Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Cooper, Searle, Lewin, Hill, Lalani, Orchard, Leach, Wellesley-Davies, Owen, Amerena
Once again the hosts produced a decent match programme, which included the following from Andy Westlake: ‘Welcome to the QPR supporters who always bring a smile and a good welcome to the Meadow.’
It had brightened up after it had stopped raining. On a heavy pitch, Lauren Amerena provided the first attempt on goal.
Rangers took the lead on 12 minutes after a ball over from the right was knocked in by Izzy Owen from close range. I understand that was her fifth goal in her 50th appearance.
After breaking away, Fern Orchard let fly and the ball came off the underside of the bar. Following up was Hana Lalani who then shot over.
Jess Leach got a touch to a free kick, which the keeper managed to save.
Lizzy McDonald received a harsh booking after she had fairly attempted to win the ball.
With Lilly Wellesley-Davies grounded, the referee halted play and the players took a drinks break.
Following Lauren Amerena’s excellent run down the right, a deft touch took her past her marker, and the resulting shot ended-up wide of the target.
Rangers would have increased their lead but for the superb performance of the Chesham keeper.
She had stopped Jess Leach’s curling strike with a diving, finger-tip save, and she also did very well to keep out Fern Orchard’s attempt. Half-time: 1-0.
In the first few minutes of the second-half, Emily Hill’s shot from distance flashed just wide of the target.
This was followed by Lauren Amerena’s attempt from close to the bye-line being well saved at the near-post.
Then, after Izzy Owen had won a corner, the ball was stopped on the goal-line and the follow-up being blocked.
Rangers doubled their lead in the 53rd minute from Lauren Amerena’s low drive.
A minute or so later, Grace Breen (making her debut), and Meila D’Santos were introduced at the expense of Ellie Searle and Hana Lalani respectively.
As the R’s looked to increase their lead, Jess Leach hit the frame of the goal after a scramble in the box, and the ball then went for a corner.
Danny Harrigan made two further substitutions on 58 minutes when Grace Stanley and Annie Dzyadyk replaced Fern Orchard and Jess Leach respectively.
It became 3-0 nine minutes or so later, after Grace Stanley had turned and belted the ball into the top corner.
A Rangers free kick was followed by Grace Stanley’s shot being stopped on the line and then going behind for a corner.
The final change was made when Lauren Amerena made way for Chloe Sampson.
Lily Peterson was shown a yellow card after clearly tripping an opponent.
The away side extended their lead in the 84th minute after Annie Dzyadyk’s mis-hit shot deceived the keeper.
Jess Cooper provided the goal of the game two minutes later, when the R’s No.2 pulled the trigger from at least 25-yards!
It could well have been six in the closing stages, but for another good save from the Chesham keeper, who had been outstanding throughout.
The R’s then travelled to the Nest to take on Norwich City in a re-scheduled league fixture.
Steve Russell