Cambridge United Women punished by ruthless league leaders Wimbledon...
Plough Lane was the site for United’s visit to league leaders AFC Wimbledon this weekend, in front of a record-breaking turnout for the home side of 1410. A decent United performance was unable to prevent the league-leaders showing why they top the table.
The early exchanges of the tie saw both sides probe for the opener with periods of pressure, and the U’s looking most dangerous in wide areas, utilising the pace of Simmons and Fox. However, the breakthrough came for Wimbledon after 20 minutes, as the Dons pounced on a loose ball at the back as United looked to play their way out.
United pushed back with some good pressure in response to falling behind. Ruth Fox had an effort deflected which took the sting out of the shot, and then Zoe Wood saw her freekick fly just over the bar.
Unfortunately, the second goal of the game went the way of the hosts as a loose ball in the penalty area was fired home, following a set-piece situation. Lauren Webb helped keep the score to 2-0 at the break, and the U’s went in to the dressing room very much in the game at the halfway stage.
The second half, much like last week, saw a fast start from United. Woods driving run out wide led to a cross falling to Simmons, who unfortunately couldn’t sort her feet quick enough to beat the outrushing ‘keeper.
Just before the hour mark, Wimbledon again capitalised on a bouncing ball in the United penalty area to push the lead out to 3. Ten minutes later, a goal mouth scramble saw the ball in the United goal for a fourth time, this time taking an unfortunate last touch of a U.
Cambridge showed spirit to not roll over and had chances of their own in the second half. Ruth Fox pulled a shot just wide of the post, before Zoe Wood attempted the spectacular on the volley from 30 yards, which forced the Dons ‘keeper into a save. Harley-Jean Simpson also then saw her effort tipped round the post for a corner.
Unfortunately, however, Wimbledon were able to add a 5th from a headed effort in the 86th minute, before wrapping the day up with a 6th from the spot just 3 minutes later.
United will look to bounce back on the 11th, as they again travel to the Capital, this time to face Actonians in the attempt to complete the league double over their hosts.
Line Up: Webb, Kosky (Seymour 85’), Rouse, Jackson, Marden, Otten (Simpson 65’), Edgar, Cobb, Fox, Simmons (Gillies 70’), Wood
Unused subs: Marjoram, Morley