AFC Wimbledon Women continue winning ways with victory in 11-goal thriller at Cambridge United
BY SOPHIE AXELSSON
AFC Wimbledon claimed a statement 8-3 win at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday afternoon against Cambridge United.
Kevin Foster made one change in the line-up from last weekend’s win over Chesham United, with Molly Childerhouse coming in for Nicola Gibson.
The Dons started the game strongly with lots of energy, immediately finding space behind Cambridge’s defensive line.
It would only take 9 minutes for Wimbledon to take the lead, as Ashlee Hincks was on the end of a long ball from Billie Brooks.
The lead wouldn’t last long, however. A Cambridge United corner caused some confusion in the box, and Stojko-Down managed to find the back of the net.
The Dons were awarded a corner in the 24th minute. Hincks’ initial cross was cleared but landed back with her. She found Hannah Billingham, who made no mistake on the half-volley. 1-2 to Wimbledon.
With just over half an hour on the clock, Emma Plewa sent a cross flying from just past the halfway line. It found the head of Ashleigh Goddard, who got her third goal of the season.
A few minutes later, Emily Donovan was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, but the kick was delayed as the Cambridge United player was receiving treatment.
Eventually, she had to be brought off on a stretcher.
Hincks made no mistake from the spot and secured her second of the day.
Cambridge United replied quickly, and found space 25 yards out, with Stojko-Down sending a ball high over Faye Baker for hers and Cambridge United’s second of the day.
Wimbledon did not let this deter them, and Emily Donovan got on the score sheet just before the half-time break.
The Dons made one change at half-time, with Nicola Gibson coming on for Rosie Russell at right-back.
Wimbledon started the second half just as strongly as they did the first, and Ashlee Hincks got her hat-trick after just 3 minutes. And three minutes after that, she scored her fourth of the day (and her 84th Wimbledon goal overall).
Wimbledon made a further four substitutions, with Ellie Dorey, Sandra Soares Martins, Steph Mann and Amy Taylor coming on for Childerhouse, Plewa, Fran Ali and Donovan, respectively.
The Dons kept pushing to the very end, and just as we hit the 90-minute mark, Soares Martins found Dorey open in the box, who was able to easily slot in Wimbledon’s eight of the game.
It was Cambridge United who were to have the last say, though, when Fox found herself with plenty of space in the box to unleash a shot out of reach of Faye Baker.
PICTURE: Emily Topping