QPR FC Women (2) – London Seaward (0)
FA Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Melling, Cooper, Searle, Brooks, Blodgett, Lewin, Ward-Chambers, Hill, Stanley, Goddard, Sampson
Subs: Hennessy, McCrea, Dzyazyk, Kennedy, Munro.
The first real attack of the afternoon fell to the hosts. Asleigh Goddard’s pass from the left found Courtnay Ward-Chambers, whose shot was then comfortably held by the keeper.
Courtnay Ward-Chambers took advantage of a mis-placed pass and her shot from 25-yards ended up wide of the target.
On the 20-minute mark, Chloe Sampson’s effort in the box struck the arm of a Seaward defender. Mr Dewane awarded a penalty and Ashleigh Goddard stepped up, but Alex Baker managed to save her spot-kick.
Following a corner, the Seaward keeper did well to keep out Grace Stanley’s close-range shot.
Not surprisingly, the R’s took the lead around the half-hour mark following a very deep free kick, and Ashleigh Goddard’s touch in the box deceived the keeper.
Seconds before the interval, Grace Stanley volleyed over the crossbar. Half-time: 1-0.
Rangers soon picked up from where they had left-off before the break. Good work by Jess Cooper down the left got her a corner. And then amidst shouts for a penalty, Mr Dewane just wasn’t interested.
As the R’s continued looking for a second goal, Grace Stanley’s strike bounced off the post.
Ellie Searle bombed down the left-wing and her angled shot was well-saved at the near-post.
Rangers finally doubled their lead around the hour-mark. Following Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ free kick, Jo Blodgett got on the blind-side to finish.
After Mr Dewane had booked a Seaward player, Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ free kick ended up over the crossbar.
Alana Munro replaced Chloe Sampson on 75 minutes.
Grace Stanley laid the ball off to Alana Munro and the R’s substitute’s effort closely evaded the far-post.
It wasn’t until a few minutes from the end that the away side had their first attempt at the Rangers goal.
Earlier, Renai McCrea, Laura Hennessy, Annie Dzyazyk and Stevie Kennedy had all been introduced at the expense of Ellie Searle, Jess Cooper, Grace Stanley and Courtnay Ward-Chambers respectively.
A well-deserved and very welcome first league win of the season.
Danny Harrigan’s side then travelled to Kent to face Chatham Town.
Steve Russell