Wednesday 11th October

A midweek trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch a game under the lights from the FAWPL South East Division One with 6th placed Cambridge United WFC hosting 4th placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. 

Shaping up to be an interesting league at the top with the lead changing hands several times early on. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies amongst those looking to challenge for the title. Cambridge United WFC having had a lot of new faces come into the squad well placed to get amongst the top teams. Both sides in good form come into the game on the back of a home win in the FA Women’s Cup at the weekend.

  A bit of rebuilding going on at Cambridge United WFC as they look to bed in several new players, quality signings started the season with a 0-0 draw at home to newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC who have since gone on win 5 league games in a row to top the table. Cambridge were unbeaten in their 4 opening league game a win and 3 draws their unbeaten run coming to an end away to tonight’s opponents, Alice Hughes scoring a late winner for Milton Keynes. Cambridge bouncing back are 3 games unbeaten in league and cup since. Have further added to their squad bringing in goalkeeper Shayla Burgess on loan from Watford. Striker Kelley Blanchflower ex-Tottenham and West Ham brings experience and skill to the attack. Lauren Cartwright is another new addition to the squad from Watford making her debut at the weekend.

  Milton Keynes Dons Ladies are on a run of wins 5 in a row in league and cup going into tonight’s match beating Cambridge in that run too. Manager James Honeyman has brought in players with FAWSL 2 experience to strengthen the squad that finished runners-up last season defender Mollie Burgess ad midfield Dawn Mallett who had a spell at Cambridge last season. Most recently the club as signed another Cambridge player, attacker Laura Mills moving on scored at the weekend in the FA Women’s Cup for her new club.

As ever the pitch at Mildenhall Town FC looked immaculate sees plenty of action is well maintained sloping from one goalmouth to the other. A hint of rain in the air a breeze keeping the clouds moving quite mild and fingers-crossed in stayed dry.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Shayla Burgess, Nettie Stillinger, Carolyn Sarafian, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Lauren Cartwright, Amy Howlett, Emma Jenkins, Amber Cantwell & Kelley Blanchflower. Subs – Faith Hewitt & Lauren Gibson.

 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies starting XI – Savannah Smith, Leanna Doyle (C), Vicky Holland, Sasha Newsome, Mollie Burgess, Charley Clarke, Dawn Mallett, Charly Wright, Alice Hughes, Amelia Hazard & Laura Mills. Subs – Sammy Gillings, Kerry Newman & Lauren Goodier.

Its Milton Keynes in their all white away lit to get the 1st half underway attacking down the slope. Start at a furious pace pushing players forwards to join Laura Mills in the central attacking role. A through ball has her in behind right side to attack, Shayla Burgess comes racing out to the edge of her area to meet her sliding on the ball is knocked past her, no pace on it however the Cambridge defence recovering can get to the ball Kayleigh-Anne Burt clearing it out to the right wing. Milton Keynes regaining possession Alice Hughes firing a cross into the area the ball bouncing across the six yard box is claimed by Burgess.

Cambridge are penned back in their own half early on Milton Keynes committing numbers forwards, pressing the ball well in the middle of the park, Charley Clarke with a strong challenge gets hold of the ball drives forwards puts the ball into the path of Hughes wide right the cross fired into the box taken cleanly by Burgess. 

Milton Keynes with a free-kick on half-way left side Charly Wright to play the ball in high into the box Cambridge get a head on the ball the clearance falling to Clarke outside the area lays the ball off to Hughes wide right closer she takes on the shot a vicious drive in towards goal, Burgess makes a fantastic save throwing herself up and tipping the ball wide across her goal conceding the 1st corner of the game. A good inswinging delivery into the middle of the six yard box from the left a good fist on the ball from Burgess to get the ball out of the area dropping to a white shirt the shot is taken on the volley the ball flying over the crossbar. 

  Cambridge relieve the early pressure Milton Keynes have put them under the ball played up field Kelley Blanchflower chasing the Milton Keynes defence forces an error as the ball played forwards falls goes straight to Emma Jenkins operating in a left side attacking role tonight, 25 yards out goes to shoot doesn’t get a good connection the ball running wide of goal. 

  Wright, Clarke and Mallett all press forwards from midfield to join the attack for Milton Keynes whenever they have the ball making it difficult for Cambridge to get out of their half  the game played at a furious pace, a few out of control tackles being made decisions not being made by the referee in the middle upsetting the Cambridge bench. Hughes breaking clear of her marker on the right plays an early cross into the area coming to Mills the attacker lets the ball run across her as she holds off her marker knocking it on for Amelia Hazard inside the box with her, leaning back into the shot as the ball comes to her Hazard sends her effort high and wide of the top corner.

Another out of control tackle infuriates the Cambridge bench but such is the pace of the game little time to dwell the ball up the other end it’s the Milton Keynes benches turn to protest at another down the other end. Burt with a headed clearance as Hughes puts another cross from the right into the box following good work from Clarke in the middle. Cambridge play the ball out from the back Lauren Cartwright into Jenkins then Amy Howlett, Blanchflower making a run into the left channel ahead of her receiving the ball takes in on down the line evading a tackle on the byline comes back up the line to the top of the area taking on the shot is gathered on the bounce by Milton Keynes goalkeeper Savannah Smith covering her near post.

GOAL! Almost 20 minutes played in the 1st half and Milton Keynes high tempo start brings them the opening goal winning a free-kick wide on the right inside the Cambridge half players come forwards from the back loading the area is a great ball in Hughes escaping her marker inside the six yard box gets her head on the ball knocking it past Burgess into the back of the net to score 0-1.

Cambridge look to get forwards from the restart Amber Cantwell’s ball played into the middle from the right intercepted by Sasha Newsome at the back for Milton Keynes. Laura Baker with a strong challenge brings the ball on trough the middle sending it forwards is knocked on almost putting Blanchflower in on goal through the middle her 1st touch too heavy Smith with a good starting position is able to gather. The goal scored Milton Keynes are sitting back as a unit the midfield not looking to get up field with such intensity. Howlett strikes the ball on the half volley left side 30 yards out as Jenkins gets forwards on the wing her shot off target.

  Both sides demanding more from the referee Cambridge win a free-kick inside the Milton Keynes half top of the circle, captain Laura Bright to play the ball into the box, headed clear by Mollie Burgess for Milton Keynes, Cambridge regain possession, Hazard working hard to win the ball back on the right as Cantwell looks to link up with Blanchflower. The game continues to be lively Cambridge growing a little frustrated. A throw in on the right Baker with a one two with Nettie Stillinger the full back takes the ball in field driving into the middle fires it forwards into the area with Jenkins making a left side run into the box, closing in on the keeper she forces the error Smith spilling the ball running behind for the corner. 

Possession for Cambridge in and around the Milton Keynes area however there is little room in front of them Milton Keynes keeping a disciplined shape not leaving the slightest pocket for a shooting opportunity. Launch a counter attack the ball with Mallett in the centre she surges forwards Mills ahead of her peels right the pass finding her inside the box shoots 1st time her effort lacking pace is straight and Burgess the Cambridge goalkeeper behind the ball dropping forwards to claim.

Clarke is booked for a robust challenge as she attempts to prevent Cambridge bringing the ball out from the back. Getting forwards on the right side Stillinger cuts inside and fires a diagonal ball into the area Smith just about has the ball in her gloves as the challenge comes in from the left side on her the ball knocked out of her hands the referee awards the free-kick in the keepers favour.

Mallett comes on for Milton Keynes with the ball through the middle sends the pass out wide to Wright moving down the left wing she fires the ball in towards Mills positioned inside the box seeing the ball into her body work it out to Mallett closing in on the top of the area right of the D shot shoots pulling her effort wide across goal. Late into 1st half stoppage time Cambridge work the ball up the left Blanchflower moving into space on the left channel again puts a great ball into the box runners there near and far post it’s Mollie Burgess in between the Cambridge attackers that wins the header 2 yards from goal to clear the threat for Milton Keynes.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

  A 1-0 lead for Milton Keynes who started the game at a furious pace pressing bodies forwards attacking Cambridge keeping them pinned in their own half eventually bringing the goal then with the lead have settled back keeping a solid shape not committing so many forwards ready for the counter attack. Cambridge having the ball but not doing much with it little room in behind the fast pace of the game hasn’t allowed them to settle down but with just a 1 goal lead all to play for 2nd half.

