ACTONIANS LADIES THROUGH TO SECOND ROUND OF WOMEN'S FA CUP
ACTONIANS LADIES THROUGH TO SECOND ROUND OF WOMEN’S FA CUP
Actonians Ladies FC, the current holders of the Capital Women’s Senior Cup, who are based at our Rectory Park HQ, beat AFC Wimbledon in their home Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Proper match on Sunday last.
They reached the 1st round by defeating Kent Football United away and Fulham at home, both by 3-1, in the qualifying rounds.
AFC Wimbledon, who like Actonians, compete in the South East Division 1, are unbeaten in league games this season and were expected to provide stiff opposition.
This proved to be the case and a very competitive, hard fought and frequently feisty encounter developed. However, the flash points were efficiently diffused by experienced referee Mark Sennett.
Jessica Byrne came close to opening the scoring for Actonians, when she hit a post from more than 30 yards. Then Carla Williams set up Naomi Graham, who fired narrowly wide from outside the penalty box.
Wimbledon hit back quickly and skipper, Hannah Billingham went close with a half volley, following a corner.
Actonians took the lead in the 18th minute through Alessandra Barreca, a regular in the Middlesex FA representative side, who netted from close range.
This lead only lasted for around 3 minutes, before Sarah Wentworth scored an equaliser for the visitors, following a corner taken by Katie Stanley.
Then Katie tested Actonians’ keeper Naomi Swift with a well struck drive, which required a low diving save.
Jessica Byrne restored the lead for Actonians 5 minutes before the interval, when she took the ball around keeper Charlotte Ferguson, before stroking it home.
This completed the scoring. AFC Wimbledon pressed very hard for an equalised in the second half and had chances but failed to make any of them count.
Naomi Swift foiled Katie Stanley, who had a good scoring opportunity from close range. Naomi then saved similarly at Rebecca Sargent’s feet. Then Katie and Rebecca were both off target following good approach work.
Micaela Lopes, Meila D’Santos and Sharon Odofin were other current members of the Middlesex FA squad playing for Actonians in this match.
Teams
ACTONIANS: Naomi Swift, Catherine Murphy (capt), Ashleigh Ward, Meila D’Santos, Naomi Graham, Micaela Lopes, Alessandra Barreca, Carla Williams (Sharon Odofin 71 mins), Simone Wan (Molly O’Reilly 86 mins), Jessica Byrne and Rhiannon Ishmael.
Manager: Danny Harrigan Assistant Manager: Sinead Friel Physio: Katy Taylor.
AFC WIMBLEDON: Charlotte Ferguson, Rosie Russell (Charlotte Flood 85 mins), Helen Ogle, Rebecca Sargent, Stephanie Mann, Sarah Wentworth, Katie Stanley, Georgie Heasman (Elizabeth O’Callaghan 65 mins), Elizabeth Berkeley (Becky McLaren-Johnson 85 mins), Hannah Billingham (capt) and Kelly Highman.
Manager: Kevin Foster Gk Coach: John Parker Coaches: Abdullah Keir and Kevin Finnerty.
Referee: Mark Sennett Assistant Referees: Roger Wheeler and Neil Bleakley.
A full selection of photography is available here, courtesy of chris benn