Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 3 Welwyn Garden City
Sunday 6th January 2008 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC
Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 3
(South East Combination)
Diamonds Ladies poor home form continued as they suffered their fourth defeat of the season at the Dog & Duck. Welwyn Garden City (formerly Langford) had lost only once this season and with games in hand, continue to press
The heavy rain 48 hours earlier had made the pitch very heavy and both sides had difficulties with the muddy surface early on. Vicky Gallagher had a good opportunity after just five minutes, heading Amy O'Brien's cross just wide of the goal. At the other end, Naomi Lyon slipped on the edge of the area having been put clear by Dawn Mallett.
O'Brien was pressing forward from the right back position at every opportunity and causing the Welwyn defence problems. Gallagher had another chance on 16 minutes after a through ball from Leanna Doyle, but a saving tackle from Vicky Neal deflected the ball away from goal.
Diamonds were having a good spell and came close on 23 minutes when Gallagher struck the post from a free kick. Neal was the saviour again minutes later as Charly Wright's run on goal was halted by another sliding tackle, but they finally took the lead on 28 minutes when Mikaela Welford chased down a through ball on the right. Vicky Gallagher did well to control the cross and fire the ball past keeper Verity Crook.
Diamonds continued to attack and made another good surge forward moments later which ended in Gallagher's shot being deflected for a corner, but the visitors started to get back into the game with a couple of counter attacks. A strong challenge by Betts gave Lyon the chance to shoot from the edge of the area, Charlene Ward making a good save before
Four minutes later, they were in front after Faye Rees was fouled five yards outside the area. The free kick from Nikki Day found the top corner of the net. Diamonds tried to get on level terms before the half time whistle with the Welwyn keeper saving from both Fay Howell and Aileen Whelan.
Half time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 2 Welwyn Garden City
Diamonds pressed forward to try to level the scores after the break with chances falling to O'Brien and Welford. But Welwyn were also dangerous coming forward and Charlene Ward did well to block a shot from Betts after a poor clearance by the Diamonds keeper. On 62 minutes, Betts had another chance to extend the visitors lead, striking the crossbar from 25 yards.
The game became very scrappy with Diamonds losing the midfield battle thanks to some strong tackling and defending by Welwyn as they were first to the ball on most occasions. Diamonds were given a lifeline on 67 minutes however when they won a free kick on the left. The presence of Kirsty Cooper in the area seemed to cause some confusion as Caroline Moran's kick bobbled around the penalty spot before the Diamonds captain poked the ball home to level the scores.
Within a minute, Molly Marsh, who had replaced Welford just prior to the goal, had the ball in the net again but the linesman's flag was raised for offside. Diamonds continued to struggle in midfield however, and the visitors went in front again after 71 minutes when Diamonds failed to clear the ball away from the back. As the ball came back into the area, Amy O'Brien slipped allowing Laveena Betts to shoot past Ward.
Tempers flared during the final fifteen minutes as the visitors tried to run down the clock. With some strong tackling and competent defending by Welwyn, Diamonds were unable to pass the ball out from the back and there was very little in the way of scoring chances. Stephanie Thompson came on to try to give some presence in midfield but when they did get forward, Diamonds were caught offside on too many occasions. Charly Wright did shoot just wide in the closing moments while Dawn Mallett also shot just over the bar for Welwyn as they held on to their lead for the final few minutes.
Full time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 2 - 3 Welwyn Garden City
With just five games remaining, Diamonds Ladies will struggle to gain a top three place which they attained last season. They take a break from League action for the next two weekends taking on Bedford Town Bells in the League Cup next Sunday at the Eyrie, Bedford Town FC, before starting their defence of the Women's County Cup the following Sunday at Raunds Town Ladies.
Teams:
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien (Stephanie Thompson 76), Fay Howell, Kirsty Cooper (c), Leanna Doyle, Caroline Moran, Jade Linnell, Charly Wright, Vicky Gallagher, Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Welford (Molly Marsh 64).
Subs not used: Nil.
Welwyn Garden City Ladies: Verity Crook, Vicky Neal, Sophie Bailey, Sheree Oliver (c), Shelley Forster (Sinead Kerr 75), Laura Bright, Nikki Day, Laveena Betts, Faye Rees, Naomi Lyon (Ella Baker 69), Dawn Mallett.
Subs not used: Laura Shearwood, Steph Belcher.
Goals: Vicky Gallagher 28 (1-0), Dawn Mallett 38 (1-1), Nikki Day 42 (1-2), Kirsty Cooper 67 (2-2), Laveena Betts 71 (2-3).
Yellow Cards: Shelley Forster 40 (dissent), Leanna Doyle 84 (foul)
Referee: Mr D.Jarrett (Northants)
By Dave Mason
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Other results (SE Combination):
AFC Wimbledon 1
Gillingham 2
Forthcoming fixtures:
13th
20th
