Matchday Recap: Ashford

Fulham Women travelled to Kent on Sunday to play Ashford United. The side first came up against Ashford in their season opener.

U18s forward Ruby Murtagh featured in the matchday squad for the first time in the 23/24 season. 

Ashford grabbed an early lead, putting Fulham on the back foot. 

As we looked for a way back into the contest, Madi Parsonson provided Sophie Manzi with an opportunity, but the Ashford 'keeper denied the attempt. 

Georgia Heasman and Manzi linked up to get the ball to Megalie Mendes, but once again the ball was stopped before it crossed the line. 

In the closing minutes of the first half, Heasman and Ella Tagliavini had openings and tested the 'keeper from range. Both attempts did not beat the Ashford stopper, though. 

Fulham were unable to get off the mark in the opening 45, but came back fighting in the second. 

Becky Stormer produced a promising cross towards Manzi's head, but unfortunately it went out for a goal-kick. 

There was a prolonged stoppage in play when Alex Hayman went down, and a stretcher was required for her to exit the pitch.

Once play had restarted, Olivia Dale drove forward and saw a gap to take a shot. 

However, it was Mendes who secured the equaliser for Fulham. A quick short corner provided her with space to take the ball and send it into the back of the net. 

As the game moved into added time, Parsonson and Mendes both had strong attempts on goal, looking to give FFCW the lead for the first time. 

Murtagh entered the pitch as an impact player and came close to doing just that. In the closing minutes of the game, the U18 forward got herself into some positive positions and came close to scoring. 

Unfortunately, the side were unable to put a second goal past Ashford and the game ended in a draw.