MK Dons Ladies booked their place in the Second Round of the FA Women’s Cup with a 3-1 extra-time win over Loughborough Vixens on Sunday.
Leah Cudone’s late goal cancelled out Loughborough’s early second-half opener to send the tie to extra-time, with Emily Mann and Eden Washington (pictured) sealing the victory in the additional 30 minutes of play to set up a tie with Premier League side Charlton Athletic.
Matt French’s side went into the game on the back of two straight wins and they started brightly on Sunday afternoon, with Bryony Levitt going close just before half-time; her one-on-one effort sent straight at the Loughborough ‘keeper.
The Ladies were dominant in possession throughout most of the match but they were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal when the hosts took the lead mid-way through the second half after the Dons had failed to clear a corner.
Although stunned at falling behind, the Dons Ladies refused to let their heads drop and they soon drew level courtesy of substitute Cudone, who was in the right place at the right time to prod home from close range.
Despite several late chances from both sides, neither were able to find a winning goal to seal the contest before extra-time, although Dons ‘keeper Emma Kirby did do really well to deny Loughborough from a corner.
Keen to avoid a second straight penalty shoot-out, the Dons Ladies went in search of an early extra-time goal and they found it just three minutes in courtesy of Mann, who prodded home a cross after some good work down the flanks.
The Dons then sealed the victory, and a place in the Second Round, when young forward Washington raced clear of the Loughborough defense and lobbed the ball over the advancing ‘keeper for her first goal of the season.
The Ladies will travel to Charlton Athletic on Sunday 12th January.