Match Report: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC v AFC Fylde Women

Sunday 23rd March 2025

FA Women’s National League Division One North

AFC Fylde Women had to settle for a share of the spoils on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers Belles in Retford.

In this bottom-of-the-table clash, Danny Murphy’s Coasters were frustrated not to come away with all three points after a battling display against one of their relegation rivals. Holly Kelsh-Ridge scored a penalty to give Fylde the lead midway through the first half, before Ciaran Toner’s Belles levelled from a penalty of their own, converted by Jasmine Saxton twenty minutes from time.

It set up a dramatic finale, in which both sides went all out for the winner. Despite a spirited late rally, the Coasters narrowly missed the chance to claim a much-needed victory in their bid for survival.

Among the changes to Fylde’s line-up, Skye Kirkham returned in goal, while Ellie Adams made her first league start, and Emilia Nuttall featured on the bench after a spell out through injury.

On an overcast afternoon at Cannon Park, the two sides showed their attacking intent right from the outset. Nicola James almost released Niamh Corrigan through the middle, but the pass just eluded her. At the other end, Hannah McWilliams’ free-kick was met by a deft header from Arianne Parnham, but Kirkham was equal to it.

Adams carved out an early opening and forced a smart save from Ellie Sharpe in the Doncaster goal. Karri Chan then exploited space down the flank and centred for Lois Moore, but Sharpe did well to gather the cross.

In the 19th minute, Adams showed neat footwork to turn into space, before firing just wide of the far post. Moore was next to let fly when her speculative effort tested Sharpe once again.

With the pressure mounting, Fylde won a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the area. James stepped up and unleashed a powerful drive that Sharpe managed to repel.

Moments later, the Coasters were awarded a penalty when Adams was upended inside the box. Kelsh-Ridge made no mistake with a composed finish from the spot in the 27th minute.

The Belles searched for an instant reply as Parnham got a shot away from an acute angle, but it flew harmlessly wide.

Just past the half-hour mark, Fylde launched a swift counterattack as Chan raced forward and crossed for Moore, who teed up Adams for a clear sight of goal. However, Adams steered her shot just wide of the near post. Finishing the first half strongly, the Coasters took a one-goal lead into the interval.

Half-Time: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC 0-1 AFC Fylde Women

Fylde created the first chance of the second half after more superb wing play by Chan, who squared to Moore inside the box, but Moore’s effort just clipped the outside of the post.

The game continued to be played at a high tempo as possession switched back and forth in the middle of the park. On the hour-mark, Beth Mason saw her attempt blocked by Katie Yates at close quarters. At the other end, Kirkham showed a safe pair of hands to claim McWilliams’ glancing header on target.

The contest swung in Doncaster’s favour in the 71st minute when Saxton was adjudged to have been fouled just inside the box. Much to the visitors’ disbelief, the referee pointed to the spot to give the Belles a golden opportunity to draw level. And Saxton seized it as she slotted the penalty into the bottