MK Dons Women vs Abingdon United Women FC
This Sundays sees the Berks and Bucks County Cup Final comes to Chesham, as FAWNL Southern Premiership side MK Dons Women take on SRWFL Premiership Division side Abingdon United Women FC in a winner takes all final.
The Don’s will be regarded as heavy favourites going into the game. But Abingdon will be looking to cause an upset as they attend the clubs first ever county cup final.
Whatever the outcome it is going to be a special day for both sides, as both sides will be looking to walk away with some silverware and take the crown of being the Berks & Bucks County Champions.
Abingdon United –
First Round: – Abingdon started their run to the final with a Walkover.
Quarter Finals: – Abingdon travelled to Caversham United. Putting in a great team performance winning the game 6-0.
Semi-final: – Proved to be more of a tougher challenge. As they travelled to Maidenhead United. With the score locked at 2-2 a penalty shootout was needed to settle the tie. Abingdon settled their nerves and won the shootout 3-0. Thanks in part to Hannah Cox who incredibly saved all 3 of the penalties she faced.
Abingdon United vs Maidenhead United - Semi Final
Ahead of the game we spoke to Danial Knight the AUWFC Manager and Nell Boxhall AUWFC Club Captain –
“If you don’t get nervous for games like this then you shouldn’t be in football, however I am super excited for the players and club to be in cup finals like this. The best feeling about it, is we are going into this game as the under dogs and have zero pressure on us, in all fairness this is first game all season where the pressure is off us therefore, we can go and enjoy the game. I don’t believe in cup upsets you either deserve to win or lose. I know that the players will do everything they can to win the game and go toe to toe against a very good well organised team. This game will also be good at where we currently stand ready for next season going into the national league. We are all very excited for the day” – Danial Knight AUWFC Manager.
“The reason we play football is to get to finals like these and give ourselves the opportunity to show what we can do on this kind of stage. We’re a driven, ambitious team that’s eager to achieve even more success than we have already this season. We’ve done everything we can in terms of preparing ourselves for Sunday against a very strong and experienced MK Dons side. As a team, we thrive on the opportunity to play teams above us in the league and really test ourselves; we’ll have to step up and show our real character, but knowing this group I have every faith we will. The players and staff can’t wait to travel down and be supported by our brilliant fans too, who have been there with us every step of the season through the highs and lows. We hope to give everyone a day to remember!” – Nell Boxall AUWFC Captain
MK Dons Women –
First Round: – Dons started their run to the Cup Final at the Meadow as they took on Chesham United. The Dons impressively dispatched the home side with a comprehensive 11-2 win. The only slight disappointment for the Dons was that they didn’t keep a clean sheet. But the pick of the attacking performances was both Mollie Coupar and Angelina Nixon who scored hattricks.
Quarter Final: – Dons next opponent was Penn & Tylers Green Ladies who made the trip up to Fairfield’s Sports Hub. The Dons exerted their dominance and professionally won the game with truly impressive score line or 17-0, with 11 goals coming in the first half. Highlight of the game was Laura Mitchell scoring her first hattrick in a Dons shirt.
Semi Final: – The Dons took on their toughest test of the cup competition and last year’s winners Reading. Reading development squad made the journey to Fairfield’s high on confidence after beating the Dons 4-2 in last year’s Quarter Final. But the Dons were able to exact revenge with a well worked 3-0 win.
Ahead of the game we spoke to MK Dons leading goalscorer Mollie Coupar as well as Manager Charlie Bill to get their thoughts on this weekend’s game.
“Personally, coming off the back of last season where things were really tough for me. After my ankle injuries and the team battling relegation, it means even more to achieve what we have this season. But we’re looking forward to the County Cup Final this Sunday! It’s yet another, but very different, challenge to face this season. We have worked hard and deserve to be here. It’s an occasion to enjoy, it will be a new experience for many of the girls. Winning the silverware will be the icing on the cake” – Mollie Coupar – MK Dons Women
“What an occasion Sunday we will be, cup finals don’t come around often & we can’t wait to be involved in it. We are coming up against a good Abingdon side who will be full of confidence from winning their league. It’s our job to execute our game plan to ensure we win the competition & I have full belief in this group that they can go & do that. We hope as many of our supporters will be in attendance cheering us on & with us every step of the way”- Charlie Bill – Manager MK Dons Women
BBFA County Cup Final – Sunday 19th March 2023
Venue – Chesham United FC – The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, HP5 1NE
Kick Off – 15:00 GMT
Tickets – £5 Adults, Under 16’s £2
Live Commentary – CW Sports Radio from 14:45pm (GMT) – For more information please visit https://www.cwsportradio.com/
Images: MK Dons Women – Christopher Foxwell – For more information please visit www.ctfphotography.co.uk/photography
Abingdon United – Glenn Alcock
Berks & Bucks FA Image – ©Berks & Bucks FA
