Milton Keynes City Ladies Match Reports

1st April 2012 - Milton Keynes 4 vs Tower Hill 2

Milton Keynes City Ladies once again faced higher league opposition in the semi final of the league cup as they played host to Tower Hill Ladies of Division 1 on Sunday. With a place in the final at stake, both teams came intent on winning the game, making for an entertaining spectacle. MK looked the hungrier side in the first half, with
only the Tower Hill back line and keeper denying them several opportunities to take a deserved lead. However, it would be the visitors who struck first, prodding home a rebound from a long-range free kick to take a 1-0 lead into half time.

As ever though, the girls are never downbeat about trailing and had confidence in themselves to turn things around in the second half. Their task was made doubly difficult though, as a well-taken goal from the Tower Hill striker gave them a 2-goal cushion.

Cue the City grit, character and determination as they began to compose themselves and take the game to their opponents. Shannen Brown, who had caused a real threat up front all game, eventually got MK’s first goal with a calm finish when through on goal. And shortly after, Katie Crawley, on a rich scoring streak added a second, with a
clever lob over the keeper to bring the scores level.

The Ladies were very much on top now and were beginning to find pockets of space in the middle of the park and Danni Metcalfe profited from this as it fell to her feet and she dispatched a trademark long range effort over the reach of the keeper to put them ahead for the first time in the game.

MK could sense a place in the final was in their grasp and were determined not to let this lead slip, defending as a unit and protecting their goal to the very end. In the final
minute, Tower Hill pushed everyone up for a corner in search of an equaliser, which left MK with acres of space to exploit, and they did just that, with a clinical break as LG cleared to Michelle who found Annie clean through on goal to finish in the far corner and make the game safe at 4-2! A hard fought, but in the end deserved victory for the girls, who now face Unity Ladies in the cup final on the 29^th April at Oxford City FC.

Thanks again to everyone who turned out to support us! We would love to see you all there on the 29^th!! Thanks, as well to Ben for running the line for us, it was very much
appreciated!

25th March 2012 - Caterton 2 vs Milton Keynes City 4

Milton Keynes City Ladies recorded an impressive 4-2 victory at the weekend to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the League cup. They travelled to play Division 2 side
Carterton, the fifth such time they have played a higher placed team this season and again showed true spirit and determination as well as great skill and quality to come out on top.

In sweltering conditions and with a few players a little under the weather, the girls got off to the best possible start with Katie Crawley hooking in a great volley from a corner
inside 2 minutes. Both sides were attacking each other at pace which made for an entertaining cup tie as the game swung from end to end and it was Carterton who registered the next goal to draw the game level, to leave the tie evenly balanced.

However, MK began to make excellent use of the wings, giving the opposition full backs a torrid time and eventually the next goal came their way following a great ball in from the left that fell to the feet of Holly Fowler, who slotted the ball home just beyond the reach of the keeper. There was no let up in the girls play, despite the heat and they deservedly got another goal before the break, Shannen Brown breaking through and skilfully striking the ball into the bottom corner.

Much needed refreshments were taken on board at the break and the girls continued with their attacking style of football in the second half. Just before the hour mark, the pace of Annie down the left finally brought about a goal her play had deserved, once again beating her opponent before unleashing an unstoppable shot high into the roof
of the net to put the girls 4-1 up.

More chances came and went but as the half wore on the weather began to take its toll and the pace of the game slowed somewhat, leaving more space for both sides to expose. However, the ladies dug deep and held firm determined not to concede any further goals and so it proved as they comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to book their place in the semi final draw.

What an achievement in our first season together – league champions and our second semi final appearance!

You guys are all amazing!!

The Ladies face Tower Hill of Division 1 this coming Sunday (1^st April) in the semi finals.

18th March 2012 - Westwood Diamonds 2 vs Mitlon Keynes City 6

Milton Keynes City Ladies clinched the Dvision 3 championship title style at weekend with a 6-2 victory over Westwood Diamonds. It was their 9^th straight win in the league and meant they cannot be caught by any of the chasing teams, despite
still having 3 league left to play.

The girls needed little motivation before the game and were keen to start on the front foot and take the game to their opponents. This proved to be the case as within 30 seconds they were 1-0 up thanks to a great finish from Annie Gadsby. The same player doubled their advantage not long after from a very tight angle!!

