Defeat for the Bees as AFC Wimbledon Secure 2-0 Victory at The Bees Stadium
From the first whistle, the Bees aimed to establish a rhythm but were immediately put under pressure by a strong Wimbledon side.
The visitors controlled much of the early play, pushing the Bees back and limiting their chances in the opening exchanges.
Goalkeeper Tia Ginn was called into action early on and made a crucial save to deny the Dons an opener.
However, the breakthrough eventually came, as a well-placed effort from the edge of the box found the bottom right corner, just beyond Ginn’s reach.
In response, the Bees began to grow into the game, creating chances down both flanks.
Shamoy Campbell came close on the half hour mark after a driving run down the right saw her go one-on-one with the keeper, who stood tall to make the stop.
More opportunities followed, with Brionne Fowle and Sandra Martins combining well to set up Lily Whitelock on the left.
Her effort was on target, but once again the Wimbledon keeper was able to make the save.
Despite the Bees’ pressure, Wimbledon extended their lead just before the break with a finish from inside the box into the bottom left corner.
Half-Time: London Bees 0–2 AFC Wimbledon
The second half saw a revitalised Bees side come out with intensity.
Whitelock took an early shot on goal, but her attempt went narrowly wide.
Manager Dan McKimm introduced fresh legs, bringing on Fran Vigo, Betty Larkin and Layla Kenly, who all made an immediate impact.
Kenly was effective down the right, showing tenacity both in defence and attack to push her side forward.
Larkin carved out several opportunities in front of goal, but the Wimbledon goalkeeper remained in top form, frustrating the Bees at every turn.
At the back, Cheyenne Flynn put in a commanding performance, making key interceptions and helping the Bees transition quickly from defence to attack.
Despite a dominate second half performance and creating multiple chances, the Bees were unable to find a breakthrough.
As the final whistle blew, it was the visitors who claimed the win.
Full-Time: London Bees 0–2 AFC Wimbledon
Lineup: Ginn, Heil, Clement, Flynn, Vyse, Martins, Burrows, Fowle, Davidson, Campbell, Whitelock