Six-goal thriller as Bees rescue a point at the death
The points were shared on Sunday as the London Bees scored a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 3-3 draw against MK Dons, rescuing a point and extending their unbeaten league run.
The Bees started the game strongly, applying immediate pressure on the visitors as they looked to take control early on. Their fast start was rewarded after just seven minutes when Elizabeth Mulvaney opened the scoring for Dan McKimm’s side.
A cross was delivered into the box and found Mulvaney, who headed towards goal. The goalkeeper made the initial save, but the Bees midfielder reacted quickest to tap home the rebound from close range and give the hosts the lead.
Around ten minutes later, the Bees doubled their advantage. Che Thomas drove into the box before sending a low ball across goal towards captain Hayley Hoare, who made no mistake from close range to make it 2-0.
As the game progressed, MK Dons began to create more chances of their own as they looked to get back into the contest before half-time.
Play was briefly halted around the 30th minute after Mulvaney took a knock, but thankfully the midfielder was able to get back to her feet a few minutes later and continue.
With half-time approaching, the visitors managed to find a way back into the game. MK Dons pulled a goal back in the 40th minute, reducing the Bees’ advantage to just one going into the break.
Half-Time: London Bees 2-1 MK Dons
The Bees looked to restore their two-goal advantage shortly after the restart, with Thomas driving down the left before getting a shot away, although the MK Dons goalkeeper was able to collect comfortably.
Fiona Buttigieg also came close, lining up an effort from outside the box which flew narrowly over the crossbar.
Sandra Martins and Fran Vigo were introduced for the Bees and both made an immediate impact. Martins found the back of the net from close range, only for the referee to rule the goal out for offside.
However, just moments later, MK Dons found their equaliser. After a period of pressure and several chances around the Bees’ penalty area, the visitors eventually found the back of the net to bring the scores level.
The Bees responded immediately in search of a third. Martins found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Dons shot-stopper won the duel. Shamoy Campbell reacted quickest to the rebound, but her effort was deflected wide.
Vigo then came incredibly close to restoring the Bees’ lead, striking a volley following a corner, only for her effort to be cleared off the line.
With just minutes remaining, the game took another dramatic turn as MK Dons completed their comeback and took the lead for the first time. A chipped effort found its way over the Bees goalkeeper to put the visitors 3-2 ahead.
With the clock ticking towards full-time, the Bees needed a goal to salvage at least a point from the game.
Then, in the final minute, they got their chance.
The Bees were awarded a corner, which was delivered into the box by Hoare. Mulvaney rose highest to meet the delivery and headed home a dramatic late equaliser, securing a point for the Bees and extending their unbeaten league run.
There was little time left for anything else as the referee brought the game to a close shortly afterwards.
Full-Time: London Bees 3-3 MK Dons
The Bees’ league action continues next Sunday as they head to Champion Hill to take on Dulwich Hamlet.
Line up: Liddiard, Heil, Breen, Cashin, Beard (Campbell 77′), Larkin (Martins 60′), Mulvaney, Biggadike, Thomas (Vigo 60′), Buttigieg, Hoare (c)
Goals: Mulvaney (7′, 95′), Hoare (17′)