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Football

FA Women’s National League Cup: AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Watford FC

Grace Garrad’s 30-yard goal against AFC Wimbledon in the 120th minute of a tense match at Carshalton Athletic’s War Memorial Sports Ground gave Watford the victory late in the game to go to the FA Women’s National League Cup second round.

After a gruelling match in which both teams created opportunities to break the tie, Hannah Billingham of the Dons and Poppy Wilson of the Hornets came closest to doing so during regular time.

Watford’s spot in the next round was secured by Garrad’s goal one minute after Emma Plewa was dismissed for aggressive behaviour when emotions erupted in the 30-minute extra time.

The Hornets had recently had to overcome resolute defensive resistance, but their lower league opponents were ready for the challenge. Billingham’s header against the woodwork gave the Hornets an early fright.

However, Watford did have some first-half opportunities, with Nicola Gibson and Helen Ward both coming close inside the box in quick succession.

The Golden Girls’ assaults gained momentum once Wilson and Flo Fyfe were introduced in the second half, and they quickly formed a team. Wilson’s header was unable to find the back of the net after Fyfe made a deft move down the right side and curled a cross into the area.

Gemma Davison, a dynamic force on the left side of the attack, set up multiple chances for herself and her teammates. She first set up Rossiter for a shot on goal and then set up Wilson for a shot off the post. Her solo run also prompted a corner after a risky effort was saved by Faye Baker.

Watford, who may have been unfortunate not to complete the game in 90 minutes, jumped right into extra time in an effort to gain the upper hand on the Dons. Three minutes into the extra half-hour, Megan Chandler, who was crucial to the Hornets’ defensive performance in the game, came close to scoring her third goal of the year but had the ball diverted off the goal line.

Bianca Baptiste, who had been injured, then threatened with a determined jumping volley, but her effort agonisingly missed Baker’s far post.

Plewa angrily reacted to a Chandler tackle as the game progressed and penalties started to seem inevitable; as a result, he was fired. Gibson joined the fight that followed in the novel.

Watford still had a chance to try to launch an assault, and their efforts were successful. Davison passed to Garrad from 30 yards out while waiting for an opportunity. The defender took a moment to settle the ball before launching a quick shot that looped over Baker and into the top corner, setting up raucous celebrations from the team and a group of devoted on-the-road fans.

Despite Wimbledon’s heroic and admirable efforts, Damon Lathrope’s team advances to the FAWNL Cup’s next round as they get ready to compete in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup at home against Fulham on November 13.

Watford Lineup: Ferguson (GK), Gibson, Wallace, Davison, Ward (Rossiter 62’), Head (Baptiste 72’), Georgiou (Wilson HT’), Mehmet (Fyfe HT, Fatuga-Dada 108’) Chandler, Palisch, Garrad

AFC Wimbledon Lineup: Baker (GK), Russell, Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Mann (Stow 84’), Donovan, Bath (Taylor 61’), Dorey (Plewa 79’), Hincks, Siber

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