QPR FC Women (1) – AFC Sudbury Women (1) 

FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East) 

Team: Melling, Brooks, Searle, Randall, Lewin, Owen, Goddard, Dzyadyk, Stanley, D’Santos, Sampson 

Subs: McCrea, Baravik, Carter, Kennedy 

The first opportunity at the SkyEx Community Stadium fell to the visitors, when Lina Nagib attempted to knock the ball over the keeper, but Nicole Melling was able to make a comfortable save. 

For the R’s, Annie Dzyadyk’s shot after nine minutes hit the side-netting.  

Rangers got their noses in front on 13 minutes following a move started by Billie Brooks, and Ashleigh Goddard’s dummy then found Ellie Searle, who in turn set-up Grace Stanley. The R’s striker went on to round Nina Meollo and slot the ball home. 

An outstanding challenge by Annie Dzyadyk resulted in Mr Chotai ridiculously booking the R’s No.17!!! 

After Georgie Lewin’s superb interception in the box, the Rangers captain put the ball safely behind. From the resulting corner, Eva Frazzoni headed the ball into the keeper’s gloves.  

After 27 minutes, Grace Stanley laid the ball back to Meila D’Santos and the R’s No.8’s shot was grabbed by the keeper just inside the post. 

As the R’s continued to look to increase their lead, Grace Stanley’s left-foot strike forced Nina Meollo down to make the save. 

Approaching the break, Holly Randall went down in need of some attention. Eventually she had to be helped off and Mr Chotai blew his whistle for half-time. 

Holly Randall wasn’t able to continue, so Renai McCrea was brought on for the start of the second-half.  

The visitors came straight out of the blocks and an early 25-yard shot forced a flying save from the R’s keeper. 

Amber Provan was booked for handball and shortly after on 53 minutes, Sudbury equalised, when substitute Emily Newcombe smashed the ball into the roof of the net. 

The next change came on 74 minutes when Izzy Owen made way for Stevie Kennedy.  

A great ball after 81 minutes picked out Grace Stanley, the R’s No.9, turned, and her shot was held by the keeper. 

Molly Carter was introduced on four minutes later at the expense of Annie Dzyadyk. 

It remained all-square at the final whistle.  

Danny Harrigan’s side were then scheduled to take on Real Bedford at McMullen Park.  

Steve Russell