Actonians 1 - 4 Swindon Town

An early break from FAWNL fixtures today as Swindon Town are our first visitors to Rectory Park this season in the League Cup Determining Round tie. Only 11 players available for this afternoon’s match so without the option of making any substitutions an anticipated tough battle ahead. Today also sees competitive debuts for Amber Taylor, Sophie Hudson and Kat Mace and returns to the side for Molly O’Reilly and captain Naomi Graham.

Not a great deal created from either side in the first 20 minutes as both battled to try and maintain some possession. Shakes from long range and out near the touchline in the 21st minute hit an opportunist effort which bounced near the six yard box and wasn’t far off target. In the 27th minute Shakes played the ball forward and Jas raced past the Swindon back line but the keeper was quickly out to block her goalbound shot. On 36 minutes Shakes reacted quickly to block the Swindon keeper’s clearance. The ball spun to the side of the goal and was retrieved by Amber D. who played the ball back to Molly on the edge of the penalty area. Her shot went wide. Jas made a great run in the 39th minute when the ball was finally cleared for a corner which came to nothing. On 42 minutes Amber took on the fullback and her left footed cross was met by Shakes. Again another great save from the Swindon keeper. Unfortunately straight after this Swindon raced up the other end and won a corner which ended with Annie Colston giving them the lead. Actonians kept going though and were rewarded with a goal in the last added minute of the half. Shakes send Jas through on goal again and her shot was saved. Amber D. collected the rebound and took an extra touch to steady herself before coolly slotting home. Half time 1-1.

The second half was only 4 minutes old when Swindon regained their lead. The same player getting her second of the match. Swindon had a chance to extend that lead in the 61st minute when one of their strikers was bought down in the area but a superb save from Amber T. kept the score at 2-1. Actonians struggled a bit in the midfield battle with a couple of players receiving knocks and Swindon were able to make a few second half substitutions to freshen things up for themselves. Swindon were creating more as the half progressed but Actonians were able to withstand the pressure until the 86th minute when Annie Colston completed her hat trick. 2 minutes later Swindon were back on the attack and Amber T. was so unlucky after making another excellent save only for the rebound to fall to Holly Beck-Esson to make it 4 for Swindon. In injury time Swindon hit the bar twice in quick succession but the scoring was done. Actonians 1-4 Swindon Town.

Actonians gave a great account of themselves in the first half and on another day could have gone in on the break with a two goal advantage. The tiredness began to show in the second half and Swindon were able to take advantage of that making use of their substitution options. It was a shame that two late goals were conceded making the scoreline not look as respectable as it should have been. An honourable mention to Amber T. again for a couple of great stops as well as that brilliant penalty save but today’s player of the match goes to Amber D. Some great runs on both flanks creating a couple of chances and her late first half goal gave us some hope going into the second period. Back to league action next Sunday with Cambridge City the visitors to Rectory Park and a great opportunity to get our first points of the season on the board.

Report by Neil Hayward
Photo by Rosie Griffiths