A stunning second half strike from Jemma Rose proved decisive as Bristol Academy beat Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-1 in a keenly fought contest at the Keepmoat stadium.
Rose struck after full-back Grace McCatty had given Bristol an 18th minute lead only for Belles striker Aine O’Gorman to restore parity just after the half hour mark.
In an entertaining opening both sides looked lively but it was the home side that threatened first.
Precious Hamilton scampered down the Bristol left before cutting inside Katie Daley and producing a stinging effort that forced a fine save from Siobhan Chamberlain.
Bristol hit back and fashioned a chance of their own immediately after. Lille Billson out-muscled Rhonda Jones on the edge of the Doncaster area but her low shot was repelled by the legs of Belles ‘keeper Mary Earps.
The visitors were beginning to assert authority on the contest and deservedly went ahead on 18 minutes. Smart build up play in the Doncaster half culminated in Katie Daley teeing up McCatty to strike a sweet shot into the top right hand corner from 25-yards.
And Bristol should have been further ahead six minutes later as Billson sent Jess Fishlock through but the usually prolific striker placed her effort narrowly wide.
At the other end striker O’Gorman tested Chamberlain before levelling the contest on 32 minutes. Jones rampaged forward from right-back before delivering a deep cross that eventually found O’Gorman who chested down to fire home off the underside of the bar.
After the restart Bristol threatened throughout and the decisive moment duly arrived on 52 minutes as Rose stepped up to strike an unstoppable set piece following a foul on Fishlock.
Saturday 19 May 2012 18:00
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