Sunday 3rd February 2008 at the Kingsmeadow Athletics Stadium
AFC Wimbledon Ladies 1 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
(South East Combination League Cup 2nd Round)
After a first round win at Bedford last month, Rushden & Diamonds Ladies won through to the semi-finals with another away win, beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at Kingsmeadow. First half goals from Aileen Whelan and Ashley Palmer were enough to take Diamonds through although they did concede a penalty in first half injury time.
Despite Wimbledon's lowly League position, they have improved their form recently and finally won their first game of the season last weekend. After some heavy defeats early in the season, the defence has become much tighter of late and Diamonds were prepared for a tough contest.
They set out to attack from the opening minute as Wimbledon were forced to defend in numbers and after just 9 minutes, took the lead. Caroline Moran's corner caused panic in the home side's penalty area as first, Ashley Palmer's shot was blocked on the line. Kirsty Cooper then fired the ball back towards goal, the ball rebounding off a defender and into the path of Aileen Whelan who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
It looked like Diamonds might overwhelm the home side as they continued to attack making good use of the flanks, but with a mixture of good defending, good fortune and poor finishing from Diamonds, they kept the difference to just one goal. On 12 minutes, Moran sent Charly Wright away down the left and her fierce shot cannoned back off the post. Palmer had several chances to increase the lead but failed to test keeper Charlotte Nash.
Wimbledon had their first chance after 26 minutes after Evelyn Torres was fouled by Moran just outside the area however, Lekesha James' free kick failed to test Charlene Ward in the Diamonds goal. Wimbledon had their best spell of the game, but it was Diamonds who had the better opportunities. Cooper header over and Gallagher's shot was saved by Nash, but the second goal finally came after 35 minutes and like the first, it was from a corner. Charly Wright cut the ball back to Anna McLeod in a central area just inside the box. Her volley toward goal was diverted past the keeper by the head of Ashley Palmer.
Lekesha James tried to get Wimbledon back in the game and Leanna Doyle did well to cut out a dangerous attack from the midfielder. Triona Doyle replaced Evelyn Torres in attack on 39 minutes as Wimbledon pressed forward but moments later, James suffered a bad knee injury was unable to continue. Diamonds looked able to cope as Wimbledon came forward, but Claire Malone's shot from just outside the area well into stoppage time struck Fay Howell's hand and the referee award the home side a penalty. Amy Price converted the spot kick high into the net.
Half time: AFC Wimbledon Ladies 1 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
Despite the late surge from Wimbledon at the end of the first half, Diamonds took control again in the second half and created several chances. They won numerous corners, but were unable to convert chances into goals. A mistake by Lisa Couchman on 54 minutes gave Gallagher a great chance to increase the lead and the keeper did well to block her shot. Just after the hour, Moran forced a way through the Wimbledon defence, her shot being parried away by the keeper. As the ball came back in, Nash was fortunate again with Wright's shot striking the keeper's heel and deflecting just wide of the upright.
Diamonds were putting together some good moves, with Howell and Marsh exploiting the wings well, but they just lacked that killer touch. Nash knew little about Palmer's shot on 67 minutes which again struck her and was cleared away. The pressure was relentless with the home side not able to create anything to trouble Diamonds defence, but with just a one goal advantage they had to be alert to the danger of a quick break away.
In the final few minutes, Gallagher's free kick struck the bar after Aileen Whelan was fouled just outside the area, while Charly Wright also struck the woodwork from Gallagher's pin point cross.
Full time: AFC Wimbledon Ladies 1 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
So Diamonds progress to the semi finals together with Ipswich Town and Lewes. Cambridge City and Enfield have yet to play in the other quarter final. Next week, its back to League action when Diamonds visit Gillingham at Larkfield & New Hythe FC (2pm kick off).
Teams:
AFC Wimbledon Ladies: Charlotte Nash, Jodie Fernandes, Faye Ludlow, Rebecca Duggan, Lisa Coughman, Amy Price, Lekesha James (Claire Speed 45), Evelyn Torres (Triona Doyle 39), Beth Sims (Amy Coughman 78), Laura Topliss, Claire Malone.
Subs not used: Emma Roberts, Rebecca Yarnold.
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Molly Marsh, Fay Howell, Kirsty Cooper, Leanna Doyle, Caroline Moran, Anna McLeod, Charly Wright, Ashley Palmer, Aileen Whelan, Vicky Gallagher.
Subs not used: Amy O'Brien, Katie Loydall.
Goals: Aileen Whelan 9 (0-1), Ashley Palmer 35 (0-2), Amy Price 45+3pen (1-2).
Referee: Mr T.Slate
By Dave Mason
==============================
Other results
SE Combination:
Gillingham 1 - 2 Bedford Town Bells
SE Combination League Cup 1st Round:
Welwyn Garden City 0 - 1 Enfield Town
SE Combination League Cup 2nd Round:
Northampton Town 1 - 3 Ipswich Town
Whitehawk 0 - 2 Lewes
Forthcoming fixtures:
10th February Gillingham (Away)
17th February Stewarts & Lloyds (Away)
(County Cup semi-final)
24th February Whitehawk (Away)
Reserve Team fixture:
Midland Combination Reserves League Cup
Rushden & Diamonds 4 - 6 WBA
(Goals from Mikaela Welford/2, Stephanie Thompson, Jade Linnell)
