
Match reports Saturday 21st February
L1
Ben Rhydding 2 v Doncaster L1
0 : 2
Doncaster delivered a dominant performance from start to finish in a game that they controlled throughout.
From the first whistle, the girls dictated the tempo and created the majority of the meaningful chances. Connie was outstanding and at the heart of almost everything positive, driving play forward and orchestrating much of Doncaster’s attacking threat.
The goals came from Sophie and Connie, with a particularly special moment for Sophie — scoring on her debut at just 13 years old. A fantastic achievement and a brilliant sign of the strength coming through the squad.
Doncaster created numerous short corners and a host of open-play opportunities but were unable to convert as many as they would have liked. On another day, the game could easily have been four goals to the good by half time and effectively out of sight.
At the back, Sarah was composed and solid throughout, dealing confidently with everything thrown her way. Annabelle was instrumental going forward, creating chance after chance and keeping the opposition under constant pressure.
It was a full team performance, with everyone playing their role and contributing to a dominant display. A strong performance built on control, composure, and collective effort.
L2
Doncaster L2 v Lindum 2
3 : 1
The home side couldn’t have asked for a better start. Within just two minutes, Doncaster were awarded a short corner, from which a stroke was won. Captain N. Clealand stepped up confidently to fire a clinical flick into the back of the net, giving Doncaster an early 1–0 lead.
The goal set the tone for the match, with Doncaster playing fast, composed and attacking hockey throughout the first half.
Doncaster moved the ball brilliantly across the pitch, linking defence and midfield seamlessly and applying sustained pressure in the attacking third. Despite their dominance, Lindum managed to find an equaliser against the run of play, capitalising on an opportunity to bring the score to 1–1.
Undeterred, Doncaster continued to control possession and create chances. Their persistence paid off in the second half when Nat once again showcased her skills, producing another outstanding flick to restore Doncaster’s lead at 2–1.
With momentum firmly on their side, Doncaster kept pushing forward. The third goal came from a well-worked team move, with sharp passing around the circle before R. Clish struck a composed hit past the Lindum goalkeeper to make it 3–1.
The remainder of the match saw Doncaster manage the game professionally, maintaining their structure and intensity until the final whistle. It was a strong all-round team performance, highlighted by clinical finishing and disciplined defensive work, securing a deserved victory.
L4
Doncaster L4 v SUBHC
1 : 2
Doncaster and Sheffield University Bankers played out a fast-paced game ending in a 2-1 win for Sheffield. Doncaster started strongly, having the ball possession for most of the first 20 minutes, but unfortunately conceded a goal in the 23rd minute of the match, despite tireless defending from Kerry, Grace, Jill and Izzy . Doncaster continued to work hard with valiant hits from Sue and Lowri up to Sheffield’s goal, but, despite excellent saves from Cerys, Sheffield scored another goal in the first half of the game. In the second half, the midfield of Saffy, Lowri, Bronwyn, Jenny, Vicky, Lauren and Sofia worked hard to get the ball up the pitch and up to the forwards, resulting in several attacking short corners for Doncaster. Pat, Sue, Imogen, Saffy and Lowri got several shots on goal which got saved by Sheffield’s goalkeeper. Shortly into the second half, Pat scored a fantastic goal, assisted by Sue. Doncaster continued their determination until the final whistle and every player worked extremely hard against the very experienced team.
M2
Doncaster M2 v Stockton 1
1 : 4
On the back of two impressive wins, Doncaster Men's 2s came into Saturday’s fixture, not favourites, but full of confidence as we welcomed Stockton 1s to the JSM Arena.
The visitors started sharply and with two fast breakaway chances they managed to secure a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Despite spells of good build-up play and growing attacking presence, we struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances and nearly went without reply before the break.
But just when it felt like the momentum would stick with Stockton, B Stoves produced a crucial moment before the break. A perfectly executed penalty corner straight from the training ground pulled one back and gave us hope we could cause another upset with another 35 minutes of hockey to play.
