The FA Women's Community Shield

Doncaster Belles

0-1

Fulham LFC
 

 

Unitt 80

  



New Fulham coach Marieanne Spacey felt her players did her proud with their 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers Belles in The FA Women's Community Shield.

She added: "It's great when the winning goal is scored through things we've worked on in training.

"The training ground came to Mansfield tonight with the winning goal."

The Londoners clinched victory at Field Mill with an 80th-minute strike from Rachel Unitt.

And Spacey said: "It's nice to start with a win. I'm particularly proud of all the players who have given everything for 90 minutes and on the balance of play won deservedly.

"There are lots of positives to take and I'm very proud of them.

"The attitude the players have shown in training came to fruition tonight and they've given a good sharp performance tonight."

Spacey was particularly happy with the winning goal which came after a Mary Phillip free-kick caught out the Belles defence.

Belles boss John Buckley, who was also making his managerial debut, had mixed feelings about his side's display. He was impressed with his side's ability and effort, but thought they let Fulham dominate them physically.

He said: "I was pleased with the endeavour. I thought they competed.

"I think we've got good players but I think we've got to do it physically - I thought there was a big gap in that tonight."
He added: "In the first half I was delighted with the way we defended. The two central defenders were excellent."

Buckley was also disappointed that his side did not push forward more after going behind.

He said: "If you're going to get beat I'd rather get beat two or three nil.

"It's all or nothing if you go down it should be all hands to the pump.

"Just to let games die out, I'm not going to accept that."

Even after his first game at the helm, it was not too early for him to give his players a warning about their levels of commitment.

He said: "It's an easy thing to hide on the football park. They've never done that tonight but what I say to them is 'if you do it I'll know you did'."