County Ladies secured their first league win since the opening day of the season on Sunday afternoon, confidently dispatching Doncaster Rovers Belles to climb up to fifth in the table.
Steve O’Hara’s side had returned to winning ways in the cup a week earlier, defeating Leafield Athletic in the FAWNL Plate, and travelled to Doncaster looking to end a three-game winless run in the league.
The game was played at the Eco-Power Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers men’s first-team, as we took on a Belles side two points above us in the league, having won two and lost two from their first four.
As ever, Manager Steve O’Hara takes us through proceedings:
“We faced a trip to the Eco-Power stadium on Sunday, as we faced Donny Belles back in league action. Playing at such a good venue, with a pitch like a carpet, really plays into our hand as our passing style can really come to the fore in a game that we totally dominated.
“We started really well and looked sharp when moving the ball. It wasn’t long before our early pressure paid off, with Chloe Fisher getting in down the right channel before pulling the ball back to the edge of the area for the arriving Levi Rathburn, to calmly slot the ball into the bottom right corner to give us a deserved lead after only seven minutes.
“We continued to keep the ball moving and looked in complete control until, whilst trying to run the ball out of play, a home player nicked the ball then was tripped inside the box for a penalty.
“Donny were denied though, thanks to an incredible save from Lucy Farrell, pushing the ball over the top of the crossbar. That was a let off for us really, but it wasn’t long before the home side did get their goal.
“A missed kick down our right released their winger, who crossed for the striker to fire into the top corner.
“It was a bit of a sticky patch in the game for us, but we soon found our rhythm again and on two or three occasions we sliced the home defence open, with Levi having the best of the chances – two one on ones, but her efforts where off target and then saved by the ‘keeper in quick succession.
“This end to the first half really shaped the rest of the game. When we came out after half-time we quickly regained control of proceedings, really stretching their defence, and that paid off when a shot from the edge of the box was handled by the defender, for a County penalty. Captain Kenedy Owen stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, hammering it into the roof of the net.
“A few changes where made and a shift in shape allowed us to continue to really control the game and only a few counter attacks without end product coming from our hosts.
“We then wrapped the game up in the 89th minute when a sweeping move was finished neatly by Kenzie Bentley, after a superb cross from Maria Figueiredo.
“The 3-1 score gave a bit more respectability and reflected just how well we had played, particularly in the second half. A superb away performance; the girls’ work-rate was outstanding all game, and we sent the travelling fans, who again where brilliant in supporting us on the road, home happy.
“We now move on to Wednesday evening, when we welcome high flying Cheadle Stingers to SSV.
“Cheadle have started the season superbly and sit in second place, so we know we have to be at our very best to get something from the game.
“I believe this is the first meeting between us at this level of football, and a fiercely contested derby under the lights should be a great advert for local football.
“I’ve no doubt there will be a big crowd there on Wednesday night and we are all looking forward to the challenge.”
Kick-off for the Ladies’ next game against Cheadle Stingers is at 7.45pm on Wednesday 25th September. Entry at Stockport Sports Village is free for all season ticket holders.