No changes for either side as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now the breeze has picked up but still very mild. A relatively quiet opening to the 2nd half compared to the 1st Cambridge looking to build down the left Milton Keynes captain Leanna Doyle breaking up the attack. The visitors get forwards Mills picking up the ball as she comes over the the right turn looks to feed the pass central into Mallett as she makes a good forwards run Stillinger sliding in tackles well to stop the midfielder getting into the box with the ball.

  Cambridge coming onto Milton Keynes more in the 2nd half as the visitors are prepared to sit deep soak up the pressure. Blanchflower receiving the ball from Jenkins on the left side drives towards the box looking to plough her way through the Milton Keynes defence, Newsome tackling wins the ball back. A free-kick awarded to Cambridge inside the D numbers forwards is taken quickly passed to the right the shot comes in Smith right behind it can gather cleanly. 

 GOAL! For all Cambridge’s positive endeavours at the start of the 2nd half they are hit on the counter attack Milton Keynes getting up the other end to score and double their lead. The ball played up into the Cambridge half, bouncing Sarafian comes to get the ball moving into the middle is challenged by Hazard the attacker winning the ball, sends in through to Mills who has made the run into the space vacated by the left back driving forwards into the box right of goal shoots putting the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net 0-2.

Not long after going 2-0 up Milton Keynes make a change bringing of Hazard sending on Lauren Goodier to join Mills in attack. Normal service resumed as Milton Keynes sit back invite Cambridge onto them. A good run from Blanchflower getting free on the right receives the ball takes on the shot running along the ground is straight at Smith. Cartwright getting further forwards screws a 25 yard shot wide of target. Howlett with the ball right side crosses the ball into the box Blanchflower letting the ball roll across her body turns and sends a looping ball in towards goal on target but a save catch for Smith. 

Cambridge make a substitution Sarafain coming off as Cambridge go to 3 at the back bring on another attacker striker Lauren Gibson who scored twice in Cambridge’s 4-0 FA Women’s Cup win on Sunday. Milton Keynes bring on Sammy Gillings the defender going into right back as Newsome moves forwards into a midfield role. Further forwards Newsome wins the ball higher up the pitch plays it forwards for Mallett ahead of her Goodier breaking into space wide right Mallett plays the ball onto her Goodier taking the ball on inside the area right of goal Stillinger recovers the ground sliding in to take the ball away from Goodier behind for the corner kick. A inswinging delivery into the middle of the area Cambridge head clear.

  Baker is cautioned after diving in to try and regain the ball after losing possession. Cambridge are able to get forwards but finding it tough to break down the wall of white shirts in front of them. Cantwell to deliver the ball into the area from a free-kick won on the right wing. Newsome back to defend gets up highest to head the ball behind for the corner. the game moving into the last 15 minutes Cambridge’s Blanchflower is down struggling a little after treatment comes off Faith Hewitt joining the action. 

Mallett is tugged back as she threatens to counter attack for Milton Keynes the free-kick in a central position 40 yards out the shot is attempted a dangerous ball looping in towards goal dropping fast but no enough to creep under Burgess’ crossbar just over. Milton Keynes make a 3rd substitution Mallett coming off Kerry Newman coming on with around 8 minutes left. Gibson breaking down the right with the ball sends the cross in square to the near post defended the ball drops for Baker top of the box, rushing to shoot before being closed down slices the ball wide of target. 

It’s all Cambridge in the final minutes pressing forwards Milton Keynes looking composed and comfortable. Cantwell inside to Bright the ball played wide for Howlett on the right down the line sweeps the cross into the area Smith confidently claims it with Gibson rushing in.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

  A good result for Milton Keynes winning the 3 points away from home with a superb performance from start to finish. Came with a game plan and sticking to it with a disciplined and solid shape. Started at a breakneck tempo pushing forwards getting the goal they desired then prepared to sit back from then on soak up the pressure not committing too many forwards from then on in. Just went Cambridge looked to be getting on top 2nd half Milton Keynes hit the home side on the counter and presented with the chance Mills took it well. Move onto 16 points stay 4th in the FAWPL South East Division One table as both Ipswich Town Ladies in 3rd and AFC Wimbledon Ladies taking over top spot also won this evening just 2 points separating the top 4 however the battle for top spot come the end of the season will be very interesting. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Tonight’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Sasha Newsome thought she was excellent in the heart of the defence with great position and timing of challenges then pushed into midfield later on helped disrupt Cambridge’s build up play through the middle.

Good to get a game in under the lights after missing a few. Thanks to both clubs for their help tonight.