Mollie Coupar’s header secured a 1-0 victory for the Dons, which allowed the team to progress into the second round of the FA WNL Cup.
Gillingham have been a tough side to face this season, they have conceded four goals in their previous four matches, which have all resulted in low scoring fixtures.
MK Dons Women encounter Gillingham Ladies for the first time during the 2022/23 campaign within the FA WNL Cup competition.
First-Half
As expected from a strong defensive Gills team, the opening stages of the match was a cagey affair. The opponent’s chances in MK Dons’ half were far and few between. Oppositely, Charlie Bill’s Women pressed the attack and sought to break down their adversary.
MK Dons continued to implement their style of play into the match. This granted the team opportunities at goal, which forced the away team’s keeper into action to sustain a level score line.
Before the conclusion of the first half, Nicole Pepper crafted enough space to unleash a shot that crashed off the woodwork. The number ten’s strike was the closest chance to break the deadlock before the interval.
Second-Half
Charlie Bill’s Women continued to search for the opening goal of the match, which saw the home side amount pressure on Gillingham’s defence.
Eventually, their ruthlessness in attack awarded the Dons with a 1-0 lead. Mollie Coupar headed home Pepper’s well-placed cross, which bulged the net after it flew past the Gill’s goalkeeper in the 72 minute.
Before the end of the match, the home side created another close chance. Amy McClean had received the ball on the edge of the area, the number 21 then swiftly turned and shot towards goal. However, the powerful strike smashed off the crossbar.
Charlie Bill’s Women then controlled the ball as they saw out the final stages of the fixture. At the end of 90 minutes played, MK Dons claimed a 1-0 victory over Gillingham.
Charlie Bill's thoughts
The MK Dons Women's Head-Coach had led the team to a 1-0 victory over Gillingham Ladies, this result meant that the Dons now progress into the second-round of the FA WNL Cup. When asked about his post-match thoughts, Bill had this to say “Today was a great reaction from last weekend’s result
“The player’s management in and out of possession was fantastic. The supporters get behind teams when they’re working hard out of possession and creating chances going forward, I believe that we’ve shown both of those even in games that we have lost this season.
“Last campaign, there were long spells of not creating chances and being unable to score. Currently, we’ve scored in every game we’ve played so far. No matter who it is, whether it’s a starter or a substitute, everyone always plays with such pride and such togetherness and that’s what we pride ourselves on.”
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MK Dons: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike (Nixon 65) (Miceli 85), Rush, Pepper, Wood, Miles, Coupar (McClean 75), Mitchell (Gould 75), Newman
Subs: Samuels
Goals: Coupar 72
Photos captured by CTFPhotography