MK Dons Women kept themselves within a point of safety in the FAWPL Southern Premier Division after an impressive 1-0 win over title-challengers Oxford United.

Sofia Stovold’s goal just past the hour mark proved the difference as Charlie Bill’s side extended their unbeaten run to four games.

The Dons went close from a seventh minute corner but didn’t really trouble the scoreline before the break.

Neither did Oxford, though they did have two decent opportunities early in the second half, including a strike from Riva Casley which was tipped around the post by Chloe Sansom.

Then, with an hour played, the Dons were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Chez Albert. That provided an opportunity for Nicole Pepper to deliver a cross to the back post where Stovold was lurking and able to connect for proved to be the decisive goal.

Bill’s team defended resiliently after that and, when called upon, Sansom was up to the task too. The defensive performance was amongst the number of positives for manager Bill, who was also able to give midfielder Rhianne Rush her first 90 minutes since returning from injury.

Most importantly, however, was the result, which keeps them just a point behind Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City.

MK Dons: Sansom, Warren, Biggadike, Rush, Pepper, Wood, Stovold, Taho, Newman, Matthews, Milles.

Subs: Albert, Coupar, Gooderham, Netschova, Brown.