Stevenage FCW moved into seventh place in the ERWFL Premier Division after knocking AFC Dunstable for six in a highly entertaining league fixture at the Herts FA County Ground. A first half Amy Makewell hat-trick was equalled with a brace from Kelsey Millen and a Sophie Hendy single in the second half to ensure Haile Richard’s goals would remain a mere consolation for the visitors from Bedfordshire.
The start of the game was slow with no chance of note for almost a full fifteen minutes as both sides felt their way into the contest. Chloe Gunn began her mission to score – and a duel with the right hand goalpost – as she sent a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the upright. This was immediately followed by a Hannah Nebbitt free kick that fell kindly for Grace Brooks in the box, only for the defender to send over from close range.
Makewell attempted to turn provider for Gunn in the next episode of the Gunn-Fire, but once again the ball flew narrowly wide.
Halfway through the first half, Makewell opened the scoring. Hendy began the move, showing some excellent hustle to win the ball high up the pitch. Lillia Dempsey had a sight of goal blocked and rolled the ball to Makewell who shifted onto her right boot and sent a precision shot off the post and in.
Gunn had two more efforts – one with each foot – that saw both whizz past the same post which appeared to be living a charmed life. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Boro’ saw the opportunity to double the advantage. Dempsey again cut into the box and attempted a cross as Georgia Miller dropped to the floor and handled the ball. Billy Houghton pointed to the spot and Makewell converted high to the ‘keeper’s left for her second of the game.
Dempsey had a chance of her own held as she attempted to recreate her goal against Needham Market, while Gunn finally saw a shot on target, but held well by Isobel McDonald. On the stroke of half-time, Makewell saw her attempt at a hat-trick from close range slip wide. Within seconds, Kelsey Millen was chopped down in the box and Makewell changed direction to net her third of the game and fifteenth of the season.
The second half saw Boro’ extend their lead after eight minutes played, following an effort that was sent wide by Hendy. This time, Millen worked hard down the right, after receiving the ball from Emily Schofield, to send an inch perfect cross for Hendy to nod back across goal and into the net.
It was looking good for Boro’ but after a quadruple substitution, Richards found herself running almost the width of the pitch to send a left footed shot past O’Brien. It could have sparked a revival but the game petered out for twenty minutes, until Millen was brought on to the left. Within seconds she received a sublime through ball from Hannah Bodily. Millen slotted the ball home, although McDonald got a hand to it and the four-goal cushion was restored.
With a minute to go of normal time, Richards collected the ball and rounded O’Brien for a second goal of the game, Boro’ replied immediately from the kick off as Chloe Gunn went direct to Millen who collected and shot early to catch McDonald at her near post.
Rebecca Edge could have added to the tally deep into time added on, but her first effort was blocked and the second was sent wide. Nonetheless, Boro had completed the mission for the day and had fired themselves to within six points of second place.
“We’ve played some good football. We’ve been doing that for a while, but the results are starting to match the performances and I am really pleased for the girls with all the hard work they are putting in,” Boro boss David Perry said afterwards. With unbeaten Real Bedford on the horizon, more hard work will be required – something this side has never shirked away from.
Stevenage XI – O’Brien, Nebbitt, Brooks, Rogers, Schofield, Gunn, Bodily, Makewell, Dempsey, Hendy, Millen
Subs: Day, Clarke, Wilson, Edge, Mercer
Goals: Makewell x 3, Hendy, Millen x 2
Dunstable XI – McDonald, Robb, Cook, West, Miller, Surridge, Rothwell, Wellington, Tambula, Washington, Richards
Subs: Nellis, Brazel-Hawkins, Cummings, Smith, Hovell
Goals: Richards x 2
Booked: Cook
You can see Stevenage FCW First Team in action at The Herts County Ground against Real Bedford on Sunday 11th February. This will be a home fixture in the ERWFL Premier Division – keep your eyes on the social media platforms for more details - @stevenagefcw
The Under 23s will be in League action as they travel to Fakenham Town on the same date.
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