The Bees suffered late heartbreak as MK Dons scored deep into second-half stoppage-time to draw 1-1 at The Hive London in the FA Women’s National League.

The Bees started strongly and almost made their early pressure count when Courtnay Ward-Chambers’ corner into the box was met by Hannah Porter who headed narrowly over.

Two minutes later, Faye Hazelton was forced out of position to the edge of the box, where she blocked a dangerous Dons counterattack to keep it at 0-0.

In the 14th minute, a long-range strike from Nicole Pepper hit the woodwork before the Bees cleared their lines.

Only five minutes later MK Dons hit the post again, this time with the ball deflecting off and out of play.

A stretch of Dons possession followed which saw Hazelton make a diving save to stop Lucy Wood’s shot in the 20th minute.

Sian Osmond’s side reacted and took the lead in the 27th minute when a through ball found Jo Wilson, who glided goalwards and calmly slotted it beyond the ‘keeper to make it 1-0.

MK Dons immediately hunted for an equaliser and after Dons’ Wood rounded Hazelton, it was Jess Burke who produced a goal line clearance to keep the Bees ahead.

Soon after, Wilson made a run from the halfway line to collect the ball and chip Chloe Sansom in goal, but the linesman showed his flag and the Bees went into the break 1-0 up.

MK Dons hit the crossbar once again in the 53rd minute as the visitors put pressure on the Bees’ backline.

A chance for the hosts came in the 74th minute as Jade Bell stretched to try and slot the ball in the net, but she couldn’t find the finishing touch.

In the final minute of stoppage-time after the Bees failed to clear the ball, Chez Albert found the net to secure her side a point late on.

Bees: Faye Hazelton, Jess Burke, Danielle Puddefoot, Hannah Porter, Flo Gamby, Courtnay Ward-Chambers (Frankie Webster 84’), Parker Dunn, Meg Wood, Jade Bell, Ashleigh Goddard (Danielle Carlton 71’), Jo Wilson. Subs (not used): Amber Tullett, Millie Constantine, Alketa Rragami.

Goals: Jo Wilson (27’).

MK Dons: Chloe Sansom (c), Hannah Warren, Nicole Pepper, Lucy Ward, Sofia Stwold, Marianne Taho, Kerry Newman, Matilda Brown (Rhianne Bush 62’), Florence Matthews (Chez Albert 62’), Gemma Biggadike (Amy Gooderham 75’), Tally Miles. Subs (not used): Dominika Netschova, Daniela Monastero.

Goals: Chez Albert (90+3’).

Referee: Sam Gregory.