left-flank, resulted in Annie Dzyadyk’s attempt on goal being blocked.
Then, the Cherries were awarded a penalty, and Katie James’ spot-kick forced a flying save from the R’s keeper.
Approaching the interval and Melis Mehmet’s shot from outside the box was held by Katie Scadding. Half-time: 0-0.
Just one minute in and substitute Kelci Bowers’ angled shot was pushed behind at the near post.
This was soon followed by Fran Ali making a superb block in the box.
Three changes were made on 64 minutes, which saw the introduction of Alana Munro, Meila D’Santos and Fern Orchard, at the expense of Jess Leach, Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro and Annie Dzyadyk respectively.
Although Bournemouth were dominating possession, solid defending from the Rangers players continued as they battled on.
After 77 minutes, Ms Karkoska awarded the visitors with what looked like a harsh penalty?
Substitute Kenni Thompson stepped up and fired the ball home.
Kenny Clarke made an outstanding save from a close-range header, which was soon followed by the R’s keeper making a superb point-blank stop.
Fran Ali was sin-binned seemingly for some form of dissent?
Melis Mehmet made way for Chloe Sampson in the 88th minute.
Into added time and there was a long delay after Ellie Searle had been brought down. Eventually she was able to go off, and Libby Doyle replaced her.
The final whistle soon followed.
Grace Stanley was in attendance, and it was good to see that she was making significant progress following her injury at Cambridge.
It was back to league action next for Danny Harrigan’s side, when Fulham visited the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium.
Steve Russell