The ACN Match Review – Afc Wimbledon (h)

The atmosphere

Usual fare for The Nest, with a huge top-of-the-table game meaning plenty in attendance, all of whom got right behind their side throughout extreme weather conditions.

The women’s team retain Samba De Janeiro as their goal music. I’ve said this before and maybe I’ve been conditioned over many years – but it remains infinitely better than anything they’ve tried since at Carrow Road.

The line-up

Herdman reverted to what seems to be his preferred starting 11 after some rotation in the cup, his side becoming ever more used to three at the back now.

The athleticism of wing-backs Tomlinson and Parker, coupled with the guile of Todd and Smith, gives City a real edge to their play. They are excellent in transitions and able to execute the game plans their coach is asking of them, potentially testament to the additional training sessions and increased professionalism around the team in recent months.

Hurrah moment

City’s second goal of the afternoon was technically excellent, the ball popping up into the air in the direction of midfielder Eloise Morran, who could easily have been expected to nod it back towards the opposition goal given the on-rushing Dons’ players. Instead, Morran showed the kind of composure that can win you games, deciding to deftly chest the ball into space for her to run onto, before setting Rachel Lawrence free on the left flank.

Lawrence’s subsequent delivery into the box was accurate and pacy, allowing the outstretched Tash Snelling to guide the ball into the corner and put her side in complete control of the match. This could prove to be a huge moment in the title race.

Boooo moment

Only minor gripes allowed when Norwich have recorded probably their result of the season so far. But with weather conditions as they were, The Nest’s ability to house at best only a couple of hundred fans in covered areas may well have hampered attendance, and left many very cold and damp on the way home.

The club had clearly targeted the game as one where they could increase numbers, offering all Junior Canaries free admission. It’s probable, however, that many were put off by the elements. If the Attanasio group are looking for quick wins regarding their capital investments, they should look no further than The Nest.

Hero of the match

The whole backline can take a bow here. Ceri Flye was her usual commanding self in the air; Anna Larkins’ composure and experience helped see City through; while Hope Strauss put her body on the line time and time again. It all meant City’s defence kept the league’s runaway top scorer Ashlee Hincks very quiet, denying her the time and space she seemed to need. They also reduced a free scoring Dons side to half chances for most of the match, a jittery first ten minutes aside.

Our post-match takeaway

Barring a couple of gilt-edged chances for the visitors in the opening exchanges, City really stepped up and during the latter stages of the first half exerted a real dominance. The fact they did this against the league leaders was a real show of intent. The aforementioned second goal was delicious, but the opener was perhaps equally so, Ellie Smith flying into a sliding challenge she had no right to contest, only to win the ball cleanly before setting Snelling away to cooly slot home.

As the game wore on, Wimbledon’s increasing frustration resulted in some over-the-top challenges and less-than-savoury shithousery, was testament to the fact they were getting bested by a side that really are on the up – and now unbeaten in their opening ten league games.

Norwich are now three points behind the Dons with a game in hand, all to play for.