During their recent campaign, Charlie Bill’s Women brought silverware back to Stadium MK following a successful run within the FA Berks & Bucks County Cup competition.
This knockout tournament saw the Dons Women eliminate three opponents before they prepared for the final against Abingdon Women, a match which would ultimately prove to be a highlight within a strong 2022/23 season.
A year prior saw Charlie Bill’s team eliminated within the second-round, however this time around would provide a completely different experience for the group.
The journey which saw the team lift the trophy was achieved through a total of 34 goals scored within the competition, half of this tally was earned within a single skirmish against Penn & Tyler’s Women in the second stage.
A comfortable 11-2 triumph over Chesham United in the first knockout tie graced the Dons with all the confidence and momentum necessary to progress far within the tournament.
As if the goalscoring antics within the opening match of the competition wasn’t enough, Charlie Bill’s Women upgraded their success within the second round. Not only did the team produce a 17-goal advantage at Fairfield’s Sports Hub, but they also sustained a clean sheet, which certainly cemented their place within the semi-finals.
MK Dons Women were set to face Reading Under-23s within the final four, the same side that handed defeat to the Milton Keynes team a year prior. Although, this year provided redemption after a 3-0 score-line in the Dons’ favour saw them set their sights on the final.
A total of 31 goals were scored whilst only two were conceded ahead of the final fixture. An impressive feat, but Charlie Bill alongside his team had one game left to play, and they didn’t want to stop their impressive displays there.
MK Dons Women faced Abingdon United in the final, which inevitably provided a memorable moment for Charlie Bill’s team and the Club.
Whilst they sustained their consistent clean-sheets, a brace from Laura Mitchell, as well as a goal from the FAWNL Southern Premier Division’s joint top goal-scorer Mollie Coupar secured the victory in the final stage of the tournament.
An incredible accolade achieved through a remarkable run provided a historic moment for MK Dons Women. When questioned on the success within the FA Berks & Bucks County Cup competition, Charlie Bill had this to say:
“It was all about making memories in the build-up to the game, you always remember cup finals and you want those to be positive experiences to look back on.
“There were a lot of nerves throughout the group, but it was a first final for a lot of the players. I was so proud of all the players and the staff within the team, and to bring the trophy back to Stadium MK was enjoyable for us all.”
Images captured by CTFPhotography
