Doncaster Stun Brooklands in Season Opener

Doncaster Ladies opened their Investec National Hockey League campaign with a hard-fought 2 - 0 away victory against Brooklands Poynton.

Having successfully defended the Yorkshire Cup the previous week, Doncaster went into the game full of confidence. However, they knew they were in for a tough opener against a side who had been relegated from the Premier Division last season, and who had been identified by many as favourites to win the league.

Doncaster got off to the perfect start, taking the lead in the 2nd minute. Abbie Brant intercepted a sloppy pass on the halfway line and set off on a mazy dribble that took her past the remaining defenders and then Welsh international goalkeeper, Michelle Thomas, before firing home from a tight angle. This seemed to stun the home team and with Brant and Kirstie Grace prominent up front, Doncaster dominated the early stages.

Gradually Brooklands started to get a foothold in the game, especially after Kate Harris became the first Doncaster player to earn a 2 minute suspension for a mistimed tackle. The 2 minute suspension is a new inovation for a current season. As Brooklands gained more possession, Alex Moon in the Doncaster goal made a couple of timely interventions.

In the 2nd half, Doncaster continued to carve out the more clear cut chances and they were rewarded in the 43rd minute whn Ali Bicker converted a well worked penalty corner routine. The final 20 minutes saw the Doncaster goal come under siege, but they held firm to secure an excellent victory.

This Saturday at Noon, Doncaster will host Liverpool Sefton in their first home game. The Merseysiders are back in the National League after their promotion from the North Regional league last year, and will be searching for their first point after losing to Wakefield in their season opener.