FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East)
Team: Crierie, Carn, Breen, Wellesley-Davies, Searle, Hill, Owen, Dzyadyk, Jackman, Leach, Stanley
Subs: Smith, Cooper, Sampson, Lee-Walsh, Bass, Amerena
A superb match programme was produced, which also covered the forthcoming AFC Sudbury home game two weeks later.
The first goal attempt of the afternoon came after six minutes when Grace Stanley’s shot went behind for a corner.
Then, four minutes later, Izzy Owen’s strike curled away just wide of the upright.
For the visitors, a long-range free kick went directly into Caitlin Crierie’s gloves.
Fifteen minutes in, Jess Leach set-up Grace Stanley, whose shot then narrowly evaded the far post.
The Bees took the lead against the run of play two minutes later. With more than a hint of offside, Betty Larkin burst through and after facing the R’s keeper, she slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
A ball in from the right was well intercepted by Halle Carn in front of Sandy Martins, just in time to put it behind for a corner.
At this point, I had counted around three or four clear offsides that the lino on the Stan Bowles Stand side had completely ignored!
After Sandy Martins had been put though, the Bees No.7’s low strike closely evaded the far post.
Just before the interval, Aria Heil made a vital block before the ball was eventually cleared to safety. Whilst for the R’s, Grace Breen also did something similar. Half-time: 0-1.
Jess Leach had a shot blocked ninety seconds into the second-half.
Clouding over and with the wind picking up, Annie Dzyadyk’s effort from just outside the box was tipped over the bar by the keeper.
Ellie Searle did well to get into top gear and take control of a long ball. Her subsequent cross was initially tipped up in the air but came to nothing.
Around the hour-mark after Annie Dzyadyk had won the ball in midfield, the R’s winger shot forward, and her attempt on goal came off the keeper’s body before being cleared to safety.
The first change came in the 66th minute when Izzy Owen made way for Ava Lee-Walsh.
Rangers had been creating a number of chances, but for the visitors, Sandy Martins’ shot flashed just wide of the target.
With Rebekah Wozniak grounded, play was brought to a temporary halt, and the players took a drinks break.
Lauren Amerena replaced Grace Stanley on 73 minutes.
Following a good Lily Wellesley-Davies interception in the Rangers half, Annie Dzyadyk played the ball to Jess Leach who then shot over the bar.
Rangers got the equaliser they fully deserved five minutes or so later, when Aaliyah Jackman managed to squeeze the ball in from close range.
On 81 minutes, Annie Dzyadyk just managed to get to a long ball, and her cross from the bye-line resulted in Tia Ginn staying down.
Despite being under pressure, Grace Breen successfully maneuvered her way out of the box before laying the ball off to safety.
Deja Bass was introduced at the expense of Annie Dzyadyk on 87 minutes.
Charlotte Haythornthwaite blew the final whistle after six added minutes.
For their final game of the season, Karl Milgate’s side returned to Loftus Road two weeks later to face AFC Sudbury.
Steve Russell