An Emily Mann equaliser ten minutes into the second-half was enough to earn MK Dons Ladies a point against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Buoyant after their impressive FA Women’s Cup Third Round Qualifying win over Leamington Lions, the Ladies travelled to South East London to take on an Eagles side that occupied last place heading into the meeting.
John Dyer was able to pick from a near fully-fit squad for the re-arranged fixture between the two South East Combination clubs, but it was his side that started slowly and as a result they headed into half-time a goal down.
The Ladies also lost influential defender Kaye Henton in the first half through illness and without her the team’s rhythm and usual clever play was absent.
Dyer’s half-time team-talk, however, seemed to spark some life into his players, who drew level soon after the re-start thanks to Mann.
The Dons could have even walked away with a victory but saw numerous chances crash against the woodwork as well as a couple of efforts disallowed by the officials.
Dyer, though, was left feeling disappointed with his team’s showing and praised his opponents for their determined performance.
He told mkdons.com: “We were second best all over the pitch and more importantly mentally. Palace wanted it more in every single way and all credit to them for that.”
