Match Report: Cambridge City Women 0-1 Dunstable Town Women

Photo: Ella Rothwell scoring the winning goal.

Written by James Smith

Photos by James Smith

Dunstable Town Women started a new era with a hard fought win at Cambridge City on Sunday.

A goal from Town captain Ella Rothwell early in the first half gave them all three points on a hot day in Cambridgeshire.

Bailey Plumbridge nearly opened the scoring in the 2nd minute but a good save by the hosts keeper just under the bar kept the ball out.

Angelika Kopec-Knurek saved well at the other end with ten minutes gone before Dunstable went on the attack and had a couple of shots blocked.

Soon after Town took the lead when Rothwell was played in and finished with calm past the oncoming keeper.

It wasn’t until the 28th minute that there was more goalmouth action when Monet Grace-Wille shot just wide.

The heat was intense and played a part for the rest of the half as it became a midfield battle with no more shots to test either keeper.

In the opening minutes of the second half Kopec-Knurek saved a long range free kick from City.

Cerys Rees had to receive treatment for a bang on the head before Shannon Cullen hit the resulting free kick over the bar on 70 minutes.

Three minutes later Rees had a shot blocked before Ruby Powell almost doubled Town’s lead with a fine strike which was well saved.

Town defended resolutely throughout led by player of the match Gemma Darvill. She almost though scored an own goal when she intercepted a cross at the near post with a minute to go but fortunately the ball rolled a yard past the post.

The Blues saw out added time to pick up three points on the road.

Team: Kopec-Knurek; Manning; Smith; Cullen: Darvill; Plumbridge; Foster; Rees; Rothwell; Grace-Willie..

Subs: Aylward-Hill; Hansen; Shahid; Larch and Lawmann.

Dunstable Man of the Match: Gemma Darvill.

Attendance: 87