Doncaster Rovers Belles have the chance to make it 3 out of 3 in the league when they travel to Aston Villa this Sunday.
The Belles thumped Durham Women 3-0 in their opening fixture before beating Yeovil Town last weekend – a result which manager Glen Harris saw as “vital” due to other promotion contenders dropping points.
Harris said of the trip to Villa: “We’re expecting another tough game. I’ve watched Villa and they’re strong physically and also have some good young players.”
“They’ll be buoyant after a good cup run and with the Quarter Final against Notts County next weekend to look forward to.
“We know the areas we have to improve ahead of this game and we’ll put them into practice in training this week so we’re raring to go on Sunday.”
The lady Villians were narrowly defeated by Everton in their first league fixture but bounced back emphatically last weekend, with a 4-1 win against Watford at Vicarage Road.
However, the results from previous encounters between these two sides does not make pretty reading for Villa, who were defeated twice at home last season by the Belles – once in the league and once in the FA Cup third round – and trounced 6-1 when they visited the Keepmoat Stadium.
One of the goalscorers in that game, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk spoke to the club’s official site ahead of Sunday’s game: “The management has changed over the winter and there’s been some movement with players but we’ve kept all the team spirit and we’ve been together for a while.”
“We’ve also brought in a lot of good players and the competition for places has meant everyone has stepped up their game, and when we’re at the top of our game, we know we can create chances against any team.”
“Aston Villa lost their first game but I think they’ll be a threat this year and with Everton and Reading looking very strong, the WSL 2 will be very tight. No-one can afford to drop too many points. It’s going to be an exciting season, not just for us but the spectators.”
Sweetman-Kirk has already netted 3 goals in as many games for the Belles this season and will be looking to continue her good run of form against Villa. Harris’ side will however have to manage without midfielder Ashleigh Mills who is away on international duty with England’s U19s.
Missing for the hosts are goalkeeper Caitlin Leach and midfielder Sarah Mayling who are also in the England squad.
