Moneyfields Women kicked off their 2024/25 campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory at home against Maidenhead United. Both Shannon Albuery and Charley Wilson-Wilton shined, each scoring twice – one goal in each half – to secure the dominant win.
This match was particularly special as it marked the team’s first competitive home game in 897 days, following extensive delays in the refurbishment of their ground, now proudly named the John Jenkins Stadium.
The game also saw several debuts: Shannon Albuery, Brittany Jeal, Meg Wood, and Brooke Garcia all started, while Amber Howden made her first appearance of 2024 after recovering from a long-term injury.
On a sunny day on the south coast, Moneyfields began the game with confidence, maintaining possession in United’s half. However, clear goal-scoring opportunities were initially hard to come by.
It was United who created the first significant chance in the 20th minute when Natasha Rasmussen unleashed a long-range effort. Georgia Jenkins, standing firm in the Moneys’ goal, stretched out to tip the ball onto the post and out for a corner.
Moneys broke the deadlock five minutes later through debutant Shannon Albuery. Beth Burgess, marking her 50th appearance, delivered a cross from the right-hand side, which Albuery met with a half-volley at the far post, leaving the keeper with no chance.
The home supporters didn’t have to wait long for a second. Ten minutes later, Burgess again turned provider, sending a low cross into the box. Charley Wilson-Wilton was there to meet it at the far post, finishing from close range to double the lead.
Moneyfields pushed for a third goal as the first half drew to a close, with Gemma Simmonds coming close in added time. Despite their efforts, Karl Watson’s side went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
At halftime, Watson made a single change, bringing on Britt Jeal for Brooke Garcia. Jeal, making her first appearance since rejoining the club, had previously spent the 2019/20 season with Moneys before stints with Oxford United and Southampton Women.
The second half began with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances, as United aimed to disrupt the momentum Moneys had built. Watson responded with further substitutions, introducing Kayleigh Tonks and Sarah Butterworth for Amber Howden and Emma Moody, with Butterworth making her debut.
Looking to seal the victory, Watson made another late change, bringing on Megan Fox for Gemma Simmonds. Shortly after, the dynamic duo of Burgess and Wilson-Wilton combined once more, with Wilson-Wilton heading in her 42nd goal for the club—only Kim Fuller has scored more, with 65.
Wilson-Wilton’s day ended with her substitution, as April Hill, another debutant, took the field for the final ten minutes. Hill, a Since 71 sponsored player, immediately made her presence felt, finding herself one-on-one with the keeper, though she couldn’t find the net.
Moneyfields added a fourth goal in added time, with Albuery completing her brace to cap off a perfect day.
The victory propels Moneyfields into second place, just one goal behind AFC Bournemouth, who opened their season with a 5-0 win against newly promoted Bristol Rovers.
Moneyfields Lineup: Georgia Jenkins, Emma Moody (Sarah Butterworth), Skye-Louise Granger, Amber Howden (Kayleigh Tonks), Bekah Tonks (c), Shannon Albuery, Meg Wood, Gemma Simmonds (Megan Fox), Brooke Garcia (Britt Jeal), Beth Burgess, Charley Wilson-Wilton (April Hill).
Subs not used: Sara Luce
Maidenhead United: Kenny Clarke, Sarah Thompson (c), Tarran Williams (Ashlee Withers), Isacc Gregory, Ellie Manners, Alesha Lunn (Emily Norfolk), Katie Akerman (Tia Johnson), Tasha Rasmussen, Ruth Topping, Macey-Nikiah Walters, Izzy Stockton
Subs not used: Mia Parker, Ines Cipriano
Player of the Match: Beth Burgess