This was all they needed to just relax and play the football they have become accustomed to throughout the season, pressuring the opposition defence for much of the half and by halftime the scoreline was 4-0 thanks to further goals from Shannen Brown and a first of the season for Steff Crook.

The first 10 minutes of the second half were a little frantic as Westwood looked to get themselves back in the game, with 2 quickfire goals to halve the deficit. But as they have shown all season, this would not deter the girls from their aim to be champions and they settled the game back down with some excellent and prolonged periods of
possession. This knocked the wind out of their opponents and before long the girls once again had the title in their grasp as Katie Crawley scored a stunning goal with a shot that flew straight into the top corner. MK would notch one more before the end, through Michelle Pearson-Elliot (Spike) to wrap up a comfortable victory and cue the celebrations at the final whistle!

It has been an amazing season, that has exceeded many of the expectations we had at the beginning, but thanks to the hard work, determination and most importantly the commitment of this great squad of players we have got an awesome rewards for our efforts – well done Ladies, proud of you all, you deserve this!!

A quick mention too, to our band of loyal supporters, which meant once again we had a bigger following than the home team. You have been great all season, at home and on the road supporting the girls and we just want to say a big thankyou!!

Lastly, there is one other person we cannot forget - our coach Ronni. Without his guidance and support this season we wouldn’t be where we are. Thank you for everything you have done to get this team off the ground and to a league title in its first season – you deserve this as much as we do!!

26th February 2012 - Winnerish 0 vs Milton Keynes City 12

Milton Keynes City Ladies recorded another victory at the weekend, their 8^th straight win in the league this year, maintaining their 100% record and seeing them return to
the top spot.

The Ladies made the long journey down to Reading, to face Winnersh, it what was the first meeting of the sides this year, and came away with a comfortable 12-0 victory.

Manager, Ronni Sunderland, had a strong squad of 15 available for the game and made full use of this throughout the 90 minutes, continually giving Winnersh problems with fresh legs and formational changes.

The game started with MK on the front foot and this was to be the pattern for the whole game, with their forceful attacking play, not allowing Winnersh to venture beyond their own half. Following a patient opening 15 minutes, City finally opened the scoring through Michelle Morrall and it wasn’t long before she grabbed hers, and MK’s
second. Fellow striker, Isata Kamara soon added her name to the score sheet with
the third, before Morrall completed her own quick fire hat-trick to put the Ladies 4-0 up. A free kick from LG meant the girls went into the break with a 5-0 lead.

More of the same was to follow after the break as the Ladies tightened their game even more, playing slicker football and displaying even more clinical finishing. Ice added two goals early in the second half to complete her own hat-trick and take the tally to 7, before Danni struck a sweet shot into the top corner for the eighth. Ice again took her personal haul to 4, before Jacqui Speed and Annie Gadsby registered their first goals for the club, taking the score to 11. The scoring was completed by
Danni, who grabbed her second and left the score line as a comfortable 12-0.
Despite the one sided score line, huge credit to a resilient and determined Winnersh side who never let their heads drop or give up making it difficult for us to create space and chances.

A great game Ladies!!

The Ladies travel away again next week to face Carterton in the league cup quarter finals!

19th February 2012 - Milton Keynes City 1 vs Reading Ladies Reserves 2

Milton Keynes City Ladies hosted, by far, their biggest game in their short history on Sunday in the semi finals of the County Cup. An achievement in itself in their first season together, the semi final draw pitted them against Reading FC Reserves who play in the National Reserve League!!

Watched by a bumper crowd, the girls were, determined not to be overawed by their higher placed opposition, and worked tirelessly to match them in every department on the pitch. And so that proved as the MK girls played their own entertaining style of football, breaching the Reading defence on several occasions in the first half, just
unfortunately unable to find the illusive goal that they deserved.

At the other end, Reading were looking to cut open the defensive line with a range of passes but the back four, supported ably by goalkeeper and ‘man of the match’ Sara Madden-Connor were equal to everything they had to offer and kept Reading at bay until a minute before the break, when they scored with a speculative free-kick.

