Doncaster Rovers Belles

• Report
• Team sheet
• Gallery

Beles Fall To Local Rivals

Doncaster Rovers Belles fell to a third straight defeat in the FA WSL to local rivals Lincoln Ladies at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Goals from Lucy Staniforth, Jess Clarke and Bonnie Horwood did the damage as the Lady Imps avenged the 1-0 defeat suffered in the reverse fixture.

Despite the scoreline it was Doncaster that started the brighter and Nicola Hobbs had to be alert to palm Vicky Exley’s long-range free kick over the bar after six minutes.

Precious Hamilton was the next to go close with the Belle’s best chance of the first half on 14 minutes. The former Birmingham midfielder tricked her way past Rachel Daly on the right but was unlucky to see her near post effort tipped into the side netting by Lincoln ‘keeper Hobbs.

Moments later Hamilton was again looking dangerous as she twisted clear of Sophie Bradley before delivering a pinpoint cross that Exley should have done better with.

Despite the home side’s early pressure it was Staniforth who put Lincoln ahead midway through the half. The 18-year-old was allowed time and space on the edge of the area and curled a fabulous effort in off the right-hand upright with the Doncaster defence backing off.

Two minutes before half time Lincoln could, and should, have extended their lead when Smith burst into the Doncaster box to entice a foul from full-back Shelly Cox. Smith stepped up to bury the resulting penalty but skied the second attempt after the referee ordered a retake following encroachment.

The visitors continued to assert authority on the game after the restart and Jodie Taylor immediately threatened with a shot that whistled over.

Lincoln were not to be denied for too long, however, and duly doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining as Jodie Taylor evaded two Doncaster defenders to tee up Clarke for a simple tap-in.

And the visitors completed a comprehensive win when substitute Horwood bundled home Clark’s cross seven minutes from time to leave Doncaster without a win in eight.