Stevenage FCW Secure Dominant Victory over AFC Dunstable in ERWFL Premier Division

Stevenage FC Women’s (FCW) team climbed to seventh place in the ERWFL Premier Division table with a resounding 6-2 victory over AFC Dunstable. The match took place at the Herts FA County Ground and featured an outstanding performance from Amy Makewell, who scored a first-half hat-trick. Kelsey Millen also found the back of the net twice, while Sophie Hendy notched a goal in the second half. AFC Dunstable’s Haile Richard managed to score two goals, but they were mere consolations in the face of Stevenage FCW’s dominance.

The game started slowly, with both teams taking some time to settle into the match. Chloe Gunn was the first to come close to scoring, narrowly missing the target with a shot from the edge of the box. Hannah Nebbitt also had a chance from a free kick, but couldn’t convert. Makewell then tried to set up Gunn, but her cross went wide.

It took Stevenage FCW until the halfway mark of the first half to break the deadlock. Hendy initiated the move, winning the ball high up the pitch. After a blocked shot from Lillia Dempsey, Makewell picked up the loose ball and found the back of the net with a precise strike. Gunn continued to pose a threat, firing two shots just wide of the post. With ten minutes left in the half, Miller handled the ball in the box and Makewell converted the penalty, securing her second goal of the game.

Just before half-time, Makewell looked to complete her hat-trick from close range, but her shot slipped wide. However, Millen was brought down in the box seconds later, resulting in another penalty. Makewell confidently stepped up and buried the spot-kick for her third goal of the match.

The second half saw Stevenage FCW extend their lead after eight minutes of play. Hendy’s shot went wide, but Millen provided a perfect cross from the right for Hendy to head the ball into the net. AFC Dunstable’s Richards managed to pull one back with a powerful left-footed shot, but the game fell into a lull for the next twenty minutes.

Millen came on as a substitute, and within moments of being on the pitch, she received an exquisite through ball from Bodily and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper. In the dying minutes, Richards scored a second goal for AFC Dunstable, but Stevenage FCW responded immediately as Gunn played a quick one-touch pass to Millen, who caught the goalkeeper off guard and scored at her near post. Rebecca Edge had a late chance to extend the lead, but her efforts were blocked or off target.

Stevenage FCW’s victory moves them to within six points of second place. Manager David Perry expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting that the results are finally matching their strong displays of football. The next challenge for Stevenage FCW will be facing unbeaten Real Bedford. The match will be at The Herts County Ground on February 11, in the ERWFL Premier Division.

The team’s Under 23s will also be in action on the same day, as they travel to Fakenham Town. Fans can stay updated by following the team’s social media platforms for more details.

Overall, Stevenage FC Women’s team showcased their prowess against AFC Dunstable, putting on a dominant display of football and securing a well-deserved victory.