Match Report Cambridge WFC v MK Dons LFC SE Combination

   The terrible wet weather that had marked the start of 2014 has played havoc with the women's football calender up and down the country the South East Combination league being no exception with just 4 games managed between the 11 teams before this weekends fixture. Today's venue was Ely City FC's Unwin Sports Ground where Cambridge WFC play their home games hadn't played a home match since November last year and there last SE Combination fixture was back on the 15th December. Their opponents today MK Dons LFC who had faired little better had played one SE Combination fixture in 2014 against QPR LFC where they lost 2-0.
  
    Having seen that fixture knew MK Dons LFC would prove a tough opponent for Cambridge WFC. Over cast and bitterly cold the wind had picked up steadily into the afternoon and would cause both teams some problems as MK Dons in their all red kit got the game underway, Cambridge in their sky blue shirts and socks and navy shorts.

    It was MK Dons with the 1st attacking play good build up down the right lead to Kelly Bingham putting in a cross to the far post but the resulting shot was drilled into the side netting. Both teams were working out the wind conditions their were few chances in the opening exchanges Cambridge making in road on the right but unable to find a final ball, MK Dons likewise looking to break in numbers but unable to find the needed through ball.

   A surging run from Cambridge captain Hannah Goodchild saw her continue her run as she laid the ball off to striker Laura Baker the attempted pass through was intercepted by the MK Dons defence. Cambridge had another chance soon after Sophie Thompson breaking free of her marker then beating the MK Dons keeper Clare Farron as she raced out of her box did enough to force the striker wide of goal her shot easily dealt with by the covering defender. MK Dons were allowing both Cambridge full backs time and space up the pitch during this spell the home side was on top.

   However it was to be MK Dons who were to take the lead after soaking up Cambridge's building pressure the visitors had an opportunity to break their striker Emily Mann out muscling her marker to run through on goal. Cambridge's keeper Verity Crook charged out but was beaten as Mann lobbed the ball from just inside the box over her and into the empty net. 1-0 to MK Dons.

     MK Dons were on top for a spell another Kelly Bingham cross snatched out of the air by Verity Crook as Emily Mann closed in. Cambridge struggled to get attacks going couldn't get the ball up the pitch quick enough allowing MK Dons to get players back in support. Strikers Sophie Thompson and Laura Baker were working hard trying to hold the ball up the latter battling hard against two markers to make room for a cross which Sophie Thompson tried to get onto the contact was light and keeper Farron was able to gather.

   Half Time Cambridge WFC 0-1 MK Dons LFC

   Cambridge made a change at half time and a slight shift in personel the effects were almost immediate as Sophie Thompson was through on goal from a long ball the shot lacking any strength. The home side were getting more joy pressing MK Dons higher up the pitch the midfielders particulary Laura Bright looking to better support the strikers. Sophie Thompson was in again minutes later two defenders closing her down and winning the ball.

    For all there pressing of MK Dons at one end the visitors were always a danger on the break Kelly Bingham won the ball played the ball forwards Emily Mann striking the side netting. Soon after Mann had a run across the face of goal tried an effort with the outside of her boot Verity Crook however was well positioned to dive to her left and make the save.

    Subs Bethan Jones and Liz Pamplin came on as the 2nd half wore on it was the latter with a great chance to score a half volley from the edge of the D the effort spun away from goal, Pamplin was body checked however and the referee awarded a free kick in a very dangerous position. Laura Baker took the kick the effort on target needed the outstretched glove of Clare Farron to push it over the bar.
 
    MK Dons brought on Eden Washington and Leah Cudone to see out the game. The former with her pace kept Cambridge pinned back as they looked to attack. A late free kick wide on the left was Cambridge's last chance to find an equaliser the ball was caught by Clare Farron and the final whistle blew, MK Dons win 1 nil take the 3 points, Cambridge might feel they had done enough to earn a point.

     It was a full programme in the South East Combination today with more games taking place than in the whole of the previous two months with a top of the table clash between QPR LFC and current leaders C&K Basildon which ended in a 1-1 draw. Norwich City LFC were beaten at home by Enfield Town LFC 1-0 and there were away wins for both Denham United LFC winning 3-0 at Luton Town LFC and Ipswich Town LFC who claimed a 2-0 victory at Ebbsfleet United LFC.