MK Dons Women’s winning streak of three games drew to an end following a 4-1 defeat against Oxford United, who now place top of the league.
Charlie Bill’s Women returned to the road after a successful Sunday at Stadium MK, where they claimed a 3-1 victory in front of a record attendance. This victory cemented their sixth-place position within the FAWNL Southern Premier Division league table.
Ahead of this clash, Oxford placed third and victory for the home side inevitably saw them ascend atop the league table with a point over the former league leaders, Ipswich Town.
Three swaps were made following the recent starting line-up that claimed three points over Crawley Wasps. Angelina Nixon made way for Georgie Giddings, Tilly Brown switched with Emily Wilson and Kerry Newman was introduced in place of Hannah Samuels.
FIRST HALF
The opening stages of the fixture ultimately set the precedent for the remainder of the game. An early goal generated by the home side saw Charlie Bill’s Women’s high-intensity press punished. 1-0
17 minutes later, the home side doubled their lead as they limited the Dons to very little at the other end of the field. Although, this didn’t deter the travelling team’s efforts. 2-0
Oxford United held a two-goal advantage as the first half drew to a close.
SECOND HALF
A similar start for the U’s within the second stage of the match saw them increased their lead to 3-0 on the 54-minute mark.
A bleak evening for the Dons only seemed to decrease ever further when Oxford claimed their fourth goal just ahead of the hour-mark. 4-0
Five minutes prior to the final whistle, MK Dons were then dealt with another blow. Although the travelling team prevented a fifth, captain Chloe Sansom had to be taken off the field after she had suffered a head injury. Outfield player Gemma Biggadike had to step in between the sticks for the remainder of the game.
No matter how hard they got knocked down, Charlie Bill’s Women refused to give up, which awarded them with a consolation goal through Mollie Coupar moments before the end.
Due to other results within the league, MK Dons still remain sixth in the league table. However, seventh place Gillingham have narrowed the gap between the teams to just two points.
***
MK Dons: Sansom (C) (Bennett 85), Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Miles, Gould (Mitchell 45), Barratt, Giddings (Wilson 68), Coupar, Brown (O’Brien 68), Newman
Subs: Samuels
Goals: Coupar 90+3
Images captured by CTFPhotography
