Ladies Football: AFC destroy league leaders as Hatters miss out

The hosts went into the game six points behind, albeit with a game in hand, and made a statement with three first half goals.

Star player Dionne Manning netted two of them, while Chelsea Forde was also on target.

Basildon started the second half with more tempo and purpose, although the best chance came to Manning, but she was denied her hat-trick by the woodwork.

The visitors did pull a goal back when a shot deflected off Elly Wade and caught Dunstable keeper Emma Fisher wrong-footed.

AFC rallied though and put the result beyond doubt when Dan Carty’s free-kick to the far post saw Forde rise above the defenders to net with a powerful header.

AFC travel to Baldock Town this weekend.

Luton Town Ladies’ home South East Women’s Combination League clash with QPR was called off due to a waterlogged pitch on Sunday.

The Hatters are hoping to host Denham Ladies this weekend.

Town’s reserves were beaten 2-1 at Hackney Womens in their London & SE Regional Women’s League and Greater London Women’s League Division One clash.

The visitors had started brightly as Jodie McClelland opened the scoring with a looping overhead shot.

A second goal was harshly ruled out for a push, before the hosts scrambled an equaliser in the second half and then went on to triumph late on from a free-kick.

Hatters are away to Clapham United this weekend.