Doncaster Rovers Belles continued their unbeaten run in the WSL 2 on Saturday evening, securing a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Headed efforts from Belles duo Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Bethany England were almost annulled by a blistering volley from Abi Cottam, but the hosts were able to hang on and ensure they claimed all three points.
However, it was the visitors who pressurised early on, as Cottam came close and tested goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs in the opening minutes.
The number one enjoyed an inspiring performance throughout the first half, and made magnificent saves to prevent Cottam and Sue Smith from making their way onto the score sheet multiple times, before a phenomenal parry from close-range denied Katie Wilkinson.
And while Hobbs performed at the back, Sweetman-Kirk fired her side into the lead at the other end of the pitch on the stroke of half-time. Sophie Barker found Smith from a short corner, whose drilled cross found the awaiting top-scorer who now has five goals in six appearances.
Following the restart, the hosts saw a number of efforts come close, while Villa pushed to fight their way back into the game. Just weeks after the Belles saw off the Villains in the reverse fixture, they looked to have secured all three points once again on the counter.
Sweetman-Kirk blitzed the defence with her pace and power, and managed to nick the ball past Caitlin Leach before finding Smith on the left wing, who set up England from six yards out.
Nonetheless, Villa retained their spirit and continued to press. The possibility of a dramatic comeback was sparked ten minutes from time courtesy of Cottam, who beat Hobbs in remarkable fashion with a first time strike.
Despite their best efforts, an equaliser could not be found, and instead the focus of the remaining few minutes turned to Kerri Walsh. The Villa midfielder ended her game on a stretcher in the 85th after a nasty-looking injury.
