Fulham FC Women's Sunday afternoon appearance at the Cottage was blessed with bright sunshine though a cool wind reminded us that we were in the latter part of November.
There were more than 3,000 people in the Johnny Haynes Stand and, although Fulham lost 3-1, it was great to see so many youngsters in attendance – some of whom must have been making their first visit to the historic ground.
My £5 had bought me a seat four rows from the front and close to the Cottage. The numerous AFC Wimbledon fans sat in the section behind us, and the atmosphere was lively but always positive. The only bad language that I heard came from a young schoolboy. Wash your mouth out, lad!
The teams also contributed to the feel-good factor by letting their offspring join them onto the pitch before the match started in earnest. The Whites were defending the Putney End I was well placed to see the Dons take their third minute lead. The attackers were given far too much room and Ellie Dorey showed no mercy.
I did wonder if it was the beginning of a landslide – but experience should have told me otherwise. This was a true Fulham team and not immune to the curse of a slow start.
From there, the match was evenly contested with hard but fair tackles and timely interventions. When the Dons did break through, Fulham's keeper Edie Kelly proved strong and effective.
While Georgia Heasman and Lillie Lambird kept the visitors busy in midfield and an equaliser looked imminent. Instead, some hesitant defending allowed Ashlee Hincks to set up Dorey for a second goal. These days any spectator shouting 'Get rid of it' could be banned for life but it remains a useful Plan B.
Reasons to be cheerful
The crowd had been anything but silent and they had reasons to be cheerful when the Whites' Helen Ogle sent over a perfect pass for Heasman to slip the ball past Faye Baker, who should perhaps have reached it but could argue that she was left stranded by her defenders.
The pace dropped in the second half and cheering gave way to Sunday afternoon chatter. A goal was needed, and the excellent Ashlee Hincks majestically put the result beyond doubt, though Fulham fought to the end.
The match officials were first class though they would surely admit that the teams made their task easier – no rolling around, no diving, no orchestrated appeals.
Interestingly the referee Mr Yellen did not ask the Dons' keeper to wear a more distinctive top. Goalies are increasingly operating like outfield players so maybe they are starting to dress like them as well.
Despite Sunday's disappointing result they did not let the fans down and undoubtedly deserve further opportunities to play at the Cottage.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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