MK DONS LADIES 2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN LADIES 0
MK Dons Ladies produced a fine team performance to make it into the third round of the FA Women's Cup, where they will face either Norwich City or Chesham United.
Despite the rain over the past 24 hours, the referee passed the pitch fit just one hour before the kick-off, thanks to the hard work of the ground-staff, and the attendance of over 130 witnessed an excellent game of football in the difficult conditions.
Dons Manager Tony Blake made one change from last weeks win against Ebbsfleet United - leading scorer Lauren Goodier returning as an attacking midfielder, with Hannah Cunningham dropping to the bench.
Dons started the game well, going forward at every opportunity, but the Northampton defence stood firm protecting 'keeper Natalie Smith as much as possible. Despite having less possession, it was the visitors who had the first shot on target, when Town midfielder Jade Linnell tested Charlene Ward from distance.
Dons continued to go forward but were unable to apply that finishing touch. Aileen Whelan's cross from the left evaded everyone, while Mikaela Welford and Goodier should have tested the 'keeper more with their efforts. At the other end, Northampton were always dangerous going forward and Ward did well to tip Linnell's cross away from goal during their best spell of the half.
The fast flowing game was temporarily halted for an injury to Sian Flemons, but both sides continued to push for that opening goal. Welford and Town's Lucy Bateman both had shots saved, but Dons should have gone in front on 41 minutes, when Vicky Gallagher harassed Smith into a hurried clearance. The ball fell to Whelan some 25 yards out, but her shot towards the empty goal just drifted wide of the post.
Dons tried to increase the pressure on the visitors as the second half commenced with the rain becoming heavier. Caroline Moran went inches wide on 53 minutes after Charly Wright flighted a free-kick to the far post, but both sides had efforts wide of the goal. A mistake from the Northampton 'keeper provided Gallagher with another great chance as she lobbed the ball towards an empty net, nut Hannah Cave did well to clear off the line.
The breakthrough finally came on 61 minutes when a clearance from defence was flicked on by Welford for Goodier to run towards goal. Cave chased back again and managed to block the ball away for a corner. Wright floated the ball in for Moran to rise up and head the ball home.
Dons increased their lead just seven minutes later after they were awarded a free kick for handball just inside the Northampton half. Rosie Thurston lifted the ball towards the front of the area and Goodier knocked the ball over the 'keeper and into the net.
Dons coped well in the remaining 20 minutes and although the visitors tried to push forward, they never really looked like breaching the home defence, while Leanna Doyle, Gallagher and Whelan all had chances at the other end. Cunningham came on for Welford for the final few minutes as they safely saw out the remaining time to progress into the next round.
So Dons overcame a potentially tricky game with an excellent team performance, their reward being a tie against either Norwich or Chesham on Sunday 13th December.
Dons Ladies having a home League game next Sunday (6th December) against Cambridge Women at Willen Road - 2pm kick-off.
MK Dons Ladies: Charlene Ward, Kate Costin, Lauren Goodier, Rosie Thurston, Leanna Doyle, Heather McDonnell, Caroline Moran(c), Charly Wright, Mikaela Welford (Hannah Cunningham 87), Aileen Whelan, Vicky Gallagher.
Subs not used: Jenny Mackay, Anna Bowerman.
Goals: Caroline Moran 61, Lauren Goodier 68.
Referee: Mr P.Bateman (Bucks)
