Dorey double gives Dons 4-2 win at QPR

By George Jones

AFC Wimbledon Women bounced back from Thursday night’s draw with London Seaward in style at Loftus Road on Sunday. 

Coming off the back of a very physical game on Thursday and amid an injury crisis, the Dons would be in for a tough test against the only side to inflict a league defeat on them this season. 

The South Londoners got off to an energetic start by dominating the early stages, putting the hosts under enormous pressure in front of a record crowd for a women’s game at Loftus Road. They were rewarded with their positive start after a QPR defender deflected the ball into her own net after some fine work from Ellie Dorey.

Not content with trying to defend a one-goal lead, less than 60 seconds later, it was 2-0 as Dorey got on the scoresheet herself with a fine effort.

Four minutes later, Dorey scored again to make it 3-0 to the Dons with less than 15 minutes gone.

However, the next goal would come against the run of play to give QPR a glimmer of hope as Kasha Petit scored for the hosts.

But the Dons would continue to dominate the first half, winning several corners and forcing QPR’s backs against the wall. Their persistence paid off when 

Becki Bath was brought down inside the penalty area in the 24th minute by the QPR keeper, and Emma Plewa made no mistake from 12 yards. 

The second half was a different story as the physical strain from a very busy fixture calendar and a growing injury list began to take its toll on the Dons as they looked to see the game out and secure what would be a memorable win in west London.

It would be the hosts who got the next goal with 15 minutes left. However, despite Dons keeper Faye Baker being called into action several times, a resolute Wimbledon side put in a professional performance to ensure they did not let their lead slip, leaving Loftus Road with a 4-2 victory.

Manager Kevin Foster said: “Really good first half. We were excellent going forward. When you have four chances and score three of them, that sets the tone of the game – it made us feel comfortable. Fair play to QPR, in the second half, they came at us and there was a lot of tired legs after Thursday night, but we dug in.”

Ellie Dorey said: “That was a tough game. The third one in a week, and to be honest with you, we are all feeling it now – the legs are tired. The second half showed that – we were just trying to see out the game. We took it to them in the first half, and we got the early goals which were really needed so we could relax a bit.”

Pic Credit: Emily Topping