Hotly-tipped promotion favourites Doncaster Rovers Belles blew aside any preseason nerves in their season’s curtain-raiser, deposing of Durham Wildcats with three goals in a thrilling second-half.
The hosts started brightest with Ashleigh Mills causing problems down the right wing early on. Sweetman-Kirk also looked lively and headed just wide from a Sophie Barker cross in the opening 10 minutes.
Durham then came close – Rachel Lee firing inches wide from the edge of the box – before the Belles nearly went ahead with a free kick straight off the training ground that was well blocked by Durham defender Sarah Wilson in the 19th minute.
Emily Roberts had the best chance of the half just before the break and would have put Doncaster ahead if not for the woodwork which is probably still rattling now.
A revitalised Durham started the second half well with Amelia Periera’s silky skills and quick feet drawing fouls and forcing Doncaster to make mistakes.
However Sweetman-Kirk made no errors with her finish, rifling the ball in to the top corner from close range to open the scoring for the home side.
The Belles doubled their lead shortly after, when a ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by the Durham defence and Bethany England nipped in behind and lofted one over Wildcat goalkeeper Helen Alderson.
Kasia Lipka went close with an effort that was flicked just over the bar as the Belles pressed for more.
Durham tried to reply through former Doncaster player Jemma Purfield who threatened on the counter attack but could only put her efforts over the bar.
Veteran of the game Sue Smith then rounded off the game for the Belles with ten minutes remaining, curling a delightful effort in to the bottom corner from 18 yards.
The match was a great start for the Belles promotion push and had manager Glen Harris praising his team’s patience, while his opposing number Lee Sanders was left to rue his side’s second-half dip.
