Oxford United Women won 3-1 at MK Dons last night, courtesy of a penalty from Emily Allen, plus two second half strikes from Molly Peters to earn The U’s the three points in the National League
There were chances for both sides early on in the pouring rain at Stadium MK but it was United who struck first from the penalty spot when Peters used her lightning speed to her advantage,racing away from the Dons defence and being brought down in the penalty area. Allen stepped up to the spot and comfortably blasted past Sansom in goal to give The U’s the early advantage.
United, watched by First team Coack Karl Robinson, looked to calm the contest down after a fast-paced opening few moments with Hannah Mackenzie, making her full Oxford debut, regularly looking to calmly carry the ball out of defence.
The U’s doubled their advantage early into the second half when Carly Johns’ intelligent run on the right flank saw the winger break free of Bolton for the Dons, Johns then whipping in an inch-perfect cross into the path of Peters and United’s striker made no mistake in smashing the ball home to double the advantage.
United didn’t let up the pressure there either. Less than ten minutes later it was Peters again who made it three with a typical poacher’s finish. Following Johns’ shot on goal, Peters latched onto the strike at the far post and tapped into the exposed right side of the net to put The U’s firmly in the driving seat.
Hannah Barrett scored a consolation for the home side3 from a corner in the final moments of the game to deny Liam Gilbert’s side of a clean sheet, however the United manager will be pleased with a dominant display ahead of the first fixture of the season in front of home fans against Crawley Wasps on Sunday at Court Place Farm.
United Women
Kite, Wallace, Haynes, Beaver (Stevens 81’), Oliver (Baker76’), Johns, Allen (McLachlan 70’), Bensted, Hayes, Mackenzie, PetersUnused subs: Sercombe, Sims
Report by Jacob Gill and photo Darrell Fisher.