Doncaster Rovers Belles laid down a marker in WSL2 by dismantling Aston Villa Ladies 5-0.
Sophie Barker and Emily Roberts both grabbed their first Belles goals adding to efforts from Rhiannon Roberts, Leandra Little and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk saw Glen Harris’ side run riot in Sutton Coldfield.
Villa started strongly with Olivia Fergusson looking a threat on the wing before Bethany England saw a chance blocked at the other end.
But then the Belles got a foothold in the game, Sweetman-Kirk seeing an effort held by Jess Myers
The the break-through came. A free kick swung in from the left was cleared by Villa but the header out fell nicely for Barker to unleash a volley into the top corner to give the away side the lead.
Great work from Sue Smith then set up Emily Roberts who forced Myers into a good stop.
The resulting corner saw Belles double their lead, Barker’s delivery headed in at the far post by Rhiannon Roberts.
This was a far more Belles-like performance, moving the ball around with confidence and frustrating Villa throughout with the centre half pairing were dominating the Villa front line.
It was three on the stroke of half time. Emily Roberts stooping to divert a header into the bottom corner to send Harris’ side into the break in full control.
After an even opening to the second half, the Belles continued to pray on Villa mistakes.
Sweetman-Kirk and Smith both went close to a fourth before Kerri Welsh for Villa forced Nic Hobbs into a rare save.
Rhinannon Roberts then brilliantly kept Beth Merrick’s cross out, heading off the line as Villa tried to get back into it, to no avail.
As we entered injury time, the Belles grabbed a fourth when Smith’s corner appeared to go straight in but the final touch came off captain Little.
And it was five shortly after when Sweetman-Kirk spotted Myers off her line and fired a stunning effort over the Villa keeper to round of a scintillating performance.
Doncaster Rovers Belles Goal Scorers: Barker 24′, Roberts 35′, Roberts 45′, Smith 90′, Sweetman – Kirk 90′
VILLA LADIES: Myers, Crackle, Richards, Owen (Baker), George, Fergusson (Merrick 23), McCue ©, Robinson (Cusack 62), Welsh, Cottam, Wilkinson.
Unused subs: N’Dow, Haynes, Moran.
DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES: Hobbs, Cunningham, Little ©, R. Roberts, Cresswell (Stamp 63), England (Dale 81), Lipka, Barker (Knight 63), Smith, E. Roberts, Sweetman-Kirk.
Unused subs: Johnson, Thomas, Tierney.
Match report courtesy of Doncaster Belles
