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| Ladies 2nd XI - 2007 & 08 Season |
Sunday 6th April
Thames Valley Womens County League
Division 3
Stanford in the Vale 1 – MK Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI 0
Wanderers 2nd Ladies team travelled to picturesque snow covered Stanford in Oxfordshire, and the match turned out to be equally as attractive with the travelling team giving possibly their finest performance of the season. With Stanford second from top, their visiting bottom-of-the-table visitors knew this would be another tough match. Wanderers opted to concentrate on nullifying the home team’s efforts and did so tenaciously for the entire 90 minutes. The only goal came after 70 minutes with Stanford’s striker just managing to latch onto a through ball before her marking defender could clear, and pushed wide of the keeper to just inside the far post.
Wanderers’ pressured for the equalizer, but couldn’t find a way through before the end. Disappointed to have lost by only 1 goal, Wanderers’ were consoled by their excellent performance.
Given the statistical difference between the teams, this was a superbly disciplined effort by Wanderers, with winger Vicky McVeigh being voted Player’s Player by her team-mates.
Wanderers travel to Newbury next Sunday. |
Sunday 16th December
Thames Valley Women’s County League: League Plate
MK Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI: 1 Brize Norton LFC: 1 (2:1 aet)
Wanderer’s 2nd Women’s team gained their first win this season, overcoming Brize Norton 2-1 in the Thames Valley League Plate competition.
Although depleted, Brize Norton still provided a tough challenge and had handed Wanderers’ a heavy defeat earlier in the season in a league fixture. The first half saw some good football from Wanderers’, with elements from recent training sessions paying dividends. The reward came just 15 minutes in, after some good passing split the visiting defence and left Wanderers’ Robyn Haughian to slot home from the right.
The match continued end-to-end, with both teams vying for control of the midfield. Wanderers’ continued to show more attacking flair than ever before, with one the best chances coming from captain Laura Donegen’s solo run from defence, finishing with a shot which Brize’s goalkeeper was equal to. Wanderers’ goalkeeper Kat Bullock would also be tested, including being forced to make an outstanding triple save. However, Brize levelled a minute before the break, with Wanderers’ conceding a rare goal from a corner.
Another 45 minutes couldn’t separate the two teams and Wanderers had their first encounter with extra time, and their fitness began to make the difference, with Brize starting to struggle with minor injuries and opting to defend in numbers. Wanderers’ fought to find a way through the blockade, and the deciding goal came on the 100th minute when Brize only just cleared the box following a Wanderers’ attack, and Rebecca Harwood coolly lobbed the goalkeeper from 18 yards.
The opposition’s Player of the Match award went to Wanderers defender Chelsea Jobling.
MK Wanderers 2nd XI now await the draw for the next round, and return to league action in the new year. |
Sunday 11th November 2007
Thames Valley Women’s County League – Division 3
Olney Town FC Ladies 1 MK Wanderers FC Ladies 2nd XI 1
Despite being hit with injuries and travelling with only 11 players for this local derby, the young 2nd XI earned their first point in what is turning out to be another tough season. The hosts slipped through to take an early lead, but otherwise it was end-to-end stuff in the first 45 minutes and Wanderers squandered scoring opportunities, lacking the clinical finish when required. Wanderers found themselves under increased pressure in the second half as Olney pushed to put the result beyond doubt, but the visiting defence fought hard and their efforts were rewarded on 65 minutes as a break forward found Robyn Haughian latching onto a delivery on the corner of the 18 yard box to equalize.
Kayley Kilkenny won her first Player’s Player nomination this year from her team-mates, whist Robyn Haughian earned the oppositions’ Woman of the match award. |
Sunday 6th May 2007
Thames Valley Women’s County League
Division 2 North
MK Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI: 1 – Aylesbury United 0
Wanderers’ Ladies 2nd XI finally recorded their first ever win on Sunday, defeating Aylesbury United at home 1-0. Their first competitive season was hard one, playing in division 2 (north) of the Thames Valley County League, with a couple of draws earlier in the season overshadowed by some heavy defeats.
The match was evenly contested, with almost equal possession throughout. Both teams found through balls in the final third, but neither could capitalise and lacked the necessary finish. It was Wanderer’s captain Kat Bullock that would give her team the decisive goal on the 68th minute, her speculative, wide-angle lob from 25 yard leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Aylesbury piled on the pressure, narrowly missing an equaliser in the last minute, but the hosts were too determined to protect their lead.
The opposition nominated Robyn Haughian as Player of the match, with Kat Bullock receiving her own team’s Players Player vote.
“Both myself and Paul are extremely proud of the girls for their hard work this season…” said team manager Mike Kiely, “…and we told them as much in the changing room before the match. It’s been a hard first season, partly because of the score-lines we’ve had to endure, but also because many of the girls are in their last year of school and have started to feel the pressure of exams.”
