AFC Wimbledon Women were denied all three points in a thrilling Easter Sunday match, but they still hold the power to choose their own fate as champions.
Even though the Canaries still have two games remaining, Kevin Foster’s team still leads by ten points over them despite two late goals from Norwich. The match concluded 2-2 at Carshalton.
Wimbledon had the first good opportunity of the match on Sunday, but Norwich City keeper Sarah Quantrill stopped Emily Donovan’s long-range attempt. Ashlee Hincks attempted to score on the rebound, but Quantrill performed a remarkable job of blocking her shot from going through the net.
But for the guests, it was only a short-term respite. Before Ashleigh Goddard’s shot deflected off a Norwich defender and into the goal, Rosie Russell and Goddard worked effectively together in front of goal. The Dons took a 1-0 lead after the deadlock was broken.
Wimbledon had a dream half, and at the end of the half, their lead was doubled. With remarkable technique, Brèon Grant created havoc down the wing before locating Ashlee Hincks, who finished with a slam.
Ellie Dorey had a chance to give the Dons a third goal, but the Norwich custodian stopped her. Due to an injury, Hannah Mackenzie had to leave the game shortly after the hour, and Billie Brooks took her place.
Not long after, Sandra Soares Martins took Brèon Grant’s place, and Skye Bacon took Ashleigh Goddard’s place.
Though there was some late drama in the final ten minutes, it seemed like the Dons were coasting to all three points. First, the visitors halved the deficit when a free-kick by Freya Simmonds was diverted in by Holly Kennard, and there was a sting in the tail for Wimbledon in the 90th minute. Substitute Shannon Shaw struck the equaliser and that meant that the Dons still have work to do to clinch the title.
