The Northampton Town Women held on for the victory against MK Dons Women Development with a 1-0 win in their first pre-season friendly at new home ground Harpole FC on Sunday afternoon.
Club Captain Alex Bartlett got the decisive goal of the game 33 minutes in; a fantastic strike which dipped over the keeper from 30 yards out.
A competitive second half saw numerous chances for both teams. Debutant Charlie Cooper almost added a second goal, forcing the mistake with her pressing before going close on 50 minutes. MK Dons then came within inches of an equaliser on the hour mark with a dangerous set piece that was cleared off the line by Naomi Dauncey.
The Cobblers went close again with a strike from debutant Leah Cudone before Georgia Tear hit the bar late on but the Cobblers saw the game out for victory in their first game in pre-season.
Team Captain, Eden Brown, gave her thoughts after the game: “It’s been nice to get back, we’ve been challenging ourself throughout lockdown to keep fit, but it was good to get back playing 11-a-side," she said.
“It has been 4 or 5 months since we last played as a team, and some of us have never played together before, but on Sunday we came together as a team and I think it was a good start to our season.”
Next up the Cobblers are away at Deanshanger Athletic on Tuesday night as they look to make it two wins in two games.