A goal in either side of the half was enough to grant MK Dons with a point in their FAWNL Southern Premier League clash against Cheltenham Town Ladies.
A sharp turnaround from their outing against Watford Women saw the Dons return to the road just four days later with the intention to prevent a third straight league defeat.
Two narrow defeats prior to this fixture meant that a result was crucial for the Dons to fend off the teams below them in the table, who are currently mere points away from replacing Charlie Bill’s Women in eighth place.
The MK Dons Women Head Coach made just one change from the previous starting line-up that faced the Hornets, Tilly Brown took to the field in place of Nicole Pepper.
FIRST HALF
Both sides had matched one another with a high intensity start, which prevented each team from creating a clear chance to open the scoring early-on within the match.
MK Dons were awarded with a corner 20 minutes after the starting whistle, a set-piece that was used to force Cheltenham’s goalkeeper into action before the home side prevented any further danger.
Three minutes before the interval, the host’s number one had to produce a full-stretch dive to her right, which denied the travelling team’s chance of an advantage.
However, this great save was later cancelled out by MK Dons’ opener deep into injury time. Angelina Nixon’s unstoppable header into the top-right of the net broke the deadlock, but also awarded the number seven with an impressive milestone of 20 goal contributions during the current campaign. 0-1
The Dons’ late goal within the first half saw them take the lead as the referee signalled for the break.
SECOND HALF
On the hour mark, Cheltenham Town levelled the game. A jabbed attempt had escaped past the Dons defence, as well as Sansom and the score-line returned level. 1-1
An immediate response gifted the travelling team with the perfect opportunity to re-gain their lead. Mere minutes following their set-back, a deflected attempt landed at the feet of Mollie Coupar. The top goal-scorer took her chance well and increased her season’s goal tally to 19. 1-2
Once again, the travelling team sought to defend their lead. A stubborn defensive display limited the home side to many clear chances, however, the continuous efforts proved difficult to withstand.
More late drama was provided, only this time it was in favour of the Robinesses. The hosts had replicated their early equaliser and all but secured a point with only a few minutes that remained on the stopwatch. 2-2
The spoils were shared after a tough battle from both teams produced a 2-2 score-line at the final whistle. Charlie Bill’s Women will look toward their third game within the week as they travel to Gillingham on Sunday afternoon.
***
MK Dons: Sansom (C), Warren, Biggadike, Stovold, Nixon, Miles, Gould, Coupar, Mitchell, Brown, Newman
Subs: Puddick, Samuels, Wilson, McLean, Barratt
Goals: Nixon 45+1, Coupar 63
Images captured by CTFPhotography