When asked about the Sunday’s victory, he highlighted the mental build up throughout the season; “The bond that has developed between the players is astounding; I don’t think I’ve ever been around a team that supports each other so well on the pitch. On Sunday I think they simply decided, collectively, that they wouldn’t allow Aylesbury to win. It was perhaps that mindset that was the difference between the two teams, and it’s fitting that the last match of the season should be the one in which we find our first win. We’re looking forward to developing even further next season.” |
Sunday 15th April 2007
Thames Valley Women’s County League – Division 2 North
MK Wanderers FC Ladies 2nd XI: 0 – Chinnor FC Ladies: 11
Wanderers’ 2nd Women’s team, experimenting with major positional and formation changes, fell to a heavy defeat to promotion contenders Chinnor. Team Captain Kat Bullock received the ‘Player of the Match’ nomination from the opposition, while Chloe Brown received her team-mates ‘Players Player’ vote.
Wanderers are still looking for that elusive first victory in this, their first ever season, and approach the last 3 matches in an upbeat mood.
The 2nd XI next entertain Holmer Green FC, on Sunday 29th April (Leon School, 2pm).
MK Wanderers Ladies have now finished their winter training schedule at Leon Sports College, and the 2 teams move to grass training for the summer from this week. For more details of venues, days and times, contact Mike on 07931 834655. |
Sunday 1st April 2007
In the Thames Valley Women’s County League (Division 2 North), MK Wanderers FC’s Ladies 2nd XI saw their away match to Chalfont St. Peter cancelled just hours before kick off.
The 2nd XI next host Chinnor Ladies FC at Leon Sports College on Sunday 22nd April. |
Thames Valley Women’s County League - Division 2 North
Stony Stratford FC Ladies: 5 – MK Wanderers FC Ladies 2nd XI: 1
These 2 teams first met in January, and Wanderers’ development team showed some improvement over the previous meeting which provided a more balanced match. Stony broke the deadlock after 26 minutes, but Wanderer’s cancelled it out with a goal 3 minutes into the 2nd half. The host side again took the lead on the 65th minute, but put the match beyond doubt with their 3rd after 78 minutes. Unusually dejected, Wanderers’ couldn’t recover their form and suffered the ignominy of conceding 2 goals in the final 5 minutes.
Wanderer’s goal scorer Michelle Peel, and her midfield partner Demi Marshall both shared their own teams’ Player’s Player award, with the oppositions Player of the match nomination going to team captain Kat Bullock.
Wanderer’s Ladies’ 2nd XI next match: Away v Wycombe Wanderers – Sunday 25th March, 2.00pm kick off (league fixture) |
Sunday 4th March 2007
Thames Valley County Women’s League
Division 2 North
Headington Athletic 8 MK Wanderers FC Ladies (2nd XI) 0
Whilst the final score seems harsh at first glance, Wanderers held their hosts for 38 minutes before conceding and could have been 2-2 at the break (instead of 2-0) but for some more precise finishing. Wanderers’ 2nd XI had first played Headington (who are firmly rooted in the promotion zone) in only their 6th ever competitive match, and fell hard to a 19-0 defeat, so this latest result was a measure of the advancement made in only 7 games since that first meeting. Wanderer’s team spirit provided enough brightness and warmth to more than compensate for the wet, windy and cold weather, and the players remain upbeat and positive, continuing to grow in confidence.
The 2nd XI’s next match is at Stony Stratford on Sunday 18th March. |
The Ladies 2nd XI had their away match v Wycombe Wanderers postponed on Sunday 28th, due to pitch conditions. The weather is having an adverse effect on the Thames Valley League’s fixtures, and the 2nd XI went 5 weeks without a match before their home match on the 21st January against Stony Stratford (see “previous match reports”).
Next fixture: Sunday 4th February, Away v Chalfont St. Peter, League fixture.
Training sessions continue unaffected, every Thursday at Leon Sports College (8pm-10pm). If you are interested in joining the squad, contact Mike on 07931 834655. |
Sunday 21st January 2007
MK Wanderers 0 - Stony Stratford 7
In this switched fixture, Wanderer’s made an unfortunate start when an early Stony corner was tipped into the Wanderers net by the ‘keeper. Wanderer’s quickly shook this off, and battled hard to ensure Stony could not settle in possession, with Demi Marshall in particular tenaciously hunting the ball in midfield, and Aileen Mcfarlane’s speed providing an outlet up front. Rebecca Harwood, the only substitute available to Wanderer’s, was bought on after only 14 minutes when a challenge meant a knee injury to Cheryl George on the left wing. With Rebecca going in up front, and Megan Krajicek moving to the left wing, by half-time Wanderers had only conceded 1 more goal – 0-2. The manager was so impressed with their performance, that his half-time team talk centred around one instruction: “give me more of the same”.
