Oxford United Women draw at MK Dons in first game of the season

First half headers from Zoe Barratt and Jaime Gotch gave United the advantage away at MK Dons, however Laura Mitchell pulled one back for the hosts, before Emily Wilson equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

For the U’s, it was the first game since Liam Gilbert left after five years with the club.

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United had to weather an early storm, with Hayley Hoare deflecting a Dons effort onto the crossbar and Paris Sercombe making a diving save to her left.

However, the U’s took the lead on nine minutes when Barratt headed in Daisy McLachlan’s left-wing cross.

At the other end, Cecily Wellesley-Smith made a goal line clearance prior to United doubling their lead.

Lily Stevens swung a free kick into the penalty area, with Gotch’s header looping over Chloe Sansom.

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The home side pulled a goal back eight minutes into the second half, when Mitchell took advantage of the U’s failing to clear their lines on two occasions.

The Dons came close to an equaliser when Tricia Gould grazed the crossbar, while Izzy Cook had the chance to put the game to bed after beating the offside trap, however Sansom came out to smother her left-footed effort.

There was then late drama as Wilson bundled in a corner, to deny United interim boss George Anthony and his side the three points.

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