Charlie Bill’s Women suffer back-to-back FAWNL League defeats after Laura Mitchell’s opener was later overturned out by a last-minute winner from the home side.

MK Dons looked to improve on their shortcomings a week prior against Gillingham as they took to the road to face the Hornets.
 
The Dons faced Watford in their most-recent away fixture towards the end of the beginning month in 2023. This produced a 5-1 score-line in favour of the home side, which saw Charlie Bill’s Women eliminated from the FAWNL Cup competition.
 
The travelling team sought redemption for their previous disappointment as the two sides prepared to face each other for the second time at Grosvenor Vale.
 
Sofia Stovold made a welcome return to the starting XI after she recovered from an injury earlier in the season.

 
FIRST HALF

MK Dons produced an electric start, which saw them ahead within the opening minutes of the clash. Laura Mitchell bagged her eighth goal of the season, which increased her contribution tally to 11 overall so far. 0-1



Watford, who were startled by the set-back aimed to bring the game equal once more. This called Chloe Sansom into action on the 20-minute mark after the Dons keeper’ parried away an attempt at goal.
 
Four minutes onward from Sansom’s save, the Hornets drew level. A determined spell from the home side rewarded them with their desire of an equaliser. 1-1



The opposition were inches away from snatching a lead for the first time within the skirmish. However, a powerful strike from outside of the area crashed against the woodwork.
 
The game was level as the teams headed in for the break.



SECOND HALF

The hosts wanted to continue their momentum gained from the first half, which saw four changes made within 20 minutes after the interval.
 
It seemed as if the substitutions were made to inject more energy into the home side, who searched to go ahead. Although their efforts had been snuffed.
 
It looked likely that both teams were to share the points, that was until a late goal from a Watford substitute dealt the final blow within the fixture. 2-1



A brutal end to a tight contest saw MK Dons leave Grosvenor Vale empty handed. Charlie Bill’s Women will have the opportunity to recover in their mid-week skirmish away to Cheltenham Town.
 
MK Dons: Sansom (C), Warren, Biggadike, Stovold, Nixon, Pepper, Miles, Gould, Coupar, Mitchell, Newman
 
Subs: Puddick, Samuels, Brown, McLean, Miceli
 
Goals: Mitchell 3

Images captured by CTFPhotography