AFC Wimbledon thrash Haywards Heath Town to stay top of the league

BY SOPHIA AXELSSON

AFC Wimbledon claimed an impressive 6-0 win over Haywards Heath Town in a midweek fixture at Carshalton Athletic FC’s War Memorial Sports Ground. 

With the Dons not having played a competitive game for nearly a month, it took a little while for the home side to get into the rhythm they have made themselves known for. 

The first clear-cut chance of the game fell to the Dons, as some beautiful link-up play between Bacon and Emily Donovan left Ashleigh Goddard clear on goal. The Town ‘keeper bravely dived to smother the ball at Goddard’s feet. 

Three minutes into the second half saw the Dons finally capitalising on their hard work, when an eight-minute flurry meant they were 3-0 up after an opening goal from Donovan and a quick brace from Ellie Dorey.

At 60 minutes, Bacon made way for Breon Grant, making her debut in the yellow and blue – her first touch sending a blinder of a cross into the box, only just cleared by the Town defenders.

The Dons made a further substitution with 20 minutes left of the game, with Sandra Soares Martins coming on for Fran Ali.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Wimbledon made two further substitutions, as Steph Mann and Billie Brooks came on for Ashleigh Goddard and Hannah Billingham, respectively. 

Soares Martins and Grant continued to create chances on the wings, but it was Donovan again who showed her quality in front of the goal, as she completed her brace on 83 minutes with a looping ball over the Town keeper.

Only two minutes later, Soares Martins added her name to the scoresheet as she pounced on a loose ball in the box. 

But the Dons weren’t done yet. Soares Martins bagged herself a brace as well – with a soaring kick from 30 yards out.

PICTURE: EMILY TOPPING