A blistering first-half display saw Watford Women hit all five goals before the interval as they swept aside MK Dons 5-0 to maintain their promotion push in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Dre Georgiou set the tone by putting the Golden Girls in front after just 35 seconds, and the destiny of the points was effectively sealed by the 20-minute mark as the visitors raced into a 4-0 lead through a Gemma Davison penalty and Poppy Wilson's brace.

Sophie McLean’s first goal for the club completed the scoring by the 37th minute, allowing Damon Lathrope’s side to see out the remainder of the contest with comfort.

The victory moves Watford up to third in the table, six points behind leaders Ipswich Town but with two games in hand.

The Hornets have made fast starts to games several times this season, but none quicker than yesterday when Georgiou finished well from inside the box after being found by Annie Rossiter.

One goal became two just two minutes later when Davison converted a penalty, and the shell-shocked Dons conceded a third after just seven minutes when Wilson netted from close range.

That goal was set up by Bianca Baptiste, who twice went close to adding a fourth, before Wilson did make it 4-0 in the 20th minute after breaking through the defence.

The scorer would have completed her hat-trick were it not for a good save from Chloe Sansom, who also did well to deny Georgiou a second.

But the Dons goalkeeper was to be beaten for a fifth time in the first half when McLean headed in a looping Davison delivery.

Lathrope took advantage of his side’s dominant position to make four changes after the break as the visitors continued to control the play, but without adding to the scoreline.

The Golden Girls are back on the road next Sunday when they make the long trip to Plymouth Argyle.