Following a closely contested match earlier in the season, where the Dons edged out Crawley - another close contest was expected and no-one was disapponted.

Crawley Kicked Off and the game progressed from end to end. Wimbledon pressed and gained a succession of corners in and around 18th to 20th minutes; but it was Crawley who had the first real chance when on 22 minutes a fiercely struck shot bounced over the crossbar.

After 25 minutes Fleur R replaced an out of sorts Bianca Walker and meaning a change of positions from the hosts.

Caz Bisson had Wimbledon's first real chance but her shot was saved by Crawley's Keeper on 37 minutes.

Libby Suchley saw a speculative shot from around 28yards hit the top of the net. Crawley also had chances to open the scoring, but it remained scoreless at half time.

Dons kicked off the second period and were soon under pressure from Crawley constantly pressing forward and on 50 minutes the visitors took the lead as a Crawley pushed forward.
From the restart Emma Keady pushed down the left and her cross/shot was deflected past the visiting keeper on 52 minutes.

The game continued to ebb and flow and Crawley saw a couple of chances miss, firstly when Crawley's striker rounded Dons Keeper Liane Tylee, Fleur R was on hand to clear and Sian Houghton-North cleared off the line.

Dons Captain Libby Suchley required an extended period of treatment before being replaced by a returning Walker on 68 minutes.

After yet another Corner was floated in from the right, Crawley were unable to clear their lines and Houghton-North stabbed the ball home from close range (Goal time 72 minutes). Soon after The Dons were continuing to press and there were several occasions for Dons bench to question the Assistant for constantly flagging when no-one appeared offside.

In an attempt to shore up Emma Keady was replaced by Jess Trimnell after 87 minutes, Trimnell making her return to action after an extended injury

As the match was deep into an expected 6-8 minutes; Rebecca Sargent was replaced by Keady after 95minutes.

As rainclouds were overhead Referee Ken Murray, brought the fixture to an end, the downpour started as players left the field of play

After the win Dons were into the Quarter Final where they are due to host Crystal Palace Ladies, who defeated AFC Wimbledon Ladies Development Squad, in a slightly later KO. The Quarter Final is due to take place on Sunday 18th January 2015.

[ --- John Ivers]