JUST a week out from their FA Cup encounter against Manchester United, Bridgwater United recorded a confidence boosting 2-0 home win against MK Dons at the weekend.
Two second half goals from substitution Chloe Gilroy sealed the win but the defensive performance from Bridgwater was stellar and stands them in good stead for what comes next.
It was largely a scrappy first half as both teams were adjusting to the muddy pitch, however early chances came the way of Bridgwater.
Bow Jackson was causing trouble on the right wing and managed to get the better of her defender a number of times, she crossed the ball in well but the strikers could not get on the end of them.
Soon after Leah Burridge found some space on the edge of the box and unleashed one of her trademark shots, which forced a fine save from the MK Dons goal keeper.
As the half progressed, the visitors did start to create some chances for themselves however replacement goal keeper Jasmine Read was alert to the threats.
Late in the first half Amy Goddard picked up a yellow card after a challenge on the MK Dons striker.
Going in to the break though the scores remained 0-0 and after MK Dons spent over 20 minutes in the changing room at the break it seemed the away side were happy with that scoreline.
he second forty-five minutes was tense and as time progressed more and more dangerous challenges came in.
A Milton Keynes midfielder was shown the yellow card too for a late tackle on Charlotte Buxton.
In the 50th minute Chloe Gilroy came on to replace an injured Ellie Strippel and from there the dynamic of the game changed.
Gilroy linked up well with Meesha Dudley-Jones in attack and the pair created a number of chances.
Jasmine Turner replaced Bow Jackson in attack as well and the fresh legs was what was needed for Bridgwater.
Milton Keynes had one of their coaches sent off for dissent and soon after Dudley-Jones beat two defenders before playing a perfect pass to Gilroy who broke the deadlock.
In the 80th minute it was 2-0 after another substitution Laura Holden dribbled through two players and laid it off for Gilroy who slammed in her second of the afternoon.
The game played out at that scoreline and Bridgwater recorded a solid win and importantly a clean sheet going into the big one next weekend - against Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup Fourth Round.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here