Cat Beaver’s last-gasp header gave Fulham Women a battling victory on the road as Steve Jaye’s side maintained their fine start to the season with a 2-1 win over Sport London E Benfica at Rectory Park this afternoon.
A forgettable first half saw very little in the way of goalmouth action. Betty Barron-Clark saw a hopeful shot from distance well gathered by the Benfica goalkeeper. The Whites, playing in their bright purple change shirts, made a terrific start immediately after the break – however – when Sophie Manzi bravely headed home a superb cross from Madi Parsonson within a minute of the restart.
The hosts equalised just after the hour mark through Kimberly Castro and the game looked destined to end as a draw until Beaver headed in her first Fulham goal in the eighth minute of added time. The experienced centre back powered home a corner from Megalie Mendes to secure a massive three points in Fulham’s promotion push.
SPORT LONDON E BENFICA: Broussy; Castro, Davidson, Drake, O’Malley, Reis Campos, Shiney, Smith, Sofianos, Diniz, Varela Lores. Subs: Herrlin, Jaramillo, Goodman, Herbetz.
GOAL: Castro (62).
FULHAM FC WOMEN: Gibbs; Tagliavini, Gane, Beaver; Mendes, Foreman, Stevens, Barron-Clark; Olds, Adamson, Manzi. Subs: Morgan, Heasman, Parsonson, Taylor-Makepeace.
GOALS: Manzi (46), Beaver (90+8).
ATTENDANCE: 52.
