FA Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Searle, Lewin, Wellesley-Davies, Breen, Owen, Hill, Dzyadyk, Leach, Amerena, Stanley
Subs: Smith, Sampson, Carn, Bass, El-Bergui, Reid, Lalani
After Sammy had collected me from Park Royal, we then made our way to Barton Rovers, for the league encounter against Luton Town.
As we took our place opposite the ‘Gorgeous George Stand’, the weather conditions soon deteriorated with the arrival of a very strong, icy wind.
Luton’s starting line-up included former ‘R’, Courtnay Ward-Chambers.
The first effort of the afternoon was produced by Tasha Fensome in the 5th minute, when her header cleared the crossbar.
Six minutes later, Lily Wellesley-Davies’ free kick across the penalty area somehow evaded contact from anyone.
Rangers’ first attempt on target was provided by Ellie Searle, but her shot from distance was comfortably held by Leah Robinson.
After Annie Dzyadyk had forced her way to the bye-line, her cross resulted in a number of blocks before the ball was eventually put behind for a corner.
Then, the Rangers’ No.7’s low shot whizzed just wide of the upright.
At the other end, Caitlin Crierie made a brave grab at the feet of an opponent.
After Lauren Amerena had done some excellent defensive covering, she went on to play the ball to safety.
For the hosts, Emily Wilson was put through on goal, but the R’s keeper quickly advanced to smother the ball. Half-time: 0-0.
The hail had subsided but not the chilly wind, so I decided it was time to go and sit in the main stand.
Three minutes in, Annie Dzyadyk turned on a sixpence, before running through two players and her cross then bypassed everyone in the box.
The Hatters No.14’s shot from a good 20 yards ended up wide of the target.
Jess Leach was clearly clipped in the box, but the referee wasn’t interested!
The first change was made on 63 minutes when Lauren Amerena made way for Lexi Reid.
Play was halted six minutes later after Luton’s No.11 went down in need of some attention.
Following a heavy challenge on Annie Dzyadyk near the corner flag, the resulting free kick was knocked behind for a corner.
After 78 minutes, Deja Bass, Hanna Lalani and Halle Carn, for her debut, were all introduced at the expense of Grace Breen, Izzy Owen and Grace Stanley respectively.
This led to Annie Dzyadyk moving inside to take up a striker’s role.
The final change was made seven minutes later when Aya El-Bergui replaced Jess Leach.
On 87 minutes, Lexi Reid’s low strike from a widish position was grabbed by the keeper.
Luton almost scored a dramatic winner two minutes later, after their No.7’s effort was knocked behind.
And from which. a flurry of efforts led to the ball being headed off the line and onto the crossbar before being cleared upfield.
The final whistle was blown after seven added minutes.
No programme or team sheet were produced, but it was a new ground to cross off. Both sides did remarkably well on a bumpy pitch and in very difficult weather conditions.
Thanks to Sammy for the lift.
Steve Russell