Reserves 1 - 2 Crawley AFC (aet)

The first game of 2024 was a home cup tie for the ressies with Crawley AFC from the division above being the visitors to Gunnersbury Park. There was a number of squad members missing today but most notably the absence of a recognised goalkeeper. Sally Cheeseman who normally plays in midfield went between the sticks for the afternoon.

Neither side created any clear cut changes in the opening 10 minutes although Charlotte had a shot go wide of the post. Two chances fell to Actonians in the 23rd minute. First Calli came very close to hitting the target with the keeper beaten and Charlotte had a shot saved. On the half hour mark a Crawley striker was sent through on goal and placed their shot in the bottom corner. A couple of minutes later Katy saw her shot go wide and in the dying minutes of the first half a Charlotte volley went over the bar. Half time 0-1.

Just 3 minutes into the second half Actonians levelled the score. Calli battled through beating a defender and the goalkeeper for an excellent equaliser. It was fair to say that neither side created too much for the majority of the second half but Actonians really came to life in the last 10 minutes. Jess had 3 efforts saved and Annemarie and Katy also had shots blocked. Despite dominating towards the end of the 90 minutes Actonians were unable to get a winner. Full time 1-1.

Actonians continued to be on top with Charlotte, Katy and Calli all coming close to scoring in the first period of extra time. The second period carried on in the same manner. Jess, Jodie, Charlotte and Katy all having further efforts on goal as Actonians looked for the winner. Then in the 119th minute it looked like it was going to happen but Ines had her shot well saved by the stretching keeper. Heartbreak in the final minute. Having created absolutely nothing in the whole of extra time Crawley scored a winner with an absolute worldie. Full time 1-2.

A brave performance where Actonians at times outclassed a team that plays at a higher level and looked the most likely to win. Player of the match would be tough to choose today as all 13 players involved went the extra mile as they battled away. Sally deserves a special mention. She commanded her penalty area and played superb. Unfortunately she couldn’t do anything about either of the goals as very few keepers would have been able to either. Jess Wadley had a great second half and looked the most likely to get the winner. Charlotte created a lot today as well from midfield but my vote would go to Calli. She had a brilliant game battling away from start to finish and was rewarded with her goal.

A return to league action for Actonians next week when they look forward to visiting Dulwich Hamlet Reserves.

Report by Neil Hayward