Men's Results:

DHC M1 vs Oxton
4 - 3
After 3 draws on the bounce, the Men's 1XI returned to Town Fields for their first home game of 2025, welcoming fellow North Conference side, Oxton. A game that had 6 goals in it in the reverse fixture promised to be a cracker for the spectators braving the miserable weather at the JSM and at the unusual time of 3pm on a Saturday, we pushed back.
Frustratingly, we were behind early on after a sharp Oxton counter attack. It got worse for us as a brilliant piece of individual skill by the Oxton skipper put the visitors 2 ahead. With a mountain to climb and a slight change of tactics off the ball, we began to fight back, enjoying more of the ball and limiting Oxton’s circle entries. The pressure told as Shelley found some space in the circle to roll and fire home. Cresswell then brought us back on level terms just before half-time with a PCA conversion.
Honours even at half time and we were fortunate to be in the game after a really sub-par first half.
The good fortune continued for us, with a deflected PCA turning the game completely on its head putting us 3-2 up. Oxton didn’t give up though, and after a questionable decision in our 25, they converted a PCA of their own to draw back level again.
In a game that lacked any fluidity, a rare glimpse of what Doncaster can do with the ball in the attacking third proved to be the difference. Some fantastic link up play found Priday on the back post completely unmarked and he tapped home for his second of the season, and the goal which turned out to be the decider.
Doncaster did have another chance to put the game completely out of reach with a PCA against the keeper-less Oxton, but failed to convert….the less said about who missed the target, the better.
Again, not at our brilliant best but a decent result nevertheless and we’ll use that to build on for our next game against Didsbury at home under the lights in a few weekend’s time

[b]Wakefield vs Men's 2s
0 - 6
This week’s game saw the 2s travel to Wakefield to try and get another 3 points after winning last week. Starting strong, veteran Kerly opened the scoring with a well struck hit into the bottom left corner. Shortly followed by ANOTHER L Rudd goal to double the lead. The final goal of the half came from G Henshaw who took it round the keeper and slotted it away.
HT: 3-0
Continuing the dominating performance, L Rudd bagged another goal with his trademark spin shot thing into the bottom right. Wakefield had no reply to the battering and Curly bagged another two, getting his hat trick and seeing the game out at 6-0.

DHC Men's 4s vs Slazenger
1 - 6
A few changes from the previous week's match day side as the 4s welcomed Slazenger 2s to the JSM.
Noah W coming back into the squad following some strong performances in the 5s.
Doncaster started the game brightly with some good moves down the right-hand side; Josiah, Noah, and A Proctor linking of well.
Following a slack pass into the middle of the field, Slazenger pushed forward and won a PC, this was subsequently scored. Another misplaced pass led to another short corner, and again, this was converted.
2 minutes later, Slazenger picked up a loose ball following a 50/50 challenge, and the striker took 2 touches, one to control, the other to strike, firing the ball with precision past Baldwin-Hall.
Half-time Doncaster 0 Slazengers 3.
Following some strong words from non-playing captain Lockwood, reinforced by other senior players, the Doncaster side knew they had to score first to stay in the game.
Doncaster had good forays forward and put the Slazenger goal under pressure, forcing some good saves and dogged last ditch defending.
10 minutes into the second half Slazenger smashed a ball from the back to the front line and Slazenger looked for and won a short corner for a foot offence.
The short corner yielded the same result.
Doncaster briefly were down to 10 men when Fotheringham got a green for a bit of petulance knocking the ball away, Slazenger tried to make the numeric advantage count, but Doncaster held firm.
When back to a full compliment, Slazenger won another short, despite valiant efforts on the line the pinpoint precision into the corner of the goal meant the same outcome.
5 minutes later deja vu another short corner and another goal.
In the 63rd minute Doncaster won a short and following slick passing Scott/Proctor/Fearn, Fearn scored the 4s first goal of 2025.
2 minutes later Doncaster had the opportunity to pull another back but Harris' shot was saved by the visiting keeper.
Full time Doncaster 1 Slazenger 6
Next week sees the 4s play the rearranged fixture away at Chesterfield who like the 4s haven't had the season they were expecting.

DHC Men's 5s vs York
3 - 0
Doncaster 5s went away to play York 7s. The weather was poor, but the rain held during play. Doncaster had a changed line-up from last week, with B Dickinson in goal, a return from J Sheppard and debut from O Wade.