Unfortunately, circumstances would conspire against the home team with Megan Krajicek, who ironically had taken up the left wing position and had been having perhaps one of her best performances of the season so far, suffered a twisted knee following a bad challenge only 10 minutes into the second half. With the field reduced to 10v11 in favour of the visitors, Wanderers continued to try to ensure the visitors couldn’t settle in midfield. But, with Aileen McFarlane having to move to the left wing, limited outlets remained in forward areas for the home team, and Stony were able to commit forward and found the net 5 more times before the end.
Despite the result (only their 9th match in their first ever season), Wanderer’s Ladies 2nd XI yet again epitomised the ethos of the club with their belief in each other and their enjoyment of the game for its own sake. The team’s ‘Players Player’ vote was shared between Kayley Kilkenny (midfield), and Kat Bullock (team captain, defence), Kat also earning the oppositions ‘Player of the match’ vote.
Next fixture: Away v Wycombe Wanderers, Sunday 28th January (league fixture). |
Sunday 3rd December 2006
Thames Valley Women’s County League
Olney Town 6 – MK Wanderers 2nd XI 1
MK Wanderers 2nd Ladies team travelled to Olney for their third and final meeting of the season with this opposition. After first losing and then drawing to Olney in previous fixtures, Wanderers were looking for the win, but came away with a somewhat disappointing defeat, with the scoreline perhaps not fully representing the run of play. Despite this, the Wanderer’s coaches were again impressed by the continuous improvements shown by this development squad.
Wanderer’s goal scorer was Rebecca Harwood, with Laura Geyton getting the oppositions ‘Player of the Match, and team captain Kat Bullock receiving her squads ‘Players Player’ vote.
2nd team next match: Away v Chinnor, Thames Valley Women’s County League Plate Competition (round 1), Sunday 10th December.
1st team next match: Away v Southampton, Southern Region Women’s League Cup, (round 1), Sunday 10th December.
MK Wanderers FC’s Women’s section now has some 30 players across 2 teams, but still require new goalkeepers due to university placements. If you have any level of experience as a goalkeeper (and are 15 or over), please contact Mike Kiely on 07931 834655. |
Sunday 19th November 2006
Thames Valley Women’s County League – Division 2 North
MK Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI 1 – Olney Town Ladies 1
MK Wanderers FC’s Ladies 2nd team hosted Olney Town in the first of their league meetings for the season. Having previously lost to Olney 3-0 in the League’s Cup competition, Wanderer’s were keen to show their adaptability. Wanderer’s had more of the goal chances in the first half, but failed to convert until the 44th minute, when Hannah Stapleton found space to get a shot away. The second half saw more attacking play from Olney and Wanderers could only keep them out until the 77th minute, and at full time 1-1 accurately reflected the game. Wanderer’s Michelle Peel was given ‘Player of the match’ by the opposition, and Wanderers own ‘Players Player’ vote went to team captain Kat Bullock.
Next fixture: Sunday 3rd December - 2nd XI at away v Olney (league fixture). The 1st team will also be in action in an away fixture against Oxford City in the Southern Region Women’s League. |
Sunday 29th October 2006
Thames Valley Women’s County League
League Cup Preliminary Round
Olney: 3 – MK Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI: 0
Wanderer’s new additional Women’s team, the Ladies 2nd XI’, made a short trip to local opponents Olney for the preliminary round of the league cup. With no substitutes and several key players out of action, the Wanderer’s had to adapt to changes in position but showed resilience and a positive spirit. With a fine display of defending, they kept Olney from scoring until just before half time, and arguably deserved more from the match. Laura Donegen’s positioning and awareness at centre-back earned her ‘Player of the match’.
Next fixture: Home v Headington Athletic (league fixture) – Sunday 5th November (fixture to be played at Kents Hill) |
Sunday 1st October 2006
Aylesbury Ladies: 1 - MK Wanderers 2nd XI: 1
MK Wanderers' 2nd Women’s team’s second match of the season saw them start a lot more brightly than their first and the game quickly settled down into an even contest. The ball was moved by both teams from penalty box to penalty box, but with good defending and keepers coming out early from both sides, there were few clear cut chances. Aylesbury found a way through first however after 15 minutes. Good close control by their attacking player evaded two defenders and found a little bit of space just inside the penalty box, a well struck shot left the first time keeper with no chance. The game continued in a good spirited manner with both sides attacking with purpose but being foiled by competent defending. A real downpour around five minutes before half time didn't dampen the enthusiasm of either side.
