FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Searle, D’Santos, Lewin, Wellesley-Davies, Hill, Brooks, Owen, Dzyadyk, Adebowale-Arimoro, Orchard
Subs: Smith, Cooper, Sampson, Gotch, Ali, Munro
After getting soaked to the skin on my last visit to the Hive, it was good to see that a roof had been provided in the standing area.
Following a fairly even opening, Annie Dzyadyk’s cross to the far post resulted in Tia Ginn making a good save and the ball going for a corner.
Then, Emily Hill’s attempt from some distance, was held by the keeper.
For the Bees, after their No.22 had cut in from the left, her strike cleared the crossbar.
In the 41st minute, Meila D’Santos turned in the box, and her shot was then held by the keeper.
Close to the interval, the R’s keeper was impeded as she pushed away a Bees corner, and Mr Lofgren awarded a free kick. Half-time: 0-0.
The Bees started the second-half the stronger of the two sides, and Lily Whitelock’s attempt on goal struck the frame of the goal.
For the R’s, on 54 minutes, despite being under pressure, Fern Orchard kept going, and her shot cleared the bar.
Danny Harrigan’s first change came on 68 minutes, when Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro made way for Jess Cooper. This led to Annie Dzyadyk going upfront and Jess Cooper taking up a position on the right-flank.
The Bees took the lead a minute or so later after Millie Isherwood’s deep free kick was driven in by Shamoy Campbell.
The home side doubled their lead four minutes later from the penalty spot. Millie Isherwood stepped up and planted the ball into the bottom corner.
At this point, Fran Ali replaced Meila D’Santos.
As the R’s looked to reduce the deficit, Jess Cooper’s corner ended up going behind for another one.
Then, a through ball found Annie Dzyadyk, who proceeded to shoot wide of the goal.
Into the closing stages and Emily Hill’s pass found Georgie Lewin, but her attempt was comfortably saved by the keeper.
The following Sunday Danny Harrigan’s side took on MK Dons at the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium.
Steve Russell