York 7s were an experienced squad with a couple of younger faces. In their mix was a member of the over 70s England b squad.
Doncaster started strong in the first half getting the run of play and developing chances. York defended doggedly but Doncaster picked up a goal after 20mins. York when taking their 16s favoured a direct ball straight down the centre, which gave Doncaster the opportunity pick up the ball and press their defence relatively easily. York, however, picked up a penalty corner in the final moments of the first half giving Doncaster a reminder of the importance of continuing to concentrate. Fortunately, York were unable to capitalise on the opportunity and at the break the score was Doncaster 1-0.

In the second half York team were more adventurous in their play however Doncaster remained strong, picking up a further 2 goal to finish the game 3-0.
This was a great team performance and a good outing from our young players with 3 points being added to the season tally to cement the mid-table position.

Ladies Results:

DHC Ladies 1s vs Harrogate
2 - 1
The women’s first team played a very strong game against a fierce Harrogate side on Saturday. The girls entered the game with lots of motivation to take 3 points as Harrogate sit below Doncaster on the table. The hard work from training really showed off in the game. In the first quarter the girls defence was really strong meaning it was able to keep the score at 0-0 after a few chances from Harrogate, leading onto a really strong 2nd quarter scoring a goal with a 1-0 lead at half time. Entering the 3rd quarter the girls were unlucky by Harrogate converting a short corner, and scoring a goal, however the girls came back stronger and quick with a second goal scored from a short corner, leading onto the final quarter the girls kept it calm in defence securing the win and 3 points. Walking off the pitch the girls left with smiles on their face. Have a week off this Saturday, but following Saturday the girls play Didsbury Northern home at the John Marshall Arena 4:00 pushback. The girls will be putting in a lot of effort over the next two weeks in training to strengthen the areas where needed to ensure a positive, strong start against Didsbury Northern.

DHC Ladies 2s vs Sheffield
2 - 4
In a tightly contested match, Doncaster Ladies 2s fell to Sheffield 2s, with the final score reading 4-2 in favour of the visitors. The game, played under the lights on a Friday night, showcased some brilliant individual performances and thrilling moments for both teams.

Sheffield started strongly, quickly taking control with an early goal just 11 minutes in. They added a second just five minutes later, and despite Doncaster's best efforts to rally, Sheffield's quick counter-attacks were proving difficult to defend. A third goal in the 27th minute capped off a strong first half for Sheffield, who led 3-0 at the break.

Doncaster responded after the half time, with Thorpe scoring two goals to put Doncaster back into the contest. The first came from a well-executed penalty corner in the 39th minute, while the second was a field goal in the 50th minute, showcasing the attacking strength of the Doncaster squad. However, despite their efforts, Doncaster couldn't quite overcome the Sheffield defence.

As the match neared its end, Sheffield sealed their victory with a penalty corner goal. The game was marked by excellent goalkeeping on both sides, with both keepers pulling off several key saves to keep the score line competitive.

Doncaster's resilience and teamwork were evident throughout, particularly with their dominance in winning multiple short corners. However, Sheffield's pace on the break proved to be the difference, as they capitalized on several fast breaks to secure the win.

While disappointed with the loss, Doncaster should be proud of their performance and will look to build on this display in their next outing on Saturday against Pocklington.

Pocklington vs DHC Ladies 2s
0 - 3
This weekend Ladies 2s travelled to Pocklington. Doncaster were well up for the game this Saturday and dominated the first half, taking all the good work from Friday night into the game. Doncaster managed to win a few consecutive short corners which lead to the first goal from Thorpy (15mins) who got the rebound from her first shot and hit it past the keeper taking Doncaster into the lead. Doncaster continued to attack Pocklington’s goal and Poppy managed to win another short corner. Thorpy took a straight strike on goal from the short (30mins) securing Doncaster’s lead for the first half.

The second half started with Doncaster on the defensive, but Jess made some amazing saves and the defence continued to put in some great tackles and keep Pocklington at bay. Despite the tense start to the second half, Doncaster turned it around again and about 55minutes in a strong ball was sent down the middle to Erin in the D, who passed the ball left across goal for Greta to fire it in. Doncaster carried on working hard and defending for the rest of the game leaving the final score at an impressive 3-0 win!

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