Match Report: Stevenage FC Ladies Development 3-1 Dunstable Town Women

Photo: Ruby Powell on the attack.

Written by James Smith

Photos by James Smith

Dunstable Town Women were left frustrated after a good opening day win at Cambridge City they fell to defeat in Stevenage on Sunday.

Backed by a good amount of support on the sidelines the Blues created many chances in first half but were unable to convert them as a penalty and controversial second goal gave Stevenage a two goal lead at half time..

A save from AJ Hebborn on 10 minutes from a Stevenage shot from the edge of the area prevented them taking the lead.

Cerys Rees who was earlier on the receiving end of a tackle which required lengthy treatment, saw her header saved well by the keeper as she also saved Ella Rothwell’s follow up.

With twenty five minutes gone Monet Grace-Wille shot over before Town conceded a penalty for a foul in the area. The spot kick was converted to give the hosts the lead.

The lead up to half time brought efforts on goal and a controversial moment, which gave Stevenage the lead.

Rees had a shot saved as the half entered added time then Hebborn made a fine save at the other end.

Controversy came a minute before the break when Stevenage scored their second goal when it looked like the player pushed the ball into her path with her hand before going on to score.

Town were frustrated by the decision not to give a free kick in a crucial moment of the game.

The opening minutes of the second half led to a third goal from Stevenage when a cross was volleyed home from eight yards.

Dunstable tried to fight back as Kirsty Walker brought out a fine save from the keeper with Sanam Shahid just unable get the follow up in the net as again the keeper blocked the shot.

A fine save by Hebborn followed as she pushed a shot away for a corner, which was headed over.

On 58 minutes Shahid went through towards goal and cut the ball back to Bailey Plumbridge whose shot was well saved again.

With an hour gone Town pulled a goal back when Rees fired home a penalty.

Grace-Wille had a shot saved with 67 minutes gone then the home side clipped the top of the bar.

Stevenage shot over just before the final whistle.

The Blues are on the road again next Sunday in the Adobe FA Women’s Cup at Stanway Pegasus.

Team: Hebborn; Larch; Smith; Cullen: Darvill; Plumbridge; Foster; Rees; Rothwell; Grace-Wille & Powell.

Subs: Aylward-Hill; Morris; Shahid; Walker and Hansen.

Dunstable Man of the Match: Shannon Cullen.

Attendance: c60