Back-to-Back win see MK Dons topple Hashtag United and Rugby Borough in the space of 3 days.
Tuesday evening the Dons welcomed Rugby Borough to Wootton Blue Cross for their 2nd game in the space of 3 days. Following on from the fantastic result on Sunday the dons were buoyant about welcoming the new league leader and causing an upset.
As the wind and the rain fell around Wootton a mighty battle was to take place between the two sides. That eventually saw Rugby down to 9 for the majority of the match, as well as a red card for one of the rugby background staff.
First Half –
Starting the game brightly Rugby had a few early chances as Dons ex player Angelina Nixon looked to pull the strings in the rugby attack that lead to an early chance that was cleared off the line by Zoe Creney.
But the Dons defence managed to regroup and settle after this early chance. Most notably Rhianne Rush put in a fantastic performance in midfield. The midfield went to toe-to-toe with Nixon and number of times, and the former Don failed to get the beating of her pervious team mate.
After the early scare Chloe Samson barely had any major to saves to make in the early spell as her and the defence line were well organised and were able to deal with the Rugby attacks.
Yet the game was to turn on its head as the ref show red card just 27 minutes into the game. Walker was sent with a straight Red card after a consultation with the linesman. Walked handled the ball outside the area and denied the Dons a clear goal scoring opportunity.
In the mist of this a back member of staff was also booked on the bench for what looked like foul and inappropriate language towards the officials. Dons thought they took the lead from the free kicks itself as Laura Mitchell shot was saved on the line.
Even more drama was to follow as in the 37th minute Borough were down to 9 for the first time in the match as one of their players were given their marching orders for the ref and ended up in the Sin Bin.
During this spell the Dons were on top, but you could argue that they did waste some of the early advantage. As you could see they were unsure about how to play vs a team of 9. The half draw to a close at 0-0 with Rugby down to 9. 0-0 Half Time
Second Half –
Starting the second half Rugby once again started brightly. Credit must be given to them as they still did manage to put up a fight vs the Dons and created a few early chances, but once again the Dons managed to win the ball back and started to take control. You could see the tactics from Bill had changed, and you could see the Dons started to looked more comfortable on the ball as they looked to move it with intensive from side to side. Trying to move Rugby around and out shape, then to pick their moments for attack.
Eventually that moment came, after great work form Hannah Warren and Ade on the right won a corner.
The Goal will be a moment to remember for Dons defender Zoe Creaney. Ade whipped a corner into the penalty area. Bodies scrambling for the ball as the ball bounced out towards Zoe, she unleashed a right footed shot that found the back of the net. What a time to score your first senior goal for the Dons, and arguably one of the biggest goals for the Dons this season.
Even after this set back, Rugby still looked to score, the made a number of changes as they looked to get the equaliser. But within the space of 5 minutes, Rugby again was hit with another blow. Nixon was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. As the EX Don made her way to the dressing room, she was greeted with ironic cheers form fans who once sung her name. Yet more drama was to happen, following on from this the earlier member of staff who was booked in the first half was once again shown a yellow card. Once again for decent towards the official. As he made the slow walk towards the dressing room the home fans once again heckled him as they welcomed him to the tunnel.
Once again, the Dons had the advantage of 2, and with 20minuites to go. Charlie Bill side looked confused once again how to break down the opposition, whether they should either stick with the 1-0 or twist and go for the jugular, and in the end the decided to stick with the 1-0 score.
Rugby still managed to offer a few chances from set plays. But with the numerical advantage the Dons were able to deal with them comfortably in the end. But credit should still be given towards Rugby as to play the major of the game with 9 players as well as dealing with the climatic conditions should be commended.
In the end Charlie Bills saw out the game and managed the situation and his side took all 3 points from Rugby becoming only the second to team to beat them all season. Seeing the Dons have their best start to football in tier 3.
Attention now moves to Long Crendon this Sunday, as the Dons look to defend the Berks & Bucks County Cup.
MK Dons:Sansom (C), Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Stovold, Mitchell, Rush, Coupar, Gould, Creaney, Fatuga-Dada
Subs: Wood, Wilson
Goals: Creaney (63)