This did not dampen the Ladies spirit, instead serving to motivate them further, and they continued to press the National League side throughout the second half, attacking with purpose and composure. The big crowd that had turned out to watch soon got something to cheer as the Ladies drew themselves level with a stunning strike from the edge of the area from midfielder Danni Metcalfe. The goal was nothing less than they deserved for their determination and vigour all over the pitch.

The game appeared to be heading to extra time and a real upset looked on the cards as they entered the final few minutes – a real belief spreading throughout the team and supporters.
However, the girls were to be left thinking what might have been as a break from Reading, just 3 minutes from time, saw a player manage to angle a clinical shot past the keeper to leave them breathing a huge sigh of relief!

A pulsating game, and the girls can count themselves extremely unlucky not to have come away with a place in the final, but the cup run has been a great experience and they will hopefully build on this and go one step further next year!! Well done girls – you were awesome!!

29th January 2012 - Milton Keynes City 3 vs Martson Saints 0

Milton Keynes City Ladies recorded another victory at the weekend over an organised and resilient Marston side. The sides went in to the game level on points and this showed as the two teams traded possession in the early stages. City created a number of chances but had to be fully switched on at the back as Marston attempted to counter attack through their speedy striker. However, Shannen Brown soon had the Ladies ahead, getting on to a delightful ball over the top from Crawley, to slot the
ball past the keeper (with her LEFT foot!!).

The girls took this slender lead into the break and knew they still had a lot of work to do to ensure they saw this game out. MK double their lead after an excellent, surging run down the right wing from Holly Fowler, to release Michelle Morrall who had the composure to square the ball to Shannen once more who took her time and fired the ball low in the corner for her second.

The Ladies were denied a penalty midway through the half as Kelly Pearson was fouled in the area, only for the linesman to intervene with an offside call that the referee had missed earlier in the move. However, they would find the net once more, as Steffi Crook, making her first appearance of the season put a great ball in behind the defence and Michelle Morrall reacted quickest to reach it and fire beyond the keeper.

A hard fought victory, but one that sees them return to the top of the league and maintain their unbeaten record so far this season.

22nd January 2012 - Milton Keynes City 4 vs Buckingham Athletic 0

Milton Keynes City Ladies were keen to get back playing after the Christmas break and it looked as if they hadn’t been away as they entertained Buckingham Athletic in the County Cup quarter finals. Despite Buckingham playing a league above the City girls, it was the home side who went on to dominate the game from start to finish, denying Buckingham even a sniff of an opportunity on goal.

The football played on the day was some of the best the girls have produced all season as they carved out numerous chances for themselves. It was midfielder Danni Metcalfe who eventually opened the scoring, getting on the end of a free kick and squeezing
the ball under the keeper. This inspired the Ladies further and they went from strength to strength throughout the game. The second half followed a similar pattern and it wasn’t long before Metcalfe had grabbed her second and doubled the City advantage, curling in a fine left footed finish. Michelle Morrall soon added a third for the home side as she found herself with space and time in the box to put her shot well beyond the keepers reach and the girls got a deserved fourth before the end as another free kick into the box was parried by the keeper and Katie Crawley nipped in quickest to poke home from close range.

This was not only a good result, but a fantastic performance from the Ladies who now look forward to a Semi-final on the 19^th February at home to Reading FC Women
Reserves.

12 December 2011 - Milton Keynes City 3 vs Barton Rovers 0

Milton Keynes City Ladies moved to the top of the league on Sunday with a gritty and hard fought victory over Barton Rovers. With teams around them not playing, City pounced on the opportunity to move themselves clear of the rest of the league for the first time this season.

City played some good football throughout the game and the result never really looked in doubt once Holly Fowler had put them in front, calmly finishing from 30 yards after capitalising on a poor clearance from the Barton defence. It was Fowler on the score sheet once again to double their lead before the break, heading in a cross following
a clever corner routine from Michelle Morrall and LG.

The second half bought much of the same, and despite all Barton's enthusiasm and determination, the City keeper, had very little to deal with. The girls continued to press in search of a further breakthrough, but some resilient defending from Barton meant they were made to wait until 2 minutes before the end for their third goal. Some great work down the right wing from Shannen Brown gave Danni Metcalfe an
opportunity to tap in from no more than two yards.

This result was hard fought, yet deserved, for the City side and means they go into Christmas TOP of the league and with a record that reads 13 played, 13 won.

Awesome Ladies – Well done! Bring on 2012!

4th December 2011 - Maidenhead United 1 vs Milton Keynes City 5

Milton Keynes City Ladies recorded their best victory to date as they travelled to Division 1 side Maidenhead United in the League Cup. In rather unpleasant conditions, the girls knew they faced a tough situation but the mood they are in at present, meant
they needed little motivation to put in a fantastically strong and composed performance against their higher league opponents.

After a bright start, the girls were unfortunate to go behind to a long range strike from Maidenhead, but they were not deterred from their own game plan and continued to impose themselves in the opposition half, playing it cleverly around their opponents and creating a number of chances. Midfielder, Katie Crawley drew City level with a stunning strike from a good 25 yards out!

The teams went in level at the break, and this served as further motivation that the girls could cause an upset. Their play throughout the second half was of great quality, both in attack and in defence and they soon went into the lead for the first time as
Isata Kamara followed Crawley with another superb strike from outside the box!

They were not finished at 2-1 and went in search of further goals, using the wings to great effect to torment the opposition defence and before long Shannen Brown extended the lead, reacting quickest to a parry from the keeper to poke home. She got her second no more than 2 minutes later, again pouncing on a loose ball in the box to put City 4-1 up and virtually out of sight.

There was still time for one more goal though and it came from Gemma Taylor who rode three challenges down the left before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper to register her first ever goal for the club.

Another brilliant TEAM performance girls, you never stopped working for each other and we got what our play deserved. On to the quarter finals!!

We must also say a big thankyou to all those supporters who travelled all the way down with us and stood in the cold and rain – it really is appreciated!! Thanks guys, you know who you are!

20th November 2011 - Stanford in the Vale 2 vs Milton Keynes City 3

Milton Keynes City Ladies braced themselves for a tough test in the county cup as they travelled to Stanford in the Vale to play a side that play a division above themselves in the leagues. Having not played for a couple of weeks, the girls were fresh and eager to get back playing again and not once, did they let the respective league positions affect their game. In fact they used this as inspiration and were keen to take the scalp of higher league opposition, dominating the game from start to finish with an assured and composed team performance. Every player stood up and did their job with great skill and confidence and never stopped working from start to finish. A nasty challenge after about 20 minutes, on Holly Fowler gave City a free kick on the edge of the box, which Laura Geyton dispatched into the far corner to give them a deserved lead.
However, Stanford hit back and took the lead following two quick goals from their striker to leave the Ladies trailing at half time. They were not to be deterred though and came out in the second half determined to reverse the scoreline once more in their favour. As with the first half, it was City who created the better chances and it was only a matter of time before they took one- Shannen Brown meeting a cross with a deft volley to leave the keeper with no chance. The girls knew now the game was
there to win and they pushed forward in search of a winner, and with 20 minutes to go, they got what their play deserved as debutant, Isata Kamara expertly lobbed the onrushing keeper to put them in front. The team stood firm and saw out the remainder of the game without any real scares to book their place in the quarter finals! What a game Ladies – well done!!

30th October 2011 - Milton Keynes City 4 vs Olney 2

Milton Keynes City Ladies entertained Olney in the first round of the league cup and eventually progressed through after being given a stern test from their opponents. The Ladies started slowly and were made to pay as Olney took two chances well to race into a 2 goal lead. This was the tonic City needed to find their feet in the game and they battled back with great character, quickly cutting the deficit in half courtesy of a cool Holly Fowler finish.

Some stirring words at half time from manager Ronni Sunderland ensured the girls tackled the second half with even more passion and determination, and within 5 minutes of the restart they were level – Stacy Ellet notching her first goal for the club. There was only one result in the Ladies minds now and they played some flowing football, carving their way through the Olney back line on numerous occasions in search of further goals. Their play was soon rewarded as Fowler nipped in to slot home
her second in the bottom corner before Michelle Morrall let fly with an unstoppable shot from 20 yards to give the home side a two goal cushion. This is how the game eventually finished - 4-2 to Milton Keynes City, a result which not only sees them progress to the second round but also maintains their 100% start to the season.
A gutsy performance girls – couldn't have asked more of you all, well done!!

16th October 2011 - Milton Keynes City 8 vs Appleton Stars 0

Ladies notch fourth consecutive win!

Sunday saw the Milton Keynes City Ladies entertain a stubborn Appleton side .The girls took a little time to settle into their normal rhythm but were soon on the front foot and put Appleton under constant pressure throughout the game, finding pockets of space all over the park and engineering numerous chances for themselves. Michelle Morrall broke the deadlock with a smart turn and finish in the box. A clever corner routine left the opposition scratching their heads and allowed Morrall to fire home a second.
After the break, the Ladies stepped it up another level again and played some attractive, flowing football. Laura Geyton adding the next with a shot from outside the area, before Morrall completed her hat-trick with a long range effort. Danni Metcalfe and Shannen Brown both grabbed themselves 2 goals a piece before the end to give the home side a convincing 8-0 victory and ensure they remain 2nd in the table.
A tough game, but a well deserved victory for the Ladies - Well done girls!!

9th October 2011 - Marston Saints 1 vs Milton Keynes City 5

Milton Keynes City Ladies travelled away to play table topping Marston Saints on Sunday, knowing they would need a good performance against strong opposition.
The girls confidence and spirit was high following their start to the season and they hoped to continue in the same vein.
However, Marston started well with possession and time in City's half - but the City defence stood firm, making strong challenges and seeing off any threat from their opposition before beginning to dominate the ball and play the kind of football we have become accustomed to, attractive pass and move, creating a number of good chances for themselves. Eventually the pressure paid off as a cross from Shannen Brown was
headed in to their own net by a Marston defender. Brown again continued to cause
havoc along with Lauren Smith up front and it wasn't long before the two combined for Shannen to smash home a second for City. Katie Crawley added a third before the break, ghosting in unmarked at the back post from a corner to finish in style with her
left foot!!
Following the interval, the girls once again had to show resilience and determination in defence as Marston tried to find a way back into the game - an unlucky own goal giving them some hope. However, huge credit to the girls who showed great character and refocussed their game, dominating the remainder of the half, playing flowing football throughout the team and adding two more goals through a Danni
Metcalfe volley and Crawley's second from 30 yards out.
This result moved the Ladies up to second in the table and maintained their positive start to the season - a good game and a Great team performance. Well done girls!!

2nd October 2011 - Milton Keynes City 3 vs Westwood Diamonds 2

Milton Keynes City Ladies hosted their first ever home league fixture on Sunday in sweltering conditions and in front of a large support against Westwood Diamonds.
It took the Ladies a while to get going and found themselves behind after 5 minutes following some sloppy defending. However, they soon got into their stride and began to dominate the first half, creating numerous chances that could have put the game beyond their youthful visitors. It was Holly Fowler that would get City's equaliser after 20 minutes, finishing calmly from close range to send the teams in level at the break.
A determined Westwood side came out in the second half and showed good spirit, once again breaching the City defence to retake the lead. This appeared to disrupt the
Ladies flow for some time, but they soon regained their composure on the ball and deservedly got back level, again Fowler netting with a shot into the top corner. This inspired the home side and they went on to push for a winner and their reward came 10 minutes from time when Danni Metcalfe rose highest in the box to head home a Shannen Brown corner.
This was not the girls best performance, but they dug deep and showed good character to bounce back and claim a vital 3 points.

25th September 2011 - Barton Rovers 1 vs Milton Keynes City 5

Milton Keynes City Ladies finally got their league campaign up and running on Sunday, travelling all the way to Reading to face Barton Rovers. The spirit in the camp was high and the girls were keen to get started.
Manager Ronni Sunderland had a squad of 16 at his disposal and each and every player worked hard for the team on the day.
From the first to the last whistle, Milton Keynes City never sat back and eventually ran out deserved 5-1 winners against a determined Barton side.
Yazmin Woodford opened the scoring early in the first half before Michelle Pearson-Elliot (Spike) doubled their advantage. Only a lapse in concentration at the back allowed the Barton striker to nip in and reduce the deficit before the break.
This was not to affect the ladies play and they came out in the second half hungry and keen to add to their total. They extended their lead within 5 minutes of the restart, Michelle Morrall calmly slotting home and captain, Laura Geyton (LG) got their fourth on the hour, scoring direct from a corner. The scoring was completed by Shannen Brown 10 minutes from time, again swinging in her goal direct from a corner kick.
A great result for our first league game together!!
LG was voted as player of the match.