QPR FC Women (4) – Cambridge United Women (1) 

FA Women’s National League One (South-East) 

Team: Wiggins, Cooper, Searle, Brooks, Blodgett, Lewin, Ward-Chambers, Hill, Stanley, D’Santos, Dzyadyk 

Subs: Clarke, Hennessy, Owen, Makowska, Leach 

Attendance:1,197 

The matchday programme featured the three new players added to Danny Harrigan’s squad. Namely; Natalia Makowska, Jessica Leach and Kenny Clarke, who all took their places on the bench.  

Rangers got off to an assertive start when Emily Hill, got Annie Dzyadyk underway down the right-flank. The R’s No.17 then put a dangerous ball across the box, but Courtnay Ward-Chambers couldn’t quite reach it. 

Six minutes in and following a corner, Annie Dzyadyk’s second attempt at goal went behind for another one. This time, Billie Brooks scrambled the ball into the net from close range. 

At the other end, a long ball towards Eva Hubbard resulted in Chrissie Wiggins advancing outside the box to clear for a throw-in. 

Grace Stanley stretched to meet Ellie Searle’s cross from the right but couldn’t connect with the ball.  

Around the half-hour mark, Emily Hill fired just wide of the target following Annie Dzyadyk’s ball across the penalty area. 

Mr Mayer booked Abbie Jackson for fouling Emily Hill as the R’s captain was bursting through the middle. Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ free kick then flashed just wide. 

The U’s first real chance came a couple of minutes later when Sarah Wiltshire’ strike at goal was deflected off the back of a Rangers defender and Chrissie Wiggins did superbly to quickly change direction to parry the ball away.  

In the closing stages, Sophie Shults was well positioned to catch Emily Hill’s audacious 40-yard half-volley lob. After one added minute it remained 1-0 to the hosts. 

With no let-up to the rain, a move over to the School End was called for. 

Early in the second-half, an excellent ball out to Courtnay Ward-Chambers, resulted in the R’s No.7 shooting just wide. 

Following good work by Annie Dzyadyk in the 56th minute, the R’s winger then squared the ball to Courtnay Ward-Chambers, who provided a powerful finish to double the Rangers lead. 

The visitors pulled a goal back around the hour-mark. Sarah Wiltshire, after seizing upon a defensive mistake, then went on to put the ball wide of the R’s keeper. 

The first change was made on 67 minutes when Natalia Makowska came on for Annie Dzyadyk. 

Five minutes later Jess Leach replaced Grace Stanley. 

Rosy Wodmans went close to an equaliser when her strike whizzed just over the bar. 

On 80 minutes, Izzy Owen was introduced at the expense of Meila D’Santos. 

However, the hosts increased their lead in the 87th minute. With Sophie Shults out of position, Jess Leach slotted the ball home. 

Around the same time, Danny Harrigan brought on Laura Hennessy for Jo Blodgett. 

Into added time and the R’s scored a fourth goal from Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ corner. Emily Hill was well-placed to head the ball beyond the keeper. 

Substitute Ella Marden really should have reduced the deficit for the U’s when she poked the ball wide at the far-post. 

Mr Mayer blew the final whistle after seven added minutes. 

The R’s then travelled to Carrow Road for the final game of the season.  

Steve Russell