AFC Wimbledon Women 3-1 Dulwich Hamlet Women: FA Women's Cup Match Report

AFC Wimbledon Women booked their place in the next round of the FA Women's Cup with a composed 3-1 victory over Dulwich Hamlet Women on September 24, 2026. Goals from Emily Donovan, Sophie Manzi, and Ashleigh Goddard gave Wimbledon control of the tie, while Dulwich Hamlet's Rosie Kmita scored a well-deserved consolation.

Match Overview

AFC Wimbledon Women began with purpose, moving the ball quickly through midfield and testing Dulwich Hamlet's defensive line. The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when Emily Donovan latched onto a through ball and finished confidently past the goalkeeper. Wimbledon doubled their lead in the 52nd minute through Sophie Manzi, whose shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.

Dulwich Hamlet Women responded with spirit and pulled a goal back in the 68th minute when Rosie Kmita finished off a quick attacking move. That goal gave Dulwich renewed belief, but Wimbledon managed the game well and sealed the win in the 79th minute when Ashleigh Goddard converted from close range after a well-worked corner.

Key Moments

• 14th minute: Emily Donovan gives AFC Wimbledon Women the lead.
• 52nd minute: Sophie Manzi doubles the advantage with a low finish.
• 68th minute: Rosie Kmita pulls one back for Dulwich Hamlet Women.
• 79th minute: Ashleigh Goddard restores Wimbledon's two-goal cushion.
• 90+3rd minute: Wimbledon defence clears a late Dulwich cross to secure the win.

Tactical Story

AFC Wimbledon Women controlled the midfield with crisp passing and intelligent movement, often using the wide areas to stretch Dulwich Hamlet's shape. Their first two goals came from quick combinations that pulled defenders out of position. Dulwich Hamlet's best moments arrived when they pressed higher after half-time, and Kmita's goal was a reward for their improved intensity.

Wimbledon's game management in the final 15 minutes was impressive. Rather than chasing a fourth goal recklessly, they kept possession, slowed the tempo, and forced Dulwich to chase. The third goal from a corner demonstrated their set-piece quality and effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.

Standout Performers

Emily Donovan set the tone with her early goal and constant movement in the final third. Sophie Manzi was influential in midfield, contributing both creativity and a well-taken goal. Ashleigh Goddard's late strike capped a strong performance, while Dulwich Hamlet's Rosie Kmita was her team's most dangerous player and took her goal with real quality.

What It Means

The win sends AFC Wimbledon Women into the next round of the FA Women's Cup, where they will await the draw. For Dulwich Hamlet Women, the cup exit is a setback, but their second-half response showed character. Wimbledon's 3-1 victory was built on control, clinical finishing, and a professional defensive display, and it keeps their cup run alive with confidence growing.