Enfield Town Ladies 3 - 3 R&DFC Ladies
Sunday 19th August 2007 at
Match Report:
(South East Combination)
Despite a disastrous opening 36 minutes which saw Rushden & Diamonds Ladies go three goals behind, they made a spirited comeback and so nearly took all three points in the closing moments.
Diamonds had visited
Diamonds were missing player manager Vicky Gallagher, plus Caroline Moran, Bethen Lee and Aileen Whelan, but summer signings Fay Howell and Jade Linnell (both from Northampton Town) started together with Stephanie Thompson (formerly with Rothwell Town).
Playing a 3-5-2 formation, Diamonds started the stronger of the two sides and early chances fell to Fay Howell, who shot over the bar, and Ashley Palmer whose mis-hit shot had the home keeper scrambling across goal. A collision between Charly Wright and Stephanie Thompson following a corner held play up for three minutes, but both were able to continue. Although the majority of play was with Diamonds,
On 16 minutes,
It took less than 60 seconds after the restart for
Diamonds tried to keep their composure and continued to take the game to
Worse was to come for Diamonds however, as they went three behind on 36 minutes as they failed to deal with another crossed ball. Laura Burns sent in another excellent cross, and Kelly Townshend coolly nodded the ball in at the near post. Having had more possession, Diamonds were left feeling somewhat frustrated, but they kept battling away and were finally rewarded two minutes before the break. Stephanie Thompson's corner was met by substitute Mikaela Welford, who sent a header into the top corner leaving the keeper wrong footed.
Half time:
Diamonds came out firing on all cylinders, and Charly Wright's header after 51 minutes forced a fine save from the
On 62 minutes, Diamonds got right back into the game after Howell crossed from the left. Mikaela Welford slipped her marker and side-footed into the net. Moments later, Welford almost got her hat-trick shooting just wide after receiving a through ball from Anna McLeod.
Cooper and McLeod were replaced on 68 minutes with Rosie Thurston and Laura Dunn as Diamonds continued to push for the equaliser and within two minutes they were level. A great run from midfield by Fay Howell allowed her to fire a shot past the
As Diamonds pushed forward however,
As the game entered added time, Diamonds had a great chance to take all three points. A Marsh corner found Laura Dunn unmarked some six yards from goal, her initial header striking the crossbar. The rebound fell straight back to her, but in trying to force the header home, she got underneath the ball nodding the ball just over the bar.
Full time:
So having gone the entire 2006/07 season without a draw, Diamonds commenced the new campaign with just a single point. Several teams are in with a good chance of the title this year, and with newcomers Lewes scoring eight goals in their first Combination game, there are likely to be several teams fighting it out for the top spot this year.
Teams:
Subs not used: Jo Spinks, Leanne Mabey.
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien, Kelly Robinson, Kirsty Cooper (Rosie Thurston 68), Anna McLeod (Laura Dunn 68), Fay Howell, Molly Marsh, Charly Wright, Ashley Palmer (Mikaela Welford 35), Stephanie Thompson, Jade Linnell.
Subs not used: Nicci Raith, Kate Loydall.
Goals: Kerry Knott 16 (1-0), Kelly Townshend 17 (2-0), Kelly Townshend 36 (3-0), Mikaela Welford 43 (3-1), Mikaela Welford 62 (3-2), Fay Howell 70 (3-3).
League News:
Just two weeks before the start of the season, Leyton Orient W&GFC had to withdraw from the South East Combination. Their withdrawal leaves just eleven teams competing for the single promotion place to the Women's National South. New to the League this year are AFC Wimbledon (relegated from the National South), plus
Other weekend results (19th August):
AFC
Forthcoming fixtures:
26th
2nd September AFC
9th September Lewes (Home)
