FA Tesco Women's Premier League - National Division
Thursday 21st February 2008

Arsenal 4 Doncaster Rovers Belles 3

Doncaster Rovers Belles gave Arsenal an almighty scare as they almost, but not quite became the first side since the 2005-2006 season to take points off the champions who went into the game four points clear at the top of the National Division.

Belles made the worst possible start as their defence gave Arsenal the freedom of Borehamwood's The Meadows to allow Karen Carney to drill home a low shot, though keeper Caroline Collie should really have done better.

Collie did redeem herself with two saves shortly afterwards, but then Belles came back to show their hosts, all of whose starting eleven are current full internationals, that a home win might not be the formality that the early goal suggested.

Belles captain Vicky Exley was just over with a dipping shot from 30 yards and after conceding a soft early goal, there was little between the sides, but Arsenal unlocked the Belles defence again on 36 minutes when Ciara Grant struck to give the hosts a 2-0 interval lead.

Julie Fleeting netted from close range at a corner to put Arsenal 3-0 ahead early in the second half and it seemed as if Belles would then follow 11 others this season who have failed to take points off of the all-conquering Gunners.

Then Belles brought on Emily Heckler for Veronica Cantoro and what an inspired substitution that proved. Within a minute she had reduced the arrears with her first touch.

Exley made it 3-2 soon afterwards and from seeming down and out, Belles were very much back in contention for a point and Heckler levelled with a fierce left footed drive into Emma Byrne's top left corner to cap a purple patch for the visitors who were fully deserving of being back on level terms.

However, the great fightback was undone when Fleeting rose to head past Collie to allow Arsenal to breathe more easily.

Belles made two more attack-conscious substitutions with Carla Cantrell and then Nat Shaw coming on as they pressed for a fourth goal and a point, the closest to an equaliser coming late on when Byrne got down to clutch a drive from Exley.

Having been well beaten by Arsenal in both league games last season, Belles returned north with much praise for their display and after this Sunday's County Cup tie against Manvers, the side will be in good heart in their bid to take maximum points from successive home matches against Liverpool (Wednesday 27th Feb) and Charlton Athletic (Sunday 2nd March).

Manager John Buckley commented, "It was an outstanding performance from the girls, several of whom are still very much youngsters against a side full of internationals." Like several others he remains slightly bemused as to the inconsistency shown by his players. For, this was the third successive game, all away, against London opposition. The opener produced a fine 4-3 win over Chelsea, but a 1-1 draw against bottom club was a disappointment, while almost but not quite lowering Arsenal's colours epitmosed a season where Belles have shown they can give the best sides a good run for their money, but conversely struggle against sides they should beat comfortably.

Caroline Collie, Natasha Hughes, Amy Turner, Vikki Stevens, Claire Utley, Emma Thomson, Emma Johnson, Vicky Exley, Veronica Cantoro, Liz Hansen, Presh Hamilton

Subs: Emily Heckler for Veronica Cantoro, Carla Cantrell for Emma Johnson, Nat Shaw for Vikki Stevens

Not Used: Jess Horsley, Katie Hemming