AFC Wimbledon win penalty shootout to seal Women’s FA Cup progress
Dons manager Kevin Foster made six changes to the starting line-up from last week’s win over Actonians.
Lauren Allen started in goal, Hannah Mackenzie and Nicola Gibson slotted into defence for Kelly Highman and Hannah Billingham, Fran Ali and Lucy Porter replaced Emily Donovan and Molly Childerhouse while Sandra Soares-Martins came in for Ashleigh Goddard.
Soares -Martin sent a left-footed strike over midway through the first period. Ellie Dorey forced a low save out of the Saltdean keeper before the break.
Wimbledon got the opening goal in the fourth minute of the second half. Ashlee Hincks travelled with the ball down the right wing, and found Soares-Martins, who made no mistake in front of goal.
Saltdean hit the post from a free-kick a few minutes later and Nicola Gibson was forced to make an excellent goal-line clearance from a corner. The home team levelled from a free-kick.
A few minutes into the first half of extra time, Dorey put an effort just wide of the far post.
Hincks attempted a few long shots as the Saltdean keeper was off her line, but the ball did not want to take flight.
The extra time was a level affair in torrential rain, aside from a few goalmouth scrambles from the Dons.
Allen was the real hero of the Wimbledon side as she saved two penalties in the shootout. Billie Brooks converted to secure the Dons’ place in the next round.
The Chatham fixture is set to be played on November 26.