Doncaster Belles’ under-15s took a step closer to their league title following a 2-0 victory over Handsworth, writes Nigel Watson.
In their first game after the Christmas break a slow start was expected, however, Phoebe Sneddon had other ideas as she burst into the penalty area and calmly placed the ball into the net to give Doncaster a dream start.
The rest of the half saw both teams battling hard as the Belles suffered a blow when Emma Gardner had to go off with injury.
Doncaster enjoyed more posession in the second period and had a chance to double their lead when they were awarded a penalty. However, the spot-kick cannoned off the crossbar and Handsworth cleared the danger.
With the hosts looking lively in attack, Fliss Hannington and ‘Lass of the Grass’ Chloe Dean needed to be at their best to protect Doncaster’s lead.
Kirsty Nelthorpe then made the game safe when she hit a strong shot into the top corner with ten minutes to go.
Handsworth nearly set up a tense finale but a close range shot came back of the post.