MK Dons Ladies saw their impressive FA Women’s Cup run come to end last Sunday with a 3-0 defeat to Premier League South side Charlton Athletic.
Matt French’s side took on the top flight opponents in the Second Round of the FA Women’s Cup having already seeing off Leighton United Vixens and Loughborough Vixens in the Third Round Qualifying and First Round respectively.
First half chances were limited for both teams but the Dons did go closest when they were awarded a free kick but Charly Wright’s effort hit the wall and Heather McDonnell was unable to hit the target with the follow up.
Despite the hosts threatening in the closing stages of the first period they failed to truly test goalkeeper Emma Kirby and the game remained a stalemate at the break.
But, just four minutes after the re-start, Charlton took the lead through Charley Clifford’s long range strike.
The Dons were enjoying more of the ball in the second half but were unable to build any promising attacks and when the Addicks were awarded a free kick, Clifford was able to take full advantage to double her tally and the hosts’ lead.
Despite being two goals down the underdogs continued to create opportunities but the Charlton’s class shone through and they added a third when Kit Graham struck a sweet effort past Kirby with a few minutes remaining.
The result sees the Ladies’ Cup run come to and abrupt end but the side should be praised for making it through to the Second Round after two difficult opening rounds.
Next up for the Dons is an away trip to Ebbsfleet United in the League.
MK Dons Ladies: Kirby, Ingle, Hollingsworth, Cutting, Howes, Wright, Bingham, Stanton, McDonnell (E Brockwell), Cudone (Smith), Mann (Washington).
Subs not used: M Brockwell
