Doncaster development played against Barnsley development. This was the first time that Barnsley entered a development team and although they were older than us, Doncaster started brightly and it was clear that there was a game on.
Doncaster attacked well down both the left and right with runs from issac and Will. On occasion getting the ball to the forwards and having some shorts but unable to find the back of the net.
On the other end Barnsley were hitting back hard and finding players in the D but the defenders and Lilly in particular were able to pull off some great saves.
We went into the break 0-0 and switched halves. This time Barnsley came back and was able to pick up some shorts and was able to convert one.
Doncaster rallied but whilst we pushed for the equaliser we were unable to hit the mark.
Mom: Lilly
Result: Barnsley 1, Doncaster 0

D2
Doncaster D2 v Sheffield
2 : 2

A delayed start, plenty of drama, a Siiiiiuuuuu celebration and a debut goal – what more could you ask for?!
On Saturday, Development Team 1 welcomed Sheffield Hockey Club to our alternative home venue of Hill House School for what turned out to be a brilliant end-to-end game of junior hockey.
A delayed start certainly didn't dampen our enthusiasm, and we got off to a bright start, showing some lovely passages of play and enjoying some good spells of possession. Attacking runs from Alvi, Caspar and Rhys created plenty of opportunities, but a combination of some good goalkeeping and a few near misses meant the scoreboard remained stubbornly at 0-0.
That was until Jono spotted Rhys making a fantastic run and played him through on goal. Rhys did the rest, calmly breaking the deadlock! Cue the SIIIIUUUUUU celebrations from the bench!
The game continued with both teams enjoying spells of pressure. Sheffield's creative juniors, backed up by their supporting grown-ups, kept us busy, but Annie produced some excellent saves and Donaster put in a stubborn defensive performance to keep them at bay.
Unfortunately, a rare lapse in concentration and a scrappy spell of play saw Sheffield turn things around and take a 2-1 lead.
But this Development team doesn't give up! We continued to push forward, creating numerous breaks and chances as we searched for an equaliser.
Some fantastic work from Joshua down the right set the move in motion. He fed the ball to Caspar, who attacked brilliantly down the right wing. With a quick glance up, Caspar delivered a quality cross into the danger area, where Development debutant Ffion was waiting at the back post to finish it off!
2-2! What a way to mark your Development debut, Ffion!
And that was how it finished. A 2-2 draw was a fair result in a game that really could have gone either way, with both sets of juniors producing some fantastic hockey, great teamwork and plenty of determination.
A huge thank you to Kirk for running the bench and providing the juniors with such valuable, supportive feedback throughout the game. We really couldn't run our games as well without you!
And, of course, a massive thank you to all the parents and grown-ups on the sidelines for your brilliant support. The children absolutely love hearing your encouragement, and it really does make a difference.
Next up:
Saturday 14th November
2:30pm
Hill House School
Development Team vs Development Team

Sunday 8th November

Away

Doncaster U12G (1) YYHL

Sunday saw us head to Harrogate for the next round of league fixtures, and what a day it turned out to be!
There was a real mix of confidence, nerves and excitement as we stepped up into another new, higher league. A bigger squad, some new faces and another challenge to embrace. But the girls were ready to give it their best shot!
After a good warm-up, we were straight into action against Hull, and what a way to start the day! The girls got off to a flying start, putting in a solid performance to secure a 2-0 win. Exactly the start we wanted!
After a match rest and a quick debrief, it was time to face Leeds. Now, a 1-1 draw really doesn't tell the full story of this one! We peppered their goal time and time again, creating chance after chance and, on another day, could easily have come away with a convincing win. The performance was there, but unfortunately the finishing touch wasn't!
Next up were our consistent closest rivals, Lindum. Knowing the challenge ahead, we switched formation and the girls really stepped up. Fantastic work rate across the whole team helped shut down their creative midfield players, allowing us to dominate possession. Some excellent long passes from the defence opened up plenty of opportunities, and we created some lovely attacking moves. Once again, though, that elusive final finish just wouldn't come!
With results elsewhere remaining incredibly tight, the coaches knew exactly what was needed going into the final game. A win against York was a must if we wanted to secure promotion into Division 2. No pressure then, girls!
And boy, did they deliver!
From the first whistle, the girls were bright, strong and full of energy. The teamwork, communication and togetherness were probably the best we'd seen all day. Everyone worked for each other, moved the ball brilliantly and created chance after chance. York's goalkeeper, however, was having an absolute stormer and seemed determined to keep us out!
But the girls kept pushing, kept believing and, with a few minutes remaining, we finally found the breakthrough!
Cue absolute scenes! The celebrations, the smiles, the excitement and the sheer euphoria on the girls' faces said it all. They knew how much that goal meant, and seeing their reaction made all the hard work worthwhile. A brilliant moment and a fantastic reward for their efforts.
And that was that! The day was done, with parents and players heading off after what had been a brilliant day's hockey.
I hung around a little longer to keep an eye on the master league results, knowing it was going to be tight. We were definitely in the mix, but there was still some waiting and hoping to do...
Then, later that evening, confirmation finally came through!
PROMOTION CONFIRMED! DIVISION 2 HERE WE COME!?
A massive congratulations to all the girls on an absolutely fantastic achievement. Three promotions in a row! What an incredible accomplishment and a real reflection of how much this team is developing.
Every time they step onto the pitch, they are improving, growing in confidence and becoming more and more cohesive as a team. The talent is there, the work rate is there, but most importantly, the team spirit and togetherness are shining through.
A huge thank you, as always, to all the parents for your continued support, encouragement, lifts, food and drinks. It really does make such a difference and is hugely appreciated.
Enjoy this one, girls. You've absolutely earned it!
Next stop: Wakefield. Next challenge: Division 2.
29/11/26
Bring it on!

Doncaster U12G(2) YYHL

An undefeated morning in some great games.
We drew 1-1, 0-0 and 2-2 (conceding in the last seconds of game!) and finished with a convincing 2-0 win, which could easily have been more.
All teams were competitive and three teams ended on the same points. Doncaster managed to sneak into first place on goals scored, meaning back to back promotions.Great effort from all the girls and a fab team spirit.

Doncaster U12B YYHL

They started with a fantastic fighting spirit , working together , using the space , some great passing and it paid off with 2 fantastic goals from Percy.
Both Harrison and Lwandile made some fantastic tackles back in defence.
Second game was more of the same , with some fantastic crosses in from both Euan and Percy but Elvin just couldn’t quite make the back post to tap them in , but he ran his little socks off. Ed got his first and very well deserved goal.
Tough 3rd game against Chesterfield , we just didn’t quite get going and lost our fighting spirit but some absolutely superb saves from Maddison.
Final game against Thirsk , they came back fighting and there was some great passing and as a team they supported each other to the very end , even when the going got tough ! It was frustrating for them not to get the goal.
Onwards and upwards , lots to focus on but super proud of everyone of them , the team camaraderie was fantastic to watch.
Super shout out to Percy for captaining the team , you were fab!

Doncaster U16B and Doncaster U16G - both matches cancelled

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