Fulham Women 2-2 Arsenal Women's FC Academy (Fulham win 3-2 on pens)
Last Sunday, Fulham's Women took on the Arsenal Women in a Capital Cup match at Craven Cottage.
The north London academy has produced outstanding players like Alex Scott and Lauren James, and the present team won the Capital Cup last season. My previous blog trumpeted the value of a £5 seat in the Johnny Haynes Stand and those Whites supporters who braved the weather enjoyed two bonuses – a penalty shoot-out and a Fulham victory.
Strong start
The home team could scarcely have enjoyed a better start. Within 10 minutes, the ever-adventurous Georgia Heasman had won a penalty by panicking her opponent into a rash foul. The kick was efficiently converted by Megalie Mendes though keeper Maddison Stanbury might have stopped it.
The Arsenal's Amelia Bloom, who was to play a major role in this match, responded with two accurate strikes, both confidently saved by Libby Stratton. At the other end Stanbury frustrated Heasman.
As the visitors strove for an equaliser, Sienna Hurrell produced an amazing shot (or was it a mis-hit cross?) that struck the Fulham crossbar. After that let-off the home side retook the initiative. Though Stanbury diverted Sasha Adamson's fierce drive, her defenders were ponderous in clearing the corner kick. The alert Adamson passed to Rachel Panting, who was unmarked, close to the goal and plainly onside. Unexpectedly, Fulham ended the half with a 2-0 lead.
Recovery
Inevitably the visitors stepped up the pressure after the interval, though still nervous of Georgia Heasman. In the 63rd minute a slick passing movement permitted Amelia Bloom to reduce the lead and she scored a similar goal less than 10 minutes later. A timely interception by Olivia Dale prevented Amelia from completing a hat-trick that might have secured victory for the visitors.
As there was no provision for two periods of extra time Fulham found themselves facing the likelihood of a penalty shoot-out so the coach Steve Jaye took the unusual step of substituting his goalkeeper.
This seemed a little unfair on Libby Stratton but, as I mentioned last week, Fulham won a recent FA Cup-tie when the other goalie Ellie Parker saved three penalties in a shoot-out.
However, the 90+ minutes had not quite run their course. Just before the final whistle Fulham's Ella Tagliavini was penalised for a collision in the area and the substitute keeper found herself facing a penalty kick from Amelia Bloom, who once again had the chance to secure her triple. It's not difficult to imagine the strain on the Arsenal player, and sure enough she placed her kick too near Ellie Parker, who made a one-handed save. The Whites were still in the tie.
Penalties
It had been a decent game as you will see if you watch the highlights on the club's website, but little can match the drama of a penalty contest.
The first four kicks found their mark but then the unfortunate Mendes hit the underside of the bar. Two saves from Ellie and a Fulham goal and another Fulham miss gave the home side a 3-2 advantage, leaving Amelia Bloom to take the final penalty. Her confidence seemed to have ebbed away as she delivered a soft low kick that was easily blocked by the exultant Parker.
More than 3,000 fans were at the Cottage to witness this triumph. Just as many attended a similar game last November. It would be splendid if the Cottage could host the women's team more often.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
