FA Women’s Premier League South East Division One: Leyton Orient 2 MK Dons 6
Leyton Orient Women put up a good fight against MK Dons on Sunday, but eventually ran out of steam at Brisbane Road and suffered a 6-2 loss.
Chris Brayford’s team went into the match off the back of two straight wins, but despite a strong first half, they failed to keep it up after the break.
Both the O’s ladies boss and captain Danielle Griffiths spoke in the build-up to the game about the importance of the crowd at Brisbane Road and a number of young fans turned out in support.
Orient were third ahead of kick-off with MK Dons one place behind them in fourth, but with several fixtures in hand and a realistic chance of winning the title still.
The visitors showed their intent to finish as champions by opening the scoring just after the 15th minute when a corner was headed home.
Dons scored a carbon-copy past the half an hour mark, but Brayford’s team, backed by the strong home support, produced a fine comeback.
Sophie Le Marchand side-footed home from inside the area to reduce the arrears before Lisa Holmback made it 2-2 with a composed finish minutes before half time.
There was still time for one more first half goal though and it unfortunately went to title-chasing Dons as it ended 3-2 at the interval.
After fighting back so well, it was a frustrating finish to the opening 45 for Orient, but they were back in the game.
Unfortunately, MK showed their class in the end with three second-half goals in quick succession to claim a 6-2 victory.
While it wasn’t the result Brayford and his side wanted, they could be happy with their efforts against one of the best teams in the FA Women’s Premier League South East Division One.
Orient’s women had also hopefully helped inspire the next generation with so many youngsters present inside the stadium on Sunday.
Le Marchand said: “I’m disappointed we were not able to get a victory for everyone who came out to watch us, but nevertheless it was such a pleasure to play at Brisbane Road again.”
The O’s ladies are next in action on May 13 when they host Stevenage Ladies in their penultimate game of the 2017/18 season.
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