Women’s FA Cup First Round
Team: Eligon, Barrett, Johnson, Lewin, Searle, Carn, Bell, Donovan, Dzyadyk, Amerena, Albuery
Subs: McLoughlin, Younger, Owen, Hill, Leach, Bird, Bass
The match was switched to Rectory Meadow, the home of Hanworth Villa,
On an overcast, blustery afternoon, Taylor Bell’s shot was blocked in the opening minutes.
The next Rangers attempt was successfully held by Emily Moore, whilst at the other end, Simone Eligon dribbled her way upfield past two opponents, almost to the centre circle, before laying the ball off.
The Rooks first attempt was provided by Flo Jackson when she curled the ball wide from around 20 yards.
On 27 minutes, Annie Dzyadyk’s low strike flashed just wide of the far post.
With the sun poking through, Simone Eligon sped to the edge of the box to make a brave save at the feet of an opponent. Half-time: 0-0.
Into the second half and Renee Johnson did well when, after chasing an opponent, she won the ball, before shielding it and laying it off.
After Emily Donovan had been impeded, Nicole Barrett’s free kick ended up going for a throw-in.
Then, after Lauren Amerena had hooked the ball from inside the box, the keeper was well-placed to grab it.
Ross Bennett’s first change came on 63 minutes when Jess Leach replaced Lauren Amerena.
Shortly after, the R’s striker’s shot from around 20 yards was held by the keeper.
Rangers almost broke the deadlock when an attempt was cleared from close to the line.
A cross from the right resulted in Jess Leach colliding with Emily Moore, leaving the keeper grounded.
At the other end, Olivia Hibbiert-Johnson’s strike from fully 25 yards, drifted wide.
Deja Bass was introduced after 80 minutes at the expense of Annie Dzyadyk.
Nicole Barrett’s free kick from fully 30 yards, narrowly evaded the upright.
The winner arrived on 83 minutes when a low cross into the box picked out Emma Jones, whose attempt then bobbled its way off the inside of the post.
After taking a heavy knock, Ellie Searle was forced off, and Emily Hill replaced her.
Despite Rangers being the better side, it was the Rooks who will face either Swindon or Bridgwater in the next round.
Steve Russell