The second half continued where it left off, Hannah Stapleton for Wanderers’ was keeping the Aylesbury defenders on their toes. Her fast running and ball control meaning it was often taking two or more players to stop her, but credit goes to Aylesbury’s goalkeeper for sweeping up at the back well. Wanderers had to accommodate lots of positional changes forced upon them by their coach but adapted quickly. Eventually Wanderers forced a penalty when two Aylesbury players collided and went down outside the box and a teammate in the box caught the ball to stop the game. Wanderers couldn't capitalise however and the keeper held onto the ball.
Still trailing by a goal, Wanderers were allowed to settle into their formation and Hannah forced a corner through more good individual attacking play. She took it short to Laura Donegen who took two steps towards the penalty box and curled it over and out of reach of the the Aylesbury keeper to score the equaliser. Both Aylesbury and Wanderers kept creating attacking moves with runs from midfield which were mostly well controlled by the defenders and keepers. Amber Withers kept up her good form from the previous week, winning pretty much anything that came into her area, while team captain Kat Bullock also repeated her performance by anticipating and sweeping up well. Both players showed great awareness when going forward of the cost of losing the ball. Nicole Pollington earnt Aylesbury's woman of the match award, keeping a tricky Aylesbury player on a very short leash, showing assured positioning and communication. A midfield that was constantly being moved around did well, worked hard and when allowed to settle for a bit started to find players more regularly with their passing.
Next match: Away v Holmer Green Ladies – Sunday 15th Ocober (league fixture). |
Sunday 30th April 2006
Friendly fixture
MK Wanderers FC Ladies 2nd XI 0 - Watton Ladies FC 5
Their second game in a fortnight saw Wanderers Ladies 2nd XI host a match for the first time. With many more players available, the starting formation saw a host of new faces. The game was played in a sporting spirit and was well marshalled by a young referee. Watton started strongly at first forcing the home team onto the back foot. A change in tactics and a rapidly improving performance by Nicole Pollington evened the game up, but it wasn't enough to stop Watton taking a deserved 2-0 lead. MK stayed confident and the last twenty minutes of the first half saw them on an even footing and great work by Laura Witcombe saw them win a penalty. Unfortunately for Wanderers and particularly for Laura who had an excellent game, they saw their penalty saved. Some good defending by Robyn Haughian and Hannah Stapleton, and some great stops by keeper Rachel Taylor, kept the score at 2-0 until the break.
Wanderers shuffled their back line and Demi Marshall made way to accommodate Lisa Flitty at centre back where she settled in quickly alongside Robyn Haughian. Laura Donegan, who had looked comfortable on the wing, was replaced by Louise Ray who continued her good work. Demi Marshall was soon to return as Nicole Pollington came off after being hit hard in the face by a loose ball. Rachel Taylor was again kept very busy and made yet more good stops but was unable to prevent Watton from scoring 3 more. Wanderers worked hard defensively but as the half wore on, Watton's league fitness began to tell. Michelle Peel and Megan Krajicek, who had done a good job up front with the limited service they were getting, were substituted for Aileen McFarlane and Rebecca Harwood. Rebecca showed some good willingness to run, while Aileen had displayed good touch and movement which might have come to more if MK had been able to push up and use her touches nearer the Watton goal. Nicole Pollington bravely made it back on to help out Crista Larocca, who had been tough tackling and strong on the ball in her absence. The home side continued to work hard to the final whistle and, although struggled to make chances, they made it difficult for Watton to apply further pressure. The Player’s Player award went to Rachel Taylor, who made several vital saves to limit the number of goals conceded. |
Sunday 23rd April 2006
Moulton College 7 – MK Wanderers 2nd XI 0
This away fixture to Moulton was a milestone game for MK Wanderers Football Club, as they fielded a 2nd Women’s team on the same day as a 1st XI fixture, thus showing the development of the Women’s section over the past 3 years. This also showed the readiness for 2 Women’s teams the 2006/2007 league season.
A month after their previous game, the 2nd XI looked to address some of the issues highlighted in that game. They started well and settled quickly into the game. Although they struggled to create clear cut chances, they looked solid in defence and kept a clean sheet for 30 minutes. It took a combination of good individual play and teamwork by Moulton to finally open up Wanderers’, who were unlucky to find themselves 2-0 down at half time.
Moulton made their league experience tell in the second half and straight from the kick off they exerted a lot of pressure which Wanderers' struggled to deal with. Moulton scored a couple of wonder goals that would make any team’s end of the season highlights. Wanderers' found it difficult to cope with the match fitness of a team that have been playing week in week out and with no subs available were really having to work hard when injuries temporarily reduced them to nine players. Despite noticeable physical and mental fatigue, they held their shape well and most importantly displayed excellent team spirit throughout.
Next 2nd XI match: Home v Watton LFC, Monkston, Sunday 30th April 2006. |
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