Canary late show grabs a point
AFC Wimbledon 2 Norwich City 2
Norwich City scored twice in the final minutes to take a point from their clash with table topping AFC Wimbledon at Carshalton Athletic F.C.
Dons had dominated much of the match and were comfortable in protecting their two goal half time lead until two fine set piece deliveries were converted by substitutes Holly Kinnaird and Shannon Shaw to preserve the Norfolk side's season long unbeaten league record.
AFC Wimbledon are in pole position to claim the FAWNL Division One South East title and it was easy to see why for much of this match. After an even start the Dons got a lucky break from an own goal and never looked back, sharp in the tackle and with a variety of attacking options.
Ashlee Hincks added a second just before the break and the Dons created a number of good chances to seal the win on the restart. Canary keeper Sarah Quantrill was in fine form throughout and was especially busy in the second half, reacting twice to push away close range efforts and fielding numerous crosses.
Nothing had been seen of the visiting attack till Kinnaird cleverly glanced a free kick into the net on 90 minutes and then Shaw met a far post corner with a thumping header for the most unlikely of draws. Even then, Dons nearly retook the lead with a shot that clipped the bar in the final seconds.
A bumper 625 crowd gave both teams good support and, whilst the majority were disappointed by the late turn of events there is little doubt they will soon be celebrating a deserved title and promotion for their club.
AFC Wimbledon: Lauren Allen, Rosie Russell, Kelly Highman, Fran Ali, Ashlee Hincks, Hannah MacKenzie, Breon Grant, Emily Donovan, Hannah Billingham, Ellie Dorey, Ashleigh Goddard. Subs: Faye Baker, Billie Brooks, Steph Mann, Sandra Soares Martins, Skye Bacon.
Norwich City: Sarah Quantrill, Alice Parker, Ceri Flye, Katie Knights, Anna Larkins, Rachel Lawrence, Eloise Morran, Hope Strauss, Ellie Smith, Natasha Snelling, Lauren Tomlinson. Subs: Lauren Hailes, Holly Kennard, Shannon Shaw, Freya Symonds, Charlotte Pernet.
Photos by www.jamesprickett.co.uk
