Sunday 24th February 2008 at the Enclosed Ground, Whitehawk FC
Match Report: Whitehawk Ladies 0 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
(South East Combination)
A single goal from Aileen Whelan after an hour was enough to settle this tough encounter between two teams looking to extend unbeaten runs.
With Ipswich Town no longer within reach, Rushden & Diamonds Ladies were looking to maintain a top three slot again in the South East Combination. After a run of five consecutive wins, they were looking to continue the momentum that has seen them score 32 goals and concede just 3 over the past six weeks. Whitehawk, managed by former Arsenal and England International Debbie Bampton provided strong opposition at the Dog & Duck in November gaining a 2-2 draw and had not been beaten in the League since November. They held Ipswich to a goal-less draw last weekend and are one of only two clubs to have taken points off the Champions Elect.
Diamonds made three changes to the side which reached the County Cup Final last weekend. Leanna Doyle returned in defence, while midfielder Jade Linnell and Mikaela Welford replaced Anna McLeod and Katie Loydall.
With two strong defences, chances during the opening half hour were few and far between with neither side creating goal-scoring chances - Diamonds being restricted to some long range efforts. Aileen Whelan shot over the bar from 30 yards early on, while their best effort fell to Mikaela Welford on 10 minutes after some good play between Jade Linnell and Vicky Gallagher, but with just the keeper to beat, Diamonds leading scorer shot wide.
Whitehawk's best chance came on 27 minutes when Kate Spencer ran clear, but Leanna Doyle did well to get back and block the danger. Diamonds did get the ball in the net just after half an hour, but Charly Wright was in an offside position when she buried the ball in the net. They started to create more chances going forward without putting keeper Lesley Hubbard under too much pressure.
The home side gained a dangerous free kick just outside the area six minutes before break after Fay Howell had fouled Leah Bryant, but Brid Carroll fired the ball over the bar.
Half time: Whitehawk Ladies 0 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
A rare mistake in the home side's defence almost gave Diamonds the lead on 51 minutes after a mix up between keeper Lesley Hubbard and Sharon Fitton. Ashley Palmer (who had replaced Mikaela Welford just before half time) nipped in but the ball ran away from goal. Palmer laid the ball back, but keeper Hubbard recovered to save a shot from Jade Linnell.
On 59 minutes, it was Whitehawk who broke quickly through Leah Bryant, but Kirsty Cooper got back to clear the danger. Moments later, Diamonds got what proved to be the winning goal. As the ball was cleared upfield, it was played deep into the Hawk's penalty area, where Whelan had made a forward run from midfield. She fired a shot on goal which the keeper did well to parry away, but it fell nicely for Ashley Palmer waiting at the far post. With a very tight angle, Palmer unselfishly laid the ball back to Aileen Whelan who blasted the ball into the net from six yards.
Whitehawk's player manager Debbie Bampton, who played 95 times for England in the 80's and 90's, came on after 65 minutes and tried to steady the game for the home side. Bryant tried to test Charlene Ward with a shot from distance which wasn't too far over the top, and they came close to an equaliser on 74 minutes after Ward failed to deal with a weak shot on goal. She made amends with a superb save from Nicky Heffernan at point blank range.
Ten minutes from time, Whitehawk's Sian Ford-Hunt had the ball in the net from a Felicity Waller free kick, but the linesman's flag saw the goal ruled out. As full-time approached, it was Diamonds who had the final two chances with Charly Wright heading over from Gallagher's cross, and Jade Linnell's free kick drifting agonisingly across the goalmouth.
Full time: Whitehawk Ladies 0 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies
Diamonds could feel satisfied with a hard fought victory against a side who are better than their League position suggests. Next week, Diamonds have another trip to Sussex when they take on Lewes at The Dripping Pan, Lewes FC (2pm kick-off).
Teams:
Whitehawk: Lesley Hubbard, Nicky Heffernan, Sian Ford-Hunt, Ruth Wakefield, Felicity Waller (Kelly Hunter 83), Sharon Fitton, Caroline Mole (Debbie Bampton 65), Brid Carroll, Leah Bryant(c), Kate Spencer (Kelly McCullock 83), Jo Gardiner.
Subs not used: Nil.
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Molly Marsh (Amy O'Brien 52), Fay Howell, Kirsty Cooper(c), Leanna Doyle, Caroline Moran, Jade Linnell, Charly Wright, Vicky Gallagher, Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Whelan (Ashley Palmer 39).
Subs not used: Nil.
Goals: Aileen Whelan 60 (0-1).
Referee: Mr J.Sandy
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Other results (SE Combination):
AFC Wimbledon 1 Bedford Town Bells 1
Ipswich Town 1 Lewes 0
Welwyn Garden City 2 Northampton Town 1
Forthcoming fixtures:
Sunday 2 March Lewes (Away) SEC
Wednesday 5 March Northampton Town (Away 1945 ko) SEC
Sunday 9 March Bedford Town Bells (Home) SEC
Reserve Team fixture:
Midland Combination Reserves
Rushden & Diamonds 5 Northampton Town 0
(Scorers: Jodie Rogers, Naomi Dauncey, Jenna Looker, Stephanie Thompson, Bethan Lelliott)
