MATCH REPORT: AFC WIMBLEDON 2-0 CHATHAM TOWN

FIRST HALF

The Dons got us underway for the first half.

From kick-off, Emily Donovan had a strike from distance but saw her effort go just wide of the post.

In the opening stages, the game looked even.

There was some great work from Ashlee Hincks who created a great chance for Ellie Dorey, who’s effort got parried away by the keeper.

The first corner of the game was awarded to the Dons, as they looked to find the opener. The corner came in and reached Hannah Billingham, who could only find the hands of the Chatham Keeper.

Halfway through the first half, and it was AFC Wimbledon who were on top.

Not long after, Hincks had a shot at goal from a throw-in but couldn’t find the target.

Ashlee Hincks was causing trouble for the Chatham defence. She cut in and picked out a cross, but the ball floated over everyone.

There was some fantastic work from Rosie Russell as she bombed down the right-hand side and sent a low ball into the box. It bobbled at everyone’s feet, and at least 3 Wimbledon players tried to direct it at goal. Somehow didn’t hit the back of the net!

A Dons corner was sent in, and Billie Brooks managed to head her effort on target, but not past the goalkeeper.

30 minutes on the clock, and the deadlock was yet to be broken.

As half-time approached, Fran Ali was showed a yellow card for a tenacious challenge on a Chatham Town midfielder.

Hincks forced an excellent save from the Chatham goalkeeper on the stroke of half-time, winning a corner. Nothing came of the set piece.

Our number 9 was causing mayhem down the flanks, as she put in a perfect cross for Ashleigh Goddard, but the ball was just beneath her.

At half-time, it was AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Chatham Town.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Sigrist

SECOND HALF

Chatham got us underway for the second half. Ellie Dorey instantly fired an effort towards goal, as the Dons looked to set the tempo.

The Dons showed the same pressure they did in the first-half, winning set pieces and possession, as they looked to break the deadlock.

Ashleigh Goddard did exceptionally well as she carried the ball towards the goal, but she ended up in a collision with the goalkeeper.

15 minutes into the second half and Billie Brooks got her head to the ball as it flew into the box, but her shot landed on the roof of the net.

For a while, it was all one-way traffic from the Dons.

Lauren Allen made an excellent save for the team as the Chatham Town had a rare breakaway. Their number 7 found herself one on one with the keeper, but Allen stood her ground.

Emily Donovan won a free kick on the very edge of the area. Hincks stood over it, but she could only find the Chatham wall.

With 15 minutes of the second half left to play, Molly Childerhouse came on to replace Fran Ali in midfield.

Shortly after, Ashleigh Goddard was replaced by Sandra Soares Martins.

Chatham Town found themselves in some space as they charged towards goal. Kelly Highman made an excellent last-ditch tackle, to send the ball out for a corner.

As full-time loomed, the game became more open.

The ball fell to Billingham in the box, but her shot sailed over the bar.

With just a few minutes before full-time, super sub Soares Martins tried her luck from just outside the centre circle. She struck the ball beautifully, lobbing the keeper, and finding the bottom right-hand corner!

The Dons had their well-deserved breakthrough.

It was AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Chatham Town!

Photo Credit: Rebecca Sigrist

The goal even took Sandra by surprise!

The clock ticked towards full-time, and Ellie Dorey tried her luck from distance. Her strike nestled into the bottom corner, and the Dons had their second!

At full-time, it was AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Chatham Town.

To the next round!
Come On You Dons!