Norwich City Women 3 MK Dons 2

Norwich City returned to winning ways as they overcame third tier MK Dons in the Women’s National League Plate first round.

Just as they managed in their previous game at Sudbury, the Canaries took the lead within the first five minutes. Forward Lara Densley latched onto a loose ball and swept it home with her left foot to net her first goal for the club.

Though City were without key attackers Ellie Smith and Natasha Snelling, they caused the Dons plenty of problems and doubled their advantage in the 34th minute through Tamsin Medd-Gill, who fired in a left-footed half-volley from range.

The visitors were quick to make changes at the start of the second half and looked a better outfit as a result. Annaliese Jacovides pulled a goal back for them with a quarter of an hour left, finding space in the City box to nod home.

As a result of Jacovides’ header, the following 10 minutes were a nervous watch for City’s supporters, before Densley linked up with Shannon Shaw to net her second goal of the afternoon.

Jacovides secured a brace of her own deep into stoppage time, but could not prevent City from progressing to round two.

Norwich City: Quantrill (c), Daviss, Flye, Strauss, Moore, Knights, Medd-Gill, Cook, Hailes, Symonds, Densley. Subs: Johnston, Tomlinson, Shaw, Booty, Kennard.