Pompey Women fight back to stun Dons

Pompey Women battled back from a goal down to return to winning ways against MK Dons in the National League South
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Sep 2018, 11:11 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2018, 12:19 BST
Katie James celebrates her goal against MK Dons Picture: Jordan HamptonKatie James celebrates her goal against MK Dons Picture: Jordan Hampton
Katie James celebrates her goal against MK Dons Picture: Jordan Hampton

Second-half goals from Rachel Panting, Daisy McLachlan and Katie James saw off their Stadium MK hosts and cancelled out Charly Wright's opener to ensure Jay Sadler's side headed back home with three points in the bag.

Skipper Amelia Southgate returned to the starting line-up for the game, as did Danielle Rowe and Hannah Geer.

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The signing of goalkeeper Jaime Rowlands from Southampton Women was announced before kick-off, but she had to be content with a place on the bench.

It was Pompey who made the brighter start, with McLachlan receiving the ball from Ellie Kirby before firing into the side netting.

James, Jade Bradley and McLachlan again then attempted to put pressure on the home goal, yet they were unable to test the keeper.

A goal eventually arrived on 42 minutes, but it was the hosts who celebrated taking the lead.

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The Dons were awarded a questionable free-kick, and although Wright was not trying to score from 30 yards, she managed to find the corner of Robyn Levett's net.

Pompey might still have gone in level at the interval when McLachlan and Bradley combined well on the edge of the box, but neither could not quite find a way through the home side's defence.

However, it took the Blues just two minutes to score once the game restarted after the break, with Panting finding the target from a tight angle.

Pompey's dominance continued as the second half progressed, only now the away side were beginning to get their rewards.

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A one-two between McLachlan and Panting was topped off by the former sending a fierce strike into the top corner to turn the match on its head just before the hour mark.

And a third goal then arrived when James had time to collect Kirby's low cross on the edge of the area and slot the ball home.

MK Dons did not cause too many problems in the closing stages, as the Blues held on to secure the win.

POMPEY: Levett; Kirby, Southgate, Currie, Geer; James (Perkins 90+2), Tonks, Rowe, Bradley; Panting, McLachlan (Anu 78) Subs not used: Rowlands, Younger, May

Next up for Pompey Women is a trip to the Dorset County Ground to face Poole in the National League Plate on Sunday (2pm)

Related topics:Pompey WomenStadium MK