Chatham Town Women (1) – QPR FC Women (1)
FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East)
Team: Wiggins, Hennessy, Lewin, Brooks, Searle, Hill, Blodgett, Goddard, D’Santos, Stanley, Sampson
Ahead of my first visit to the Bauvill Stadium, I met up with Sammy at Hanger Lane Station, and we then made our way on to Victoria.
The ground is about a mile or so from the station and it’s pretty much uphill all the way, so we decided to take the 101 Bus.
Into the game and after just 8 minutes, Stevie Kennedy had to replace Ashleigh Goddard.
A minute or so later, the first shot of the game was provided by the hosts.
At the other end, on 15 minutes, following Ellie Searle’s free kick, a number of attempts on goal came to nothing.
The Chats No.10’s lofted shot looped just past the far-post.
The R’s then went close to opening the scoring after 22 minutes. Following a great move involving a series of one-two’s, Simone Eligon made a superb save when she dived backwards to knock Stevie Kennedy’s dipping strike over the bar.
Rangers took the lead after 28 minutes. Chloe Sampson’s free kick into the box found Emily Hill, whose header came off the underside of the bar before crossing the line.
Five minutes later, the Chats went close to an equaliser following a ball over from the right. The recipient’s shot was driven just past the upright.
A few minutes before the break, Ellie Searle’s low strike through a crowded penalty area, ended up just past the post. Half-time: 1-0.
The hosts had a good opportunity early in the second-half, but the Chats player just couldn’t quite connect with a teasing cross in from the left.
Mr Indyk booked the Chatham No.5 after a heavy challenge on Grace Stanley.
The R’s striker put a great ball through to Stevie Kennedy, who then broke clear and her effort ended up just wide of the target.
Chatham equalised after 70 minutes following a free kick from a widish position close to the edge of the box. Otesha Charles then thumped the ball into the net from close range.
On 73 minutes, Danny Harrigan brought on Annie Dzyazk at the expense of Laura Hennessy.
Four minutes later, Chrissy Wiggins made an excellent save at the near-post.
The next change saw Alana Munro replace Grace Stanley. The R’s substitute was harshly booked in less than a minute after coming on!
Billie Brooks’s audacious free kick from over 30-yards flashed just wide of the target.
The R’s keeper made a very good stop following a free kick into the box.
Emily Hill had to be helped off in added time with what looked like a knee injury, and Alice Curr was brought on.
Three days later the R’s took on Ashford Town at the SkyEx Community Stadium.
Steve Russell