The ACN Match Review – A F C Wimbledon (a)

The line-up

An unchanged team from last week’s draw with QPR at Carrow Road.

The atmosphere

It was a shame this highly anticipated top-of-the-table meeting couldn’t be played at Plough Lane, which was unavailable this Easter Sunday due to an egg-shaped sport, but a crowd of 625 turned out in Carshalton including plenty of vocal yellow and green. Hopefully the supporters’ coach put on by the club was deemed a success and it can become a regular thing. Haydon the Womble got the home support going with his bin-banging antics, and the lack of rubbish left on the terraces at full-time showed the Dons fans are indeed proud and tidy Wombles.

Hurrah moment

The second half was a frustrating watch as despite waves of attacks, helped by good use of substitutes – Holly Kennard was especially impressive – nothing was coming off with time running out and Wimbledon’s lead not looking under particular threat. Then a free-kick and a flicked header from Kennard left Wimbledon rattled, the introduction of Shannon Shaw in a striker-for-defender sub showed intent, and a 93rd-minute corner was firmly headed in by Shaw herself. A mad few minutes were topped off by Wimbledon hitting the bar before the final whistle eventually went.

Boo moment

The division’s top scorer Ashlee Hincks was a handful for the Norwich defence all game and was left alone in the box to swivel and volley home for the second goal right on half time, leaving the prospect of any points looking bleak.

Hero of the match

Keeper Sarah Quantrill made a big double save early in the first half and an even bigger one inside the last 10 minutes, to keep it at 2-0 and ensure the unlikely comeback was still on.

Our post-match takeaway

A Wimbledon win would have pretty much put the title to bed, but this keeps things interesting. There’s no more room for error in the rest of City’s still unbeaten season, with two games in hand, but if the Dons slip up in any of their four remaining fixtures – including tricky away trips to Worthing, currently second, and Ashford Town, who are the only team other than Norwich to have beaten the Dons in the league – then this comeback built on determination and persistence could end up looking very important indeed.