QPR FC Women (1) – Chesham United FC Women (0)
FA Women’s National League One (South-East)
Team: Wiggins, Hennessy, Searle, Brooks, Blodgett, Lewin, Ward-Chambers, D’Santos, Stanley, Cooper, Sampson
Sub Not Used: McCrea
It was the home side having the best of the early stages, and on seven minutes Jess Cooper provided the first attempt on goal.
Then, Chesham seized upon a loose ball and Gemma Fraser’s subsequent strike almost crept in at the near-post, but Chrissie Wiggins kept it out with a smart save.
Laura Hennessy went down in need of some attention, but the QPR defender was eventually able to continue.
After Georgie Lewin had taken control of the ball in her own-half, the R’s captain then turned, and laid of a good pass to set-up a Rangers attack.
The hosts almost took the lead after Courtnay Ward-Chambers had just managed to reach a great ball, and the QPR No.7 forced a flying save from Lucia Delves.
Then, Grace Stanley knocked the ball back to Courtnay Ward-Chambers, who then shot narrowly wide of the target.
At the other end, Natalia Makowska received a pass from the right and the Chesham striker scooped the ball over the crossbar.
Good defending by Jo Blodgett close to the bye-line, then saw her turn her opponent and lay the ball off superbly.
Rangers took the lead a minute or so before the break after Courtnay Ward-Chambers had seized upon a defensive error. She then passed to Grace Stanley in the box, and the R’s striker belted the ball into the back of the net. Half-time: 1-0.
Into the second-half, and Mr Brayshaw booked Courtnay Ward-Chambers following a challenge from behind.
In the 55th minute, Chesham almost got the equaliser. From Natasha Smith’s free kick, the ball dipped before bouncing off the crossbar.
Chloe Sampson headed Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ cross just wide of the target.
On 70 minutes, Danny Harrigan brought on Stevie Kennedy and Annie Dzyadyk at the expense of Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Chloe Sampson.
The visitors went very close when a 25-yard lob just cleared the crossbar.
Madelene Wright was booked following a foul on Ellie Searle, which was later followed by Victoria Collett also being shown a yellow card.
Chrissie Wiggins did really well when she bravely grabbed the ball at the feet of an opponent.
The final change saw Paige Hoile coming on for Grace Stanley after 85 minutes.
In the final stages, Gemma Fraser was cautioned after kicking the ball away.
Next up for the R’s is a trip to the Crest Stadium to face Herne Bay in the FA Cup.
Steve Russell