Faye Brough’s first goal in English football ensured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Watford Women against MK Dons.

The Golden Girls were pegged back by Laura Mitchell’s second goal at Grosvenor Vale in three weeks, slotting at the near post just three minutes in, with Annie Rossiter equalising 20 minutes later following a sustained spell of Hornets pressure.

The second half saw few chances but Watford upped their intensity in the final 10 minutes, with Brough notching the crucial winner with one minute left of normal time.

Mitchell found the target in the FAWNL Cup tie between the two sides last month and ended up unopposed inside the box again early on in the league clash, taking time to settle the ball before drilling past Georgie Ferguson at the near post.

The goal was one of few Dons chances in the game and they took up a defensive approach soon after, with the Hornets going close through Ellie Head and Poppy Wilson.

Overcoming a frustrating spell in front of goal, Rossiter tapped home following a direct run down the right flank from Adekite Fatuga-Dada, who was making her first start at home this season.

Gemma Davison caused chaos on the left wing throughout the league encounter and was inches away from finding the top corner from the edge of the box, cannoning a shot against the bar after a cross spilled out for the former England international.

Davison had the key chances in the second half too; an excellent run couldn’t be capped off with a finish from the left wing and a cross went begging minutes later, as Damon Lathrope’s side pressed higher.

Dré Georgiou battled hard for an opening also, but the midfielder opted for a first-time strike rather than taking a touch, with the ball whizzing over.

Brough made the breakthrough in the late stages from the bench on her first home appearance, controlling a long throw-in from Anne Meiwald, swivelling and connecting sweetly to beat Chloe Sansom, prompting an eruption of cheers from the Watford faithful.

Untroubled in six minutes of added time, the Hornets go up to third with a win, and take on league leaders Portsmouth at home on Wednesday night (February 22, 7.45pm KO).