Charlie Bill’s Women look ahead to the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Third-Round test against Charlton Athletic at The Oakwood Stadium.
MK Dons Women return to the field, having not played a game since early December, to partake in Vitality Women’s FA Cup action. The Dons will travel to the Oakwell Stadium in attempt to eliminate the current third-place Women’s Super League Two side from the tournament.
Much like Charlie Bill’s Women, the Addicks haven’t played a full 90-minute match in four weeks. Both teams will produce a battle on the field, in their shared desire to progress further within the elite competition.
This fixture was originally scheduled to be played on December 11, but due to weather conditions the match was called off that Sunday morning.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm at The Oakwell Stadium, DA1 4DN.
THE OPPOSITION
Charlton Athletic Women compete within the Women’s Super League Two, which is a division below the Women’s Super League where well-known players such as Sam Kerr, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson compete within.
Currently, the Addicks place third within the league table, two points adrift the top-spot. The hosts have sustained a three-game win streak and will look to continue their form into the knockout tournament.
Emily Simpkins is the London side’s top goal-scorer with five to her name for the season so far. Kiera Skeels and Melissa Johnson closely follow behind with four goals each.
An inform Simpkins, who is a midfielder, joined by Skeels a defender and Johnson a forward player demonstrates how Karen Hills’ team could produce various goal threats throughout a plethora of positions.
LAST TIME OUT
Charlton’s previous outing saw the Addicks claim their third consecutive league victory, all three of which have been conjured at The Oakwell Stadium.
Sheffield United fell short to Lauren Bruton’s late goal, which was her first of the season. Bruton ensured the ball found the back of the net following a goal-mouth scramble, this secured three points for the home side as they entered the Christmas break.
MK Dons’ strong display on the road saw them eliminate Exeter City from the FAWNL Cup in the Round of 16 stage. Mollie Coupar’s goalscoring antics seem almost inevitable after the number 18 broke the deadlock and netted her 14 of the season.
The opener was then followed-up by Angelina Nixon, whose quick turn allowed her to rifle the ball past the Grecian’s keeper’ from outside the area. This duo currently has 31 goal contributions combined, and will look to increase this tally as they turn their attention towards the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
SECOND-ROUND SUCCESS
A look back to the FA Cup magic, which saw the Dons into the third-round of the competition.
Rhianne Rush’ first goal of the season opened the scoring. Unfortunately, two goals in quick succession from Worthing granted them the lead as the teams headed into half time.
Although down, Charlie Bill’s Women were not yet out. Nicole Pepper’s free-kick in the dying stages of regulation time breathed hope throughout the squad as the ball found its way into the back of the net, which kept MK Dons’ FA Cup dreams alive.
Mere minutes of injury time remained, but the action didn’t stop there. Leoni Miceli, who has proven to be a talisman off the bench for the team, produced an unforgettable moment. Miceli’s speed allowed her the slot the ball into Worthing’s net as she remained calm and composed in the dying stages of the fixture.
The home side broke out in celebration when a spectacular team comeback secured their progression into the next round.
UPCOMING ACCOLADES
This weekend a plethora of MK Dons Women could achieve some impressive milestones for the 2022/23 season.
Leoni Miceli, Kerry Newman, Nicola Puddick and Lucy wood could all claim their 15 appearance for the season so far, should they take to the field against Charlton Athletic.
A goal for Mollie Coupar would secure her 15 for the season, an impressive feat with four months of the campaign remaining.
Wood could also achieve ten goal contributions this weekend. Currently, the Leicester City Women loanee has produced five goals and four assists.
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The Vitality Women’s FA Cup clash is scheduled to kick-off at 12:00pm in The Oakwell Stadium, DA1 4DN. Tickets for the match will be priced at £8 per adult and £1 per concession, which will be available to purchase from The Oakwell Stadium on matchday.
MK Dons Women's photos captured by CTFPhotography
Charlton Athletic Women's photos captured by Keith Gillard
