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Actonians end Hashtag unbeaten run

Actonians Ladies 1 Hashtag Utd 0

Actonians edged a highly competitive FAWNL Division One South East match with a single penalty goal to end Hashtag United’s superb unbeaten league run.

A fine team display and a dash of good fortune allowed the hosts to prevail against the league leaders but the thoughts of all present will be for the speedy recovery of Hashtag player Courtney Clarke. seriously injured after an  85th minute aerial collision.

Actonians started the better, pressing the Hashtag defence and forcing several corners with skipper Ashleigh Ward's set piece delivery threatening Imogen Riches' goal. Hashtag gradually played their way into the contest and went close to the opening goal on 27 minutes. Maddie Thomas broke clear on the right and crossed for Malika Apindia Gille to hit the woodwork.

Actonians' Jennie Brereton was fouled after a neat turn in the box for a penalty, confidently converted by Sharon Odofin on 34 minutes to give the hosts a half time lead which their energy and positive play probably deserved.

Hashtag returned with great purpose and Thomas lifted a great chance over the bar from six yards on 47 minutes. The pressure continued to build but the home defence protected keeper Paige Horsnell with great concentration and determination.

Hashtag skipper Grace Gillard hit the angle of post and bar with a super free kick from wide right on the hour and then struck another set piece inches over Horsnell's bar. On 65 minutes, Thomas sent a half chance high over the bar as the match reached the final twenty minutes.

Sub Clarke's head injury led to a thirty minute break in play to await the arrival of the emergency services. Upon resumption, the leaders pressed for an equaliser to maintain their unbeaten start but Actonians managed the game really well, retaining the ball with style and keeping play far from their goal for much of final minutes.

This win consolidated Actonians' third place jn the South East Division table albeit still seven points behind Hashtag who also have games in hand. Hashtag will undoubtedly be in contention for promotion to the FAWNL Southern Premier Division despite this setback.

Actonians Ladies: Paige Horsnell, Jennie Brereton, Meila D’Santos, Naomi Graham, Maria Ledezma-Viso, Sharon Odofin, Ashleigh Ward, Rhiannon Ishmael, Imogen Sinclair, Samaira Khan, Beatriz Pinto Correia. Subs: Chelsea Orridge-Golding, Georgia Young, Roschelle Shakes.

Hashtag Utd: Imogen Riches, Madelyn Thomas, Grace Gillard, Hayley West, Cerys Adams, Katherine Nutman, Gemma Abela, Sophie Kelly, Emma Samways, Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Malika Apindia Gille. Subs: Abbey Davies, Courtney Clarke, Sasha Adamson, Kelsey Smith, Eva Carvalho.   

Emma Samways takes on Beatriz Pinto Correia.