The Dons Ladies continued their winning run with a convincing win against a resolute and strong Crawley team.

With the initial part of the match much closer than the score line suggested, both teams battled hard to dominate. Although Crawley had a few initial chances, the game ebbed from end to end, but the Dons steadily gained momentum and made their quality show, as they took control of the game.

On 41 minutes, just before the break, AFCW's fullback Toni Jones-Leach, looped a superb pass over an almost static Crawley defence, and the onrushing Caz Bisson scored her 6th goal from 4 starts

AFC came out from the break early, keen to take early control of the restart. The second period started with Wimbledon dominating Crawley, who still seemed stunned to be a goal behind. Crawley tried to stem the flow and made a couple of changes to their shape as they swapped personnel. AFC took to this unchanged and continued as they were, dominating the midfield and controlling possession.

Caz Bisson was in pulsating form as she tried to add to her tally, and had couple of chances blocked or placed just wide within the first five minutes of play.

Eventually the hard work from Dons paid dividend, and Bisson struck a superb second goal on 56 minutes.

Dons midfielder Emma Keady replaced Clare Hedley-Smith on the restart, freshening up midfield, and continuing the grip Wimbledon had on the game.

Crawley continued to work hard and had a very good spell, creating a number of chances. An error from Dons' keeper Tylee, nearly led to a Crawley chance but covering defender Alysha Clements read the play well and cleared off the line.

Crawley soon rectified the earlier mistake and Zoe Martin scored in the 62nd minute. This seemed to give the visitors belief as they saw a chance to get back into the game.

Dons' manager Lyons made a tactical change to help his hard working side, bringing on Bianca Walker for the skilful forward Vicky Petrova. This gave Crawley something different to counter, as Walker's height and strength caused the visitors defence a new set of problems. The introduction of Walker freed up Bisson even more, who continued to produce a Player-of-the-match performance, storming past Crawley on both flanks.

Substitute Walker then converted a Bisson assist on 74 mins, with a superb strike from the edge of Crawley's area. It was a just reward for Walker who changed the game with her physical presence, and ability to attack anything in the air. Dons' Manager Lyons will no doubt be looking at the option Walker's height and strength gives to his team, especially with the good service the Dons midfield can provide.

The Walker goal seemed to kill off any chance Crawley had to get back into the game and they looked a spent force. Bisson and Walker were now rampant, and could have probably added to their tally had they been a little more clinical in front of the Crawley goal.

Bisson finished off another outstanding game, with her third goal in the 88th minute, taking her tally to 8 goals in only 4 games. It also makes her the top goal scorer in the league; and with such good service behind, and good strike partners alongside her, will continue to push for the golden boot this season.

The three points finished off another impressive performance from the Dons who now hold third spot in the league, only one point off leaders Fulham. Goalkeeper Tylee put in another solid display, both young fullbacks, Jones-Leach and Robinson, worked tirelessly, putting in two very good performances. Considering both these players have come up from last year's U18s and Development teams, it is even more impressive, and shows the importance of a good youth set up. The midfield was strong once again, and the four goals showed how potent Bisson, Petrova and Walker can be. Unused substitute Georgia Heasman will no doubt feature next weekend, as the Petrova three game ban takes effect. Young Heasman is another striker with an eye for goal, and will fit in well with the hard working front line. With Jess Trimnell, Linsey Clarke and Sian Fitzpatrick soon to make returns, the Dons' ladies are looking a hard test for any side this season. Next week's encounter will be another good challenge, as the Ladies look to continue their winning ways away at Old Actonions.

[ --- John Ivers]