Billericay Town Women vs AFC Wimbledon Women - FAWNL South - 10th November 2024

HINCKS RETURNS TO FIRE WIMBLEDON TO VICTORY IN CONTROVERSIAL ESSEX CLASH

Ashlee Hincks returned from suspension to round off a commanding win for AFC Wimbledon under drizzly Essex skies this afternoon. In a clash riddled with controversy, The Dons took control either side of half time, as strikes from Emily Donovan and Kau’inoshea Solomon-Taylor gave Kevin Foster’s side complete control, before Hincks completed the scoring 20 minutes from time.

With both teams eager to bounce back from FA Cup penalty heartbreak a week earlier, Billericay entered the clash just a point behind their visitors, boasting the division’s second-best home record despite only securing one clean sheet thus far.

Newly promoted AFC Wimbledon arrived in Essex with one of the league’s best defensive records, conceding just six goals and earning four clean sheets in eight matches.

The Blues made three changes from the side that exited the FA Cup last weekend, with Ylenia Priest, Maddie Biggs, and Ella Houghton returning to the XI. The Dons welcomed striker Hincks back from a three-game suspension following her dismissal against MK Dons last month.

The visitors started the game on the front foot, and Hincks signalled her intent early on with two efforts from distance, though neither troubled home keeper Aimee Watson.

The Dons’ early pressure soon paid off as they took the lead on the 12-minute mark. A swift move from back to front saw Donovan run at Blues defender Charlotte O’Shea, cut inside and curl a superb effort beyond Watson into the top left corner.

The goal seemed to spark Billericay into action, and they almost restored parity three minutes later. Skipper Beau Parker’s fierce strike from the edge of the box forced an acrobatic stop from Rose Kite in the Wimbledon goal, and Priest glanced a header narrowly wide from the resulting corner.

Wimbledon responded, and nearly added to their lead just before the half-hour mark. Hannah Billingham’s cross from the left flank beat everyone and struck the inside of the post, and Watson produced a stunning point-blank save to stop Hincks converting the rebound.

The first flashpoint came three minutes before the interval when Solomon-Taylor latched onto a defensive mix-up between Watson and her backline. The Dons striker put in a strong challenge on the home keeper and slid the ball home.

However, Wimbledon’s celebrations were cut short when assistant Aidan Jones raised his flag, and after a lengthy discussion with referee Dasa Griffin, the goal was chalked off, sending Wimbledon into the break with a slender lead.

HALF TIME – BILLERICAY TOWN 0-1 AFC WIMBLEDON

The visitors emerged form the interval with the same intensity and created a golden chance 50 minutes in. Donovan continued to cause chaos for Billericay’s backline, beating two defenders before squaring to Hincks who fired over with only Watson to beat.

The hosts responded well and thought they’d equalised moments later when Valentine Pursey slotted home from close range, only to be denied by the offside flag.

This proved to be the turning point as Wimbledon doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute. After Biggs appeared to be fouled by Hannah McKenzie, the visitors broke quickly and despite Watson producing an outstanding save from Donovan, she was powerless to stop Solomon-Taylor firing home the rebound.

Biggs’ frustration with the officials boiled over, as she was sin-binned for her verbal protests, leaving the Essex outfit with a mountain to climb.

Wimbledon capitalised on the player advantage seven minutes later, but not without further controversy. Hincks latched onto a long clearance from Kelly Highman and clashed with Watson in mid-air. Despite significant contact initiated by the striker, Hincks won the challenge, and her header trickled over the line, much to the disbelief of the home faithful.

Even at three goals down, Billericay refused to give up the cause, and Parker thought she’d reduced the arrears nine minutes from time, when she pounced on a poor back pass and poked the ball under Kite. However, Jones’ flag again ruled the goal out, in an incident that mirrored Solomon Taylor’s challenge in the first half.

The game’s final chance fell to Blues substitute Breon Grant who raced clear in stoppage time, but Kite produced a sharp reaction stop to preserve her clean sheet and secure a valuable win for the visitors.

FULL TIME – BILLERICAY TOWN 0-3 AFC WIMBLEDON

The win continues an excellent first season at the level for Wimbledon, pushing them into the top five with one of the league’s best defences ahead of an awkward trip to Lewes next weekend.

Billericay, meanwhile, continue to be troubled defensively and look to be struggling to keep pace with the mid-table pack. With just one clean sheet in ten games, The Blues head to Gwalia United next Sunday, hoping to put an end to a current run of three consecutive defeats.

Billericay Town - Watson, Jackson (O. Smith 75’), Priest, Horwood, Pursey, Biggs, Houghton, Parker (Evans 86’), Munnelly (A. Smith 59’), O’Shea, Hickman (Grant 75’)

Subs not used - Francis-Weir, O’Hanlon 

Booked - Parker

Sin binned – Biggs

 

AFC Wimbledon - Kite, Russell, Rutherford, Highman, Mackenzie, Hincks, Solomon-Taylor, Khassal, Donovan (Bell 71’), Billingham, Clifford (Ajao 71’)

Goals – Donovan (12’), Solomon-Taylor (62’), Hincks (69’)

Subs not used - Whelan

Booked – Kite, Russell

 

Attendance – 211

Referee – Dasa Griffin


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