This is an archive website preserved by the Dons Trust. It has been wrapped for modern browsers and is free of trackers and legacy scripts. The original content is unchanged as much as possible. Some links and features may no longer work.
Sunday 14 September 2003 Women's Premier Reserve League Division 2 South
Langford Ladies Reserves
1
-
4
AFC Wimbledon
Match report
LANGFORD LADIES RESERVES 1 AFC WIMBLEDON LADIES RESERVES 4
A scintillating second half performance, culminating in a hat-trick for Lekesha James, overturned a 1-0 deficit to claim the points for AFC?s young reserve side at Langford on Sunday.
It was possible the long coach journey and late kick off affected AFC as they certainly gave a lack lustre display in the first period, having difficulty controlling the ball and conceding possession too easily. They failed to get any width and frequently hit their passes too far, allowing the home keeper to gather with ease.
Langford however started well playing the ball about comfortably and it was fortunate that the AFC defence of Danielle and Kylie Davies, Toni Taylor and Rachel Woodland was as vigilante as ever. Keeper Charlotte Nash dealt well with the through balls that came her way and the opening goal came as a surprise, a speculative shot from outside the area finding its way into the net to give the home side the lead on 25 minutes. AFC slowly began to exert some pressure and after James had a shot saved Michelle Storrier used her body well to create room in the box but her shot went just wide. The half time whistle bringing an end to a disappointing first 45 for the visitors.
Manager Rick Hack?s famed half time team talk appeared to do the trick as AFC were a different side after the break. Immy Hillyard and Joanna Goodwin were introduced and Taylor pushed forward to midfield and the equaliser duly came on 55 minutes. Kelly Nethercoat?s inch perfect pass dissected the home defence to leave Michelle Storrier in on goal and she made no mistake placing her shot inside the right hand post for her 7th goal in her last 4 appearances.
AFC only had to wait a further 2 minutes to take the lead. This time Storrier turned provider as the home centre half failed to cut out her through ball and Lekesha James took it round the keeper to slot into an empty net. James then had to leave the field with a facial injury but soon came back to good effect. The Langford back four were playing very flat and were open to the through ball and twice more Storrier put the speedy James through on 1 on 1 with the keeper and both times she finished with aplomb.
Langford pushed hard in the final 10 minutes, with the heat and hard pitch making it difficult, but AFC held firm for a very satisfying victory. Special mention must go to Rachel Woodland, pressed into service in an unaccustomed left back role, she showed great awareness and poise and will give the management some pleasant selection problems when the remaining members of the squad return from injury and holidays.
