Crawley Wasps start season with dominant victory over Hounslow

Goals from Naomi Cole, Darcey James, new signing Magda Mosengo, Megan Stow and Emma Plewa earned Wasps victory at Tithe Farm on Sunday (September 20).

Alongside Mosengo, debuts were also handed to ex-Lewes skipper Kate McIntyre, Sarah Wignall and former London Bees keeper Megen Lynch, while second-half substitutes Immy Lancaster and Holly Talbut-Smith also marked their first run-outs for Wasps.

Wasps hit the woodwork twice early on, Mosengo striking the post and Cole rattling the crossbar. On eight minutes, Cole did find the net from a free-kick which took a slight deflection off the wall.

Wasps’ doubled their lead in the 25th-minute, James latching onto Rachel Palmer’s corner with a powerful header.

Three minutes later, Mosengo – signed from Crystal Palace this summer – added Wasps’ third. Palmer provided another excellent delivery from a free-kick on the right-hand side. Hounslow ‘keeper Caoimhe O’Reilly parried James’ header before Mosengo poked home the rebound.

Hounslow’s best opportunity came nine minutes after the restart. Petra Kos’ shot was dealt with confidently by Lynch, who will be pleased with a debut clean sheet.

In the 64th minute, Megan Stow added Wasps’ fourth. Having been denied by O’Reilly and the post, the midfielder bulged the roof of the net with a right-footed rocket from outside the box.

Wasps’ fifth came 11 minutes later. Substitute Emma Plewa was played through on goal by Stow, who beat O’Reilly to the ball, lofting it past her before smashing it into the empty net.

Wasps are next in action this Sunday (September 27) as they host MK Dons.

WASPS: Lynch; Nash (Talbut-Smith 70), James, Russell, Palmer; Cole, McIntyre (Lancaster 65); Wignall, Stow, Stephens; Mosengo (Plewa 65).

• Lauren Callaghan’s goal earned Wasps reserves a 1-0 win at Chichester & Selsey DS to get their season off to a winning start. However, Wasps’ DS – the ladies’ third team – were beaten 2-0 at home by Hassocks.

report contributed