AFC Wimbledon’s Rebecca Sargent grabbed the only goal of the game to hand MK Dons their first loss in the league since September.
The loss, which ended the side’s 10 game unbeaten run, dented the Dons’ title ambitions as it allowed Gillingham Ladies to take advantage and leapfrog the Dons to take top spot in the South East Division One table.
Both sides battled hard and could not be separated in the first half, with both sides’ best attacks coming in the second half.
The Dons nearly broke the deadlock as soon as the second half was underway, but it didn’t count as the goal was ruled offside.
After a physical game between the two sides, Sargent decided the match on the 62nd minute mark when she flicked home a free-kick, which was whipped in from the right.
The game got off to a feisty start with tackles flying in as both sides looked to gain control of the match from the very start.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies won a few free-kicks in quick succession, putting pressure on the Dons but were unable to get anything past Savannah Smith.
Following AFC Wimbledon’s pressure, Heather McDonnell and Charly Wright had efforts forcing the opposition goalkeeper, Tasha Salgado, to make some impressive saves.
The game then continued to be a physical battle, with both sides giving away several opportunities from set pieces. However, neither side was able to make the breakthrough and went into half time with the scores level.
The Dons tried to start the second half fast, even putting the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled offside.
The second half then went back to following the pattern of the first half, with both sides giving away fouls as they competed for control of the game.
AFC Wimbledon made one of their free-kicks count in order to grab the only goal of the game. Sargent was brought down on the right wing and the resulting free-kick was then played in to the box, where she casually flicked the ball into the goal.
After going a goal down, the Dons tried to search for the equaliser and came close as McDonnell forced Salgado to make a double save.
AFC Wimbledon then kept the Dons’ attacks at bay and saw out the game, to hold on to their 1-0 victory.
Assistant Coach Charlie Bill, speaking after the game, said “The ladies executed the game plan superbly well today and showed great discipline when out of possession, but got punished for not taking the chances created.”
Bill reflected on what this result means for the Dons’ season, saying “It’s another positive step in the right direction and despite not getting the three points we wanted, we will learn a lot from today’s defeat.
“Now we work hard during training to make sure we bounce back from this in two weeks time when we host Lowestoft.”
Starting XI: Smith, Howes, Doyle, Holland, Gillings, Clarke (c), Newsome (Naylor 72), Wright, Hazard (Gooderham 65), Newman, McDonnell.
Unused subs: Kirby, Barrett
Attendance: 50
Both sides battled hard and could not be separated in the first half, with both sides’ best attacks coming in the second half.
The Dons nearly broke the deadlock as soon as the second half was underway, but it didn’t count as the goal was ruled offside.
After a physical game between the two sides, Sargent decided the match on the 62nd minute mark when she flicked home a free-kick, which was whipped in from the right.
The game got off to a feisty start with tackles flying in as both sides looked to gain control of the match from the very start.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies won a few free-kicks in quick succession, putting pressure on the Dons but were unable to get anything past Savannah Smith.
Following AFC Wimbledon’s pressure, Heather McDonnell and Charly Wright had efforts forcing the opposition goalkeeper, Tasha Salgado, to make some impressive saves.
The game then continued to be a physical battle, with both sides giving away several opportunities from set pieces. However, neither side was able to make the breakthrough and went into half time with the scores level.
The Dons tried to start the second half fast, even putting the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled offside.
The second half then went back to following the pattern of the first half, with both sides giving away fouls as they competed for control of the game.
AFC Wimbledon made one of their free-kicks count in order to grab the only goal of the game. Sargent was brought down on the right wing and the resulting free-kick was then played in to the box, where she casually flicked the ball into the goal.
After going a goal down, the Dons tried to search for the equaliser and came close as McDonnell forced Salgado to make a double save.
AFC Wimbledon then kept the Dons’ attacks at bay and saw out the game, to hold on to their 1-0 victory.
Assistant Coach Charlie Bill, speaking after the game, said “The ladies executed the game plan superbly well today and showed great discipline when out of possession, but got punished for not taking the chances created.”
Bill reflected on what this result means for the Dons’ season, saying “It’s another positive step in the right direction and despite not getting the three points we wanted, we will learn a lot from today’s defeat.
“Now we work hard during training to make sure we bounce back from this in two weeks time when we host Lowestoft.”
Starting XI: Smith, Howes, Doyle, Holland, Gillings, Clarke (c), Newsome (Naylor 72), Wright, Hazard (Gooderham 65), Newman, McDonnell.
Unused subs: Kirby, Barrett
Attendance: 50