HT: 1-2
The second half saw a different Doncaster. For a solid 20-minute spell we outplayed the visitors, moving the ball with intent and creating multiple dangerous chances. We just needed to stay in the game as long as possible and continue this fantastic spell to sneak a point from the now league leaders.
However, against the run of play, Stockton capitalised on two fortunate breakaway opportunities, converting both to put the game beyond reach. Despite our dominance for large parts of the half, the score line stretched to 1-4 by the final whistle.
FT: 1-4
While the result doesn’t reflect the balance of play for significant periods, there were plenty of positives to take. The character shown to respond before half-time and the intensity after the break highlight the progress this group is making. We take it all into next week away at Durham Uni and see if we can get another point from them.
M3
SUBHC v Doncaster M3
2 : 1
Doncaster Men’s 3s travelled to Sheffield for an early 10:15 start, looking to make amends for the 2-0 loss at home.
Bankers were a strong, physical side who were well drilled. They took the lead in the first half after a well worked goal overloaded the Doncaster defence. Half time 1-0.
Doncaster upped their physicality in the second half and tried to take advantage of a tiring Banker’s defence. The equaliser came through a neat passing routine on a short corner with Tom Beverley putting it past the keeper. The remainder of the second half was a fairly equal affair, with Doncaster playing well. This unfortunately wasn’t Doncaster’s day with Bankers getting a late winner. Beau, after having solid game was caught off guard with a near post effort.
Final score Sheffield Bankers 2 Doncaster 1
M4
Doncaster M4 v SUBHC
0 : 4
This week saw another tough fixture for Doncaster 4s as they faced high-flying Sheffield Bankers.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with both sides evenly matched in possession and territory. Doncaster worked hard to stay organised and limit clear opportunities, but Sheffield were clinical when it mattered. They capitalised on space at the back post to open the scoring before doubling their lead with a well-taken, deflected short corner. Despite Doncaster’s efforts, Sheffield went into the break with a 2–0 advantage.
The second half followed a similar pattern early on, with both teams competing evenly across the pitch. Doncaster looked determined to work their way back into the game, but as the half wore on, tired legs began to show. Sheffield took advantage from set pieces once again, converting two further short corners in the later stages to extend their lead.
It was a disappointing result for Doncaster, who have struggled to find form since Christmas. However, with some of their toughest fixtures now behind them, attention turns to a crucial run of upcoming matches where they will look to secure some much-needed points and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Match reports Sunday 22nd February
M1
Oxton v Doncaster M1
1 : 1
After a 2.5 hour journey to the outskirts of Wales, the team arrived at Oxton HC, looking forward to another National League fixture. On arrival, the changing facilities were initially closed and there were no refreshments available, but eventually the team were able to access the clubhouse and begin pre-match preparations.
Doncaster started strongly, dominating possession in the first half and making numerous entries into the opposition’s 23. Despite the pressure, the opening goal proved elusive, with both sides going into half-time goalless.
The second half took on a more physical edge, and the match became increasingly competitive. There were a number of robust challenges and the game became a little heated, with play occasionally descending into disarray.
Oxton broke the deadlock with a reverse stick shot from outside the circle. The decision to award the goal raised a few eyebrows, but the home side took full advantage and went ahead.
Doncaster responded, pushing for an equaliser in a match short on clear-cut chances. The breakthrough finally came thanks to B Pickles, who expertly controlled an overhead pass, weaved through the Oxton defence and smashed a backhand shot into the goal.
The closing minutes saw a flurry of injuries, cards, and further disruptions, as both teams battled hard until the final whistle.
In the end, it was a challenging away day for Doncaster, but the team showed resilience to come away with a draw.
A tough afternoon also for the travelling support, whose numbers impressively outstripped the home turnout. Attention now turns to next weekend’s Saturday night fixture.
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