FA Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Breen, Lewin, Wellesley-Davies, Searle, Hill, Dzyadyk, Owen, Stanley, Leach, Amerena
Subs: Smith, Jackman, Lalani, D’Santos, Bergui, Reid
On a warm afternoon at the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium, the first thing to do, was to meet-up with Judith Orsmond, the author of her fascinating book, ‘The Journey & Memories of Queen’s Park Rangers Ladies FC in the 1970’s’ and purchase a copy.
Also in attendance was a contingent of the Swedish R’s.
Coach Karl Milgate had taken charge of the team following the news that Danny Harrigan had accepted a new position within the club’s academy.
Rangers opened the scoring five minutes into the game, after Jess Leach had been tripped in the penalty area. Although Fatima Saltani got a hand to the ball, she couldn’t keep out her spot kick.
A couple of minutes later, the visitors broke away and Abigail Kargbo’s strike was saved, and the ball went behind for a corner.
And then shortly after, the same player fired the ball just wide of the target from a good 25 yards.
In the 25th minute, some excellent covering by Georgie Lewin, when the R’s defender collected the ball in front of Abigail Kargbo before going on to win a throw-in.
Just before the interval, after Annie Dzyadyk had received the ball, she turned and shot over the crossbar.
There was just time for a Grace Stanley effort to be headed off the line following a corner. Half-time: 1-0.
Five minutes into the second-half, after Izzy Owen had won the ball, Grace Stanley’s lob narrowly evaded the target.
Then, Grace Breen’s dangerous cross/shot was grabbed by the keeper, which was followed by Mr Cook showing a yellow card to the Actonians’ captain, Mara Bramwell, after committing a reckless challenge.
After being treated, Jess Leach left the field along with; Lauren Amerena and Annie Dzyadyk, who were replaced by Aaliyah Jackman, Lexi Reid and Hana Lalani respectively.
Two minutes later, Grace Stanley’s attempt was saved by the keeper, and with Aaliyah following up, Fatima Saltani made another superb save.
After a heavy challenge on Grace Stanley, the resulting free kick ended up narrowly wide of the target.
The final changes were made in the 82nd minute, which saw the introduction of Meila D’Santos and Deja Bass, (for her senior debut), at the expense of Grace Stanley and Izzy Owen.
After being grounded for some time, Fatima Saltani had to be carried off, and an outfield player donned the keeper’s jersey.
This had also led to the visitors being reduced to ten players for the closing stages.
The R’s continued to look for that second goal, with Deja Bass and Grace Breen both having attempts saved.
Mr Cook blew the final whistle after around nine added minutes.
Karl Milgate’s side then took on Luton Town at the home of Barton Rovers.
Steve Russell