Gordon Staniforth got off to a dream start as Doncaster Rovers Belles Head Coach, as he saw his side defeat Aston Villa Ladies 2-0 in The FA Women's Cup Third Round.
On a wet and windy afternoon in Sutton Coldfield, it was the visitors who started the brightest.
A string of set-pieces came to no avail, as the Belles committed players forward in numbers early on to try and find the breakthrough.
Villa 0-2 Donny Belles
The FA Women's Cup
Third Round Proper
Sunday 9 February
at Sutton Coldfield FC
by Mark Donnelly
One player causing problems was Beth England, whose pace and direct running had the Villa backline chasing shadows. She burst down the left wing and into the area, and was thwarted only by a strong tackle from Owen.
The first shot on target came after 18 minutes, and again it was England threatening. She found her way into the area, but her shot was straight at Leach. Minutes later a quick free-kick from Roberts was flicked on by England and found Chadwick free in the area.
She attempted an audacious lob, which was only inches wide of the post. The Belles continued to press forward, and a teasing Cunningham cross was fired towards goal by England, but Leach managed to hold onto the ball.
Towards the end of the first half the game turned into a scrappy affair, with very few clear cut chances on offer. However, within five minutes of the restart the visitors were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Sue Smith was tripped in the area.
Victoria Williams took the spot-kick, and despite Leach getting a hand to her effort she found the back of the net to hand the Belles a deserved lead.
Within ten minutes of the first goal, the Belles had doubled their advantage. A delightful chipped pass from Smith found England in the area, who turned smartly before firing home.
In an attempt to find a way back into the match, Villa introduced youngster Sarah Mayling as a substitute.
She was found on the right by McCue, before she cut inside and fired an effort straight at Hobbs. Minutes later she found herself through one-on-one with Hobbs, but again the goalkeeper prevailed as she held Mayling’s poor effort.
As the clock ticked into the final five minutes, Smith was again tripped in the area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Williams again took the kick, but this time saw her effort cannon back off the crossbar before Smith’s follow up was held by Leach.
The Belles saw out the final few minutes with no problem, as they secured a first win of the season in a result that pleased squad, supporters and Staniforth alike.
