A warm Sunday afternoon was the setting for Doncaster Rovers Belles as they kicked off their home campaign in the Tesco National League 06/07 Programme against Chelsea on the Keepmoat No2 pitch. The Blues have strengthened their side during the summer with four signings including prolific striker Eniloa Aluko, who starred for England in China at the World Cup. Aluko signed for Chelsea from Charlton, for whom she scored the only goal for Charlton to beat Everton in the Women's FA Cup Final.

Rovers Belles line up for the match also boasted a number of close season new signings. New players pulling on the Rovers Belles shirt this season are Natasha Hughes, England U21`s International signed from Charlton, Precious Hamilton from Birmingham City, America Liz Hansen from W-League side Cocoa Expos, Former Belle Sarah Owen has re-signed from Leeds United and finally, Italian Under 19 International Veronica Cantoro from Torino.

The Rovers Belles made just one change to the starting eleven that defeated Crystal Palace in the League Cup a week ago, with Sarah Owen coming in for Nat Shaw, who took her place on the substitute's bench.

The only absentees from the Rovers Belles squad were Carla Cantrell and Vikki Stevens, who continue to work towards full fitness and anticipated availability for squad selection by playing with the reserves and the unavailable Kelly Bevan.

In the 6th minute the Rovers Belles went close to opening the scoring when striker Sarah Owen swept a Heckler right wing cross goalwards, only to see keeper Chamberlain save well down to her right.

Hansen was next to test Chamberlain with a left foot shot that was parried to safety. HANSEN scored her first goal in English football to give the Belles the lead on 40 minutes when she lashed a left footed shot high in to the roof of the net past the despairing Chamberlain.

The Rovers Belles started the second half brightly going in search of a second goal, with Hansen seeing a right footed volley touched on to the base of the post by keeper Chamberlain from 10 yards.

Chelsea then started to get on top with Rafferty having a goal ruled out for offside. Aluko was next to go close heading wide from close range.

Aluko again tested Farrow before Smith saw her right footed shot cannon back in to play off the crossbar.

Chelsea's equaliser came on 82 minutes when substitute Emma WHITTER hit home right footed shot from just inside the box after good work by Aluko.

The game could have gone either way in the final few minutes with skipper Exley having a header well saved by Chamberlain from a Cantoro corner. Then midfielder Hamilton twice burst through on goal only to be foiled by a last ditch tackle, whilst Farrow saved well at the other end from the lively Susi.

Rovers Belles next home game is on the No2 pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium against Liverpool on Wednesday 17th October - 7.45 PM Kick OFF followed by the biggest fixture of the season to date, with the Rovers Belles making their seasonal debut at the Keepmoat Stadium, where they entertain Birmingham City on 21st October, 2:00pm kick-off.