London Bees (2) – QPR FC Women (2)
FA Women’s National League Division One (South-East)
Team: Melling, Hennessy, Searle, Owen, Blodgett, Lewin, McCrea, Ward-Chambers, Stanley, Kennedy, Sampson
The Club announced last month that Danny Harrigan had been appointed head coach and that Steve Quashie would become Women & Girls technical lead.
It was also confirmed that home games would now be played at Hayes & Yeading’s SkyEx Community Stadium.
The first game of the season was originally scheduled to be played there, but had to be switched to the Hive.
Included in the starting line-up were newcomers Stevie Kennedy, a midfielder from Reading and the welcome return of Chloe Sampson, who had been with AFC Wimbledon.
Also, Courtnay Ward-Chambers who, after spending last season on loan from Stoke City, had signed permanently during the summer.
On the bench was striker Paige Hoile, who had arrived from Oxford United.
Into the game, and it was the home side who went close to taking the lead after Sophie Lee’s cross ended up bouncing off the crossbar.
Then, Sarah McDermott ran through the centre before belting the ball over the bar.
However, it was the R’s who went in front after 18 minutes following a free kick. The ball was knocked across the box and Laura Hennessy was well placed near the back-post, for a tap-in.
Grace Stanley doubled the lead a few minutes later, when the Rangers striker rounded Tia Ginn, before slotting the ball into an empty net.
The home side pulled a goal back on 23 minutes courtesy of Sophie Lee. Nicole Melling tried to push away the No.7’s deep cross and the ball ended up entering the net via the post.
Laura Hennessy provided an amazing overhead kick off the line to deny the hosts a certain equaliser.
Play was halted on 28 minutes when the players took a drinks break.
Georgie Lewin’s free kick from over 25-yards flashed just wide of the upright.
Whilst at the other end, a low shot fired across the box, narrowly evaded the far post.
Following a race for the ball, Courtnay Ward-Chambers successfully took possession and her shot from distance ended up just past the target. Half-time: 2-1.
The first opportunity of the second-half fell to Renai McCrea, but her attempt lacked power and the keeper was able to grab the ball.
Rangers were being pushed onto the back-foot with Sophie Lee causing problems down the right-flank.
In the 52nd minute, her cross found Aaliyah Charles and her effort then struck the crossbar.
With the Bees knocking the ball around the box and the R’s trying to clear the danger, the resulting shot was eventually well-blocked by Izzy Owen.
Nicole Melling made a very good stop from a low strike and the ball went for a corner.
The home side’s equaliser came in the 78th minute. Although the R’s keeper initially made an excellent save from Hayley Hoare, she couldn’t keep out the follow-up.
Alice Curr and Paige Hoile replaced Grace Stanley and Ellie Searle respectively.
Renai McCrea was shown a yellow card and the final change on 86 minutes, saw Kasha Petit come on for Courtnay Ward-Chambers.
Alice Curr’s goal attempt was deflected for a corner, whilst London Bees almost scored a late winner when, whilst one-on-one with Portia-Milan Langley-Wright, the R’s keeper bravely smothered the ball at her feet.
Earlier, former Rangers player Emilia Nygaard-Parsons was brought on for the hosts. Good luck to her for the season.
The attendance numbered around 100.
The R’s then travelled to the Mel Group Stadium to take on AFC Sudbury.
Steve Russell