FA Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Cooper, Searle, Mehmet, Hill, Wellesley-Davies, Brooks, Owen, Orchard, Adebowale-Arimoro, Dzyadyk
Subs: Smith, Sampson, Morris, Gotch, Monaghan, Reid
Making her debut in goal was Caitlin Crierie, who had been previously with Abingdon United and there was also a welcome return to Jess Cooper.
Ninety seconds into the game and Annie Dzyadyk’s audacious attempt from over 25-yards, dipped over the crossbar.
The Suds took the lead in the 7th minute after their No.9 had cut in from the right-wing and the ball entered the net from inside the far post.
However, following a great run by Ellie Searle, and a scramble in the box, Fern Orchard knocked the ball home from close range.
Ellie Searle also created the Rangers’ second goal five minutes later. After getting to the bye-line, her cross was put away by Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro at the far post.
Sudbury equalised around the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after their No.14 had been pulled down. The Suds No.11 then stepped up and planted the ball in the corner.
As the away side looked to re-take the lead, Ellie Searle’s low shot closely evaded the far post.
Izzy Owen was booked following a foul on an opponent.
Then, Melis Mehmet’s attempt from Ellie Searle’s cross, went just past the upright.
The R’s took the lead in stoppage time after Ellie Searle had taken possession of a loose ball. She then dribbled her way through the box, before placing the ball into the back of the net.
There was still time for Lilly Wellesley-Davies’s free kick to be comfortably held by the keeper. Half-time: 3-2.
Into the second-half, and after holding up the ball, Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro turned and shot past the post.
Whilst under pressure, Caitlin Crierie did well to go down and successfully grab hold of the ball.
After Ellie Searle had been booked, the resulting free kick ended up going behind for a corner.
At the other end, Emily Hill’s initial strike was blocked, and Annie Dzyadyk’s follow-up was then saved.
The R’s keeper powerfully punched a deep and dangerous cross behind for a corner.
Around 70 minutes, the Sudbury No.10’s shot hit the frame of the goal.
With Jess Cooper grounded and in need of some attention, the players took a drinks break.
Upon resumption of play, Fern Orchard was cautioned after kicking the ball away.
With the Suds No.15 about to pull the trigger, a superb intervention by Lilly Wellesley-Davies was followed by the R’s defender taking the ball away to safety.
Melis Mehmet was the next Rangers player to be booked.
This was followed by Jaime Gotch replacing Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro on 84 minutes.
Billie Brooks’ free kick from close to the half-way line, was headed wide of the target by the R’s captain, Emily Hill.
The final change saw Chloe Sampson coming on for Fern Orchard.
Into added time and following a swift breakaway, Jess Cooper’s shot flew over the crossbar.
Rangers played out the remaining moments and at the final whistle they had fully deserved a well-fought victory.
Steve Russell