Fulham Women 1-1 Dulwich Hamlet (3-5 on Pens)

It was Semi Final day at Motspur Park, as Fulham Women returned to action in the Capital Senior Cup, with a tie against Dulwich Hamlets Ladies FC.

The fixture promised to be a cracker and it didn’t disappoint.

This was the second meeting of these two sides this season, with Fulham seeking to replicate their confident 0-2 league win, against the Hamlets back in November.

The home support was loud, passionate and required, as it was a shaky first few minutes for The Whites.

An early mix-up at the back found Edie Kelly, needing to use her best juggling skills to hold off a Dulwich threat.

However, as quickly as Edie Kelly cleared her line, the Hamlets’ early dominance, proved too much for the home side and a sweet finish from Madi Parsonson put the away side 0-1 up, after seven minutes played.

Fulham looked for a quick reply, pushing higher up the pitch. The Whites kept their shape and stayed disciplined, creating multiple chances  

In the 17th minute, Fulham’s discipline payed off, with their corner being headed into the net by a deflection, leaving Dulwich’s goalkeeper Rebecca Sargent stranded.

An own goal from the away side, meant the scores were level. Fulham were now pushing to double their lead before the break. 

In the 39^th minute, Tia Foreman delivered a through ball to Ogle who stormed up the left flank and made a cross to Olds, who’s effort went wide of the post.

Just before half-time, Fulham had another chance to double the lead. Lilly Lambird broke from midfield, beating her defender and the keeper, but her strike was cleared before it could reach the line.

Fulham’s defence was tested in the second half when Dulwich went close with a header in the 53^rd minute and Edie Kelly had to fumble for the ball to get it to safety.

The Dulwich keeper was forced to make two quick saves to keep out Olds’ close-range double-attempt just before the 70th minute.

A final chance to wrap the game up in the 91st minute was frustratingly denied. Foreman flicked on to Olds who passed to Ogle but her shot was blocked by the keeper. Oana Negrea’s follow-up attempt nail-bitingly floated over the crossbar.

The referee blew his whistle in the 93rd minute, which meant only penalties – and sudden death - could decide the winner.

In a tense 10 minutes, the two sides were closely matched, with both teams securing the back of the net.

Unfortunately, one missed penalty from Fulham proved the difference, as Dulwich prevailed winning 5-3 on penalties.

A disappointing result for the home side, but attention will now turn to league action, as Fulham host second placed Dartford FC next Sunday.

A crucial fixture for The Whites, who will hope to secure the win and use their home advantage!