Stella Gandee Morgan scored the winner as Fulham Women came from behind to beat Barking this afternoon.
The Whites, seeking to finish the calendar year with a win and close the gap on leaders Dartford at the top of the London and South East Regional Premier Division, began brightly with experienced centre forward Ellie Olds going close with two early efforts. But the home side took the lead against the run of play when Laura Bunton clinically completed a Barking counter-attack by converting a ball from Ammarah Ali.
The visitors enjoyed large spells of possession for the remainder of the first half but struggled to break down a disciplined Barking defence. The closest they came was on the stroke of half-time when a cross from Olds was touched wide by Belle Taylor-Makepeace. But Fulham turned the game around within ten minutes of the resumption. There was a bit of fortune about Megalie Mendes’ equaliser, which came directly from a corner, but Stella Gandee Morgan fired Fulham ahead five minutes later by producing a predatory finish from Madi Parsonson’s cross.
Steve Jaye’s side had chances to make the points safe after going in front. Ella Tagliavini was inches away from making it three with a volley from Parsonson’s corner that only just cleared the crossbar and the unfortunate Olds ruffled the side netting just before the half mark. Barking came back into the contest in the closing stages but Fulham held firm to claim all three points and solidify their hold on third spot ahead of the Christmas break.
Dartford have 32 points from thirteen games having been held to a draw at Ebbsfleet United, whilst second-placed Dorking Wanderers are four points back on 28 from thirteen matches after a 2-0 win over Saltdean. Fulham have only played eight fixtures so far – largely owing to their progress in the Cup competitions – and have amassed 22 points. The Whites face Denham United in the League Cup on 5 January and will recommence their push for promotion with a trip to Newhaven on 26 January.
BARKING WOMEN: Ali, Blythe, Bunton, Cook, Landen, Langley-Wright, Meade, Pridie, R. Roberts, Salmons, Thomas. Subs: Finch, Pita.
GOAL: Bunton (32).
FULHAM WOMEN: Webber; Newman, Beaver, Taylor, Tagliavini, Mendes, Stormer, Gandee Morgan, Parsonson, Taylor-Makepeace, Olds. Subs: Gibbs, Barron-Clark, Sophia Roberts, Stead.
GOALS: Mendes (50), Gandee Morgan (55).
REFEREE: David Dice.
ATTENDANCE: 40.
