Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women’s FC (1) – QPR FC Women (2)
FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East)
Team: Melling, Curr, Searle, Akerman, Blodgett, Hill, Webster, Stanley, Nygaard-Parsons, Ward-Chambers, Petit
Subs: McCrea, Shephard, Cohen, Carolan
After parking up, we headed to the Clubhouse to watch the FA Cup draw.
Rangers’ first attempt at goal came when Kasha Petit had set-up Courtnay Ward-Chambers, but the resulting shot was aimed directly at the keeper.
Then, Emilia Nygaard-Parsons was put through, but after a slight stumble, she couldn’t finish.
It was the home side who took the lead on 27 minutes. The initial effort was knocked off the line, but Martha Riley was well-placed to slot the ball home from close range.
Jo Blodgett burst forward, evaded a defender, before firing her shot at Sophie Shults.
Following a good move, the Ashford keeper then made a good save from Frankie Webster.
At the other end, the Tangerines No.7 forced a superb flying save from Nicole Melling.
Two added minutes were indicated and at half-time it remained 1-0 to the hosts.
Following a bit of a scrappy start, Steve Quashie made his first substitution on 56 minutes when he introduced Renai McCrea at the expense of Frankie Webster. This change saw Renai McCrea take up a midfield position and Grace Stanley pushing forward.
After receiving a great ball, Grace Stanley got one-on-one with Sophie Shults, but the R’s striker shot just wide of the target.
On 67 minutes, Courtnay Ward-Chambers made way for Ailish Carolan and a few minutes later Zoe Cohen replaced Emilia Nygaard-Parsons.
The R’s scored a deserved equaliser five minutes later. Following excellent work by Ellie Searle down the left-flank, Grace Stanley set-off for goal. The R’s striker then fired the ball, low, into the far corner.
The final change was made after 80 minutes, which saw Grace Shephard coming on for Alice Curr.
QPR’s winner came in the 89th minute when Grace Stanley superbly stroked the ball into the back of the net.
Next up for Steve Quashie’s side was a visit to the Green Lane Sports Ground to take on CB Hounslow in the Combined Counties Cup.
Thanks to Sammy for the lift.
Steve Russell