ENGLAND WOMEN

 

ITALY WOMEN

 

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International Friendly
Thursday 17 February 2005
MK Dons FC, National Hockey Stadium

Chairman of Milton Keynes Dons, Pete Winkelman, was joined by Arsenal and England striker Kelly Smith in urging all football fans to support the England Women’s team when they take on Italy in an international friendly, in association with Nationwide, on Thursday 17 February 2005 (kick off 7.30pm) at the National Hockey Stadium, home of Milton Keynes Dons.

Pete Winkelman said: "We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host our first international match in Milton Keynes.

"This is a great chance for Milton Keynes Dons fans to witness top-flight women’s football and I would like to wish the England team the best of luck. It would be great to see a big crowd turn out to cheer them to victory.

Pete added: "Women’s football is extremely popular in the area and this is a great chance for local people to see England’s fastest growing female sport first-hand.

"We have even set aside the East Stand for the Italian fans as there is a strong community in the area so it promises to be a fantastic atmosphere."

England Striker Kelly Smith, who hails from Watford said: "Having visited the National Hockey Stadium on a Milton Keynes Dons match day, I am sure that the team will enjoy playing there.

The match certainly promises to be an exciting one and I’d like to wish all the players the best of luck. I’m devastated to have to miss out due to a stress fracture that is thankfully on the mend, but I will be cheering from the stands with my friends and family."

The two sides have both qualified for Women’s Euro 2005 and have met on twenty previous occasions. The Italians have the upper hand with twelve victories to England’s three. The last time they met, Italy emerged victors over a young England side with four new caps by a narrow 1-0 margin in Viareggio in February 2003.

Tickets for the match are on sale now from the Milton Keynes Dons FC ticket hotline on 01908 609000. Tickets are priced at £3 for adults/£1concessions in advance and £5/£2 on match day.

There are special discounts available for schools and football clubs, on application to MK Dons FC, details of which are available by calling 01908 209455.