4th Dec 2011: MK Dons Ladies 0-3 Enfield Town Ladies

Sunday 4th December 2011 at Willen Road, Newport Pagnell Town FC

Match Report: MK Dons Ladies 0 ? 3 Enfield Town Ladies
(South East Combination)

After a three week gap, MK Dons Ladies were back in League action on Sunday against title contenders Enfield Town. Sara Sinclair put the visitors ahead on 20 minutes and although a spirited performance kept Dons in with a chance, two quick goals from Katie Wilding and Claire Gooch fifteen minutes from time saw Enfield take the three points.

Emma Budd, Emily Mann and Lauren Goodier were all out through injury following last week-ends cup victory at Ebbsfleet United. Jo Brandon and Charly Wright both returned to the starting line-up, while striker Dani Borrelli had recovered from illness to make the starting line-up.

Enfield started the game strongly and Sheree Oliver fired over from close range in the opening few minutes with keeper Charlene Ward also in action early on to cut out a dangerous cross. At the other end, Jade Linnell went close for Dons following a Charly Wright corner.

But on 20 minutes, Enfield went in front following a quick throw-in as Beth Demery crossed the ball in from the left, and a flick on from Beth Lovell was headed in by Sara Sinclair at the near post.

Dons tried to respond and had a couple of chances to draw level with Heather McDonnell causing problems for the Enfield defence. She set up another chance for Jade Linnell, but her shot was gathered in by keeper Kelly Cooper. Kelly Robinson also came close from a corner with her effort being cleared off the line by Claire Pavett, while Jo Brandon went close just before the interval.

At the start of the second period, Charly Wright almost capitalised on a mistake by Cooper, but Enfield?s captain Claire Gooch blocked well. Then on 57 minutes, Enfield came close to increasing their lead as substitute Holly Brandon crossed from the left into Katie Wilding. Her shot was deflected onto the post and out for a corner ? Demery?s corner kick subsequently being fired over the bar by Leanne Mabey.

Dons made a double substitution on the hour, with Leigh Dean and Emma Ford replacing Borrelli and Stanton as Dons pressed for an equaliser. Wright?s surge down the left flank ended with the ball being put behind for a corner, before Brandon fired in another shot at the keeper.

On 74 minutes however, Enfield got their second goal as Sinclair raced clear down the left flank and her cross found Katie Wilding in space to take a touch and send the ball past Ward.

Just two minutes later, they got a third after Dons conceded a corner. Demery crossed towards the middle, but as Ward tried to gather the ball, it bounced off the knee of Claire Gooch and into the net.

Sarah Thompson replaced McDonnell with eleven minutes remaining, but Dons were unable to pull a goal back. Enfield finished strongly and in the final ten minutes ? Sinclair fired over, Demery?s corner was cleared off the line, and Wilding also went close.

With Lewes securing their 13th consecutive League win of the season against Ebbsfleet United, Enfield look to be fighting it out for the runners-up spot with Norwich City. Dons are without a fixture next Sunday, but are next in action the following weekend (18 December) when they visit Crystal Palace at the National Sports Centre ? 2pm kick-off. 

Team: Ward, Betts, Robinson, Wedgbury, Brandon, Stanton (Ford 60), Tarrant, Wright, Linnell, McDonnell (Thompson 79), Borrelli (Dean 60). Subs not used: Turner.

Referee: Mr Darren Flanagan (Sandy)

Other Results: Crystal Palace 3 Ipswich Town 0; Ebbsfleet United 0 Lewes 7; Luton Town 0 Norwich City 4.