MK Dons Women played out a 1-1 draw with Bridgwater United in their home opener on Sunday.
In front of 223 supporters at Stadium MK, Mollie Coupar salvaged the point for Charlie Bill’s side after visitors Bridgwater had taken a first-half lead.
Goalkeeper Amy Martin was forced into her first save 10 minutes in while the MK Dons number 1 later produced a stunning close-range stop to keep the scores level.
Bridgwater were then reduced to 10 players following a straight red card, shown after visiting defender Bow Jackson denied Jade Bell a clear goalscoring opportunity as she bore down on goal.
The Dons, however, weren’t able to take advantage of the free-kick and just before half-time they fell behind to a quick counter-attack, finished off by Chloe Gilroy. 0-1.
Bill’s team twice went close to levelling within the first 10 minutes of the second half before Coupar grabbed the equaliser.
After some good play down the left, the Dons forward was set through on goal and she kept her cool to fire a first-time finish into the bottom right corner. 1-1.
MK Dons were dominant thereafter, although Bridgwater did crash an effort against the crossbar with 10 minutes left to play.
Five minutes later, the Dons hit the side netting before Martin pulled off a stunning one-on-one save at the other end to keep hold of a point for her team.
Bill and his team return to action on Tuesday night as they go in search of their first win of the season away at Oxford United.
MK Dons: Martin, Boote, Neal, Bright (C), Pepper, Bell, Stovold, Gould (Gooderham 83), Mills (Giddings 59), Coupar (Taho 90+2), Netschova.
Subs: Newsome, Newman
Goal: Coupar (60)
