Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 2 Whitehawk
Sunday 7th October 2007 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC
Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 2 Whitehawk Ladies
(South East Combination)
Diamonds Ladies looked second best as Whitehawk went into a deserved early lead through Nicky Heffernan, but goals from Michaela Welford and Stephanie Thompson either side of half time put them back in the driving seat. Heffernan got a second however with 7 minutes remaining to give the visitors a share of the points. In fact, Diamonds had keeper Nicola Raith to thank for a superb save in the dying moments to avoid defeat.
Manager Vicky Gallagher remained injured, while Jade Linnell had not fully recovered from illness, and there were three changes from the side which drew at Welwyn Garden City as they reverted to a 3-5-2 formation. Leanne Doyle replaced Kelly Robinson at the back, while Molly Marsh and Laura Dunn replaced Rosie Thurston and Charly Wright.
Whitehawk started like they were the League leaders and put Diamonds under a great deal of pressure. Every clearance just came straight back, although they were unable to make possession count. Brid Carroll shot wide, while Nicola Raith in the Diamonds goal did well to cut out a number of crosses from the wings. It seemed only a matter of time before the home side conceded and when Amy O'Brien was dispossessed on the edge of the area by Sharon Fitton on 14 minutes, her cross found Nicky Heffernan to head home from six yards.
Diamonds needed to raise their game and the goal was the shock they required to get started. Laura Dunn had their first effort on 17 minutes, when she shot wide, while Fay Howell took the ball into the area, but her shot went straight to the keeper. Aileen Whelan started to play further forward as they tried to level the scores. Whitehawk were still a danger however and Gardiner's cross to Heffernan was gathered well by Raith.
Diamonds eventually leveled on 31 minutes, when Anna McLeod picked up the ball in midfield and passed left to Fay Howell. As she ran forward, she crossed to the centre, where top scorer Mikaela Welford was perfectly positioned to sidefoot into the net.
During the final ten minutes of the first half, Welford had a shot blocked and another effort headed clear by Sian Ford-Hunt, while Whitehawk's Harriet Sugdon headed Leah Bryant's cross at the keeper.
Half time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 1 Whitehawk Ladies
Diamonds made two substitutions at half time, with Charly Wright and Kelly Robinson replacing Fay Howell and Leanna Doyle. Wright was quickly into the action making trademark runs down the left, but the home side were unable to take advantage. On 53 minutes, one such cross was deflected by Brid Carroll and the keeper did well to save at the near post. Diamonds were having their best period in the game but poor shooting from Aileen Whelan and Mikaela Welford allowed Lesley Hubbard in the Whitehawk goal to save easily and keep the scores level.
At the other end, Raith did well to get a hand to Heffernan's cross, taking it off the head of Sharon Fitton but Diamonds were looking stronger. The breakthrough came on 66 minutes after Thompson was fouled 12 yards outside the area by Felicity Waller. From the set piece, the ball was tapped sideways to Stephanie Thompson who drove the ball past the wall and into the net from 35 yards leaving the keeper standing.
Diamonds made their final change immediately after the goal with striker Ashley Palmer replacing Anna McLeod, as they went three up front in a bid to make the game safe. They continued to press forward and Wright's corner on 73 minutes was cleared off the line by Sharon Fitton. With Diamonds committed to attack, they had to be weary of the breakaway and a long range shot from Brid Carroll was stopped on the line by Nicola Raith.
Diamonds came so close to extending their lead on 82 minutes when a Molly Marsh corner found Laura Dunn on the penalty spot. Her shot was blocked and rebounded to Aileen Whelan, whose volley struck the post and bounced away. With players forward, Diamonds paid the price as the visitors equalised almost immediately. A quick ball forward allowed Jo Gardiner to get free on the right and run towards goal. Nicola Raith raced out and blocked the initial shot, but Gardiner sent the rebound goalward. Amy O'Brien got back and headed off the line, but the ball went straight to Nicky Heffernan who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Despite more possession, Diamonds were unable to take advantage and in injury time, Whitehawk had a great chance to take all three points. With both sides going for the kill, Brid Carroll was allowed time to shoot from 25 yards, but Nicola Raith just managed to get a hand to the ball and turn it around the post to keep Diamonds in the game.
Full time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 2 Whitehawk Ladies
Although Diamonds dropped another two points, Whitehawk have improved considerably since last year and any of the top seven teams in the League must fancy their chances at the title. Welwyn Garden City lost their 100% record at
Teams:
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Nicola Raith, Amy O'Brien, Leanna Doyle (Kelly Robinson HT), Kirsty Cooper (c), Anna McLeod (Ashley Palmer 67), Fay Howell (Charly Wright HT), Molly Marsh, Laura Dunn, Stephanie Thompson, Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Welford.
Subs not used: Rosie Thurston.
Whitehawk Ladies: Lesley Hubbard, Harriet Sugdon (Naomi Poletyllo 72), Sian Ford-Hunt, Ruth
Subs not used: Daisy Leckie, Chelsey Leighton.
Goals: Nicky Heffernan 14 (0-1), Mikaela Welford 31
(1-1), Stephanie Thompson 66 (2-1),
Nicky Heffernan 83 (2-2).
Referee: Mr D.Jarrett (Northants)
By Dave Mason
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Other results (SE Combination):
AFC Wimbledon P
Gillingham 0
Lewes 2
Forthcoming fixtures:
21st October
28th October FAW Cup 1st Round
Loughborough Students (Away)
