18 Dec 2011: Crystal Palace Ladies 2-3 MK Dons Ladies

Sunday 18th December 2011 at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace

Match Report: Crystal Palace Ladies 2 ? 3 MK Dons Ladies
(South East Combination)

After falling behind to two early goals, MK Dons Ladies were left with an uphill struggle against Crystal Palace at the National Sports Centre. But as Lil Stanton pulled a goal back for Dons at the beginning of the second half, they went on to dominate for long periods, leveling through Brodie Betts four minutes from time before Emily Mann struck the winner in added time.

Manager Liam Willimott made four changes from the side which lost to Enfield Town two weeks ago. Keeper Charlene Ward was injured, with Emma Kirby replacing her in goal. Christie Turner and new signing Hannah Paterson were brought into the back four, with Jo Wedgbury dropping down to the bench. Emily Mann and Lauren Goodier had both recovered from injuries, with Mann starting up front in place of Dani Borrelli, and Goodier on the bench. Another recent signing, Shanice Jimenez was also on the bench.

With Dons starting the game slowly, the home took full advantage and found themselves in front after just four minutes as Mary Onianwa blasted in a shot from the edge of the area which went over the keeper and just under the bar.

Worse was to come just six minutes later as Onianwa fed the ball up to Sherelle Walters on the right. As she took the ball past Turner, she fired in a fierce shot from a tight angle, which struck the underside of the crossbar and fell perfectly for Valentine Ibe on the far side of the goal to double the lead.

Dons gradually started to threaten, but both Mann and Charly Wright failed to get any power behind their shots. Then on 19 minutes, the Eagles almost went further ahead as Walters raced clear of the defence. Hannah Paterson made a desperate tackle on the edge of the penalty area to deny the striker and earning a yellow card in the process. Lucy Galea forced a brilliant save from keeper Emma Kirby from the resultant free kick.

During the final twenty minutes of the half however, Dons started to take control in midfield and although they failed to really test Sam Sharp in the Palace goal, defender Kelly Newbound headed the ball behind on a couple of occasions to keep the score-line unchanged at the break.

Lauren Goodier replaced Nikki Tarrant in midfield at the break, and while Palace had dominated the start of the first half, it was Dons who made a great start to the second. On 48 minutes, Wright weaved her way forward down the left flank, winning a corner kick. Goodier sent the ball into the danger area, where Lil Stanton converted home from six 6 yards.

The goal sparked Dons into life and they went on to dominate for most of the second half. Stanton?s shot from 25yards struck the bar, Jo Brandon?s shot from distance was deflected just wide by Goodier, and Heather McDonnell?s header went just wide.

As the game entered the final half hour, Stanton forced another save from keeper Sharp and Mann?s shot was also saved. Palace were unable to hold the ball up, and goalscorer Onianwa received a caution for a foul on right back Brodie Betts on 70 minutes.

Despite dominating for long periods, Dons were unable to convert possession into goals until the 86th minute when Wright won another corner. Goodier took it short to Wright, and her cross into the centre found Brodie Betts to stab the ball home for the equaliser.

Even with the 90 minutes up, a point seemed to be better than nothing, and Shanice Jimenez came on for her debut, replacing Stanton with just a couple of minutes added time to play. But with almost the last play of the game, Wright completed an outstanding performance as she once more took on the defence down the left flank, beating a couple of challenges. This time, Emily Mann made no mistake, firing home the cross to give Dons the three points.

Dons now have a three week break before their next game, an away fixture at Ipswich Town on Sunday 8 January 2012.

Team: Kirby, Betts, Paterson, Robinson, Turner, Tarrant (Goodier 46), Brandon, Stanton (Jimenez 90+1), Wright, McDonnell, Mann. Subs not used: Wedgbury

Goals: Lil Stanton 48, Brodie Betts 86, Emily Mann 90+2.

Referee: Mr A Hill (Kent)