The Women’s First Team were beaten 3-1 by Millwall Lionesses at The Den on Sunday afternoon.
The home side started well and took a 13th minute lead when a Ciara Watling pass was tucked away by Chiedza Madamombe. Just seven minutes later, the home side doubled their advantage when Ella Rutherford’s free kick took a deflection and eluded Ashford ‘keeper Libby Stanton.
Ashford stayed in the game and Sofia Allan forced a fine save from Abby Baravik before Phoebe Head shot just wide at the end of a good passing move. In first half stoppage time, Amelia Halawi went close for the Tangerines for Stratton was called into action at the other end.
Town made three substitutions at the beginning of the second half and the changes paid dividends in the 58th minute. A well worked free kick created a chance for Laura Huse, who headed home from close range.
The momentum shifted in Ashford’s favour and a Jess Roberts shot forced a corner before Mhari Crooks drew another save from Baravik through a shot on the turn. Crooks was then denied by some excellent defending and Allan fired just over the Millwall crossbar.
With five minutes remaining, the home side clinched the points by winning the ball from a goal kick and heading the ball into the path of Kayda Townsend who ran through and kept her composure to shoot beyond Stratton.
The two sides will meet again this coming Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup. Millwall will again be at home, but the venue will be St Paul’s Sports Ground in Rotherhithe, which the Lionesses share with Fisher FC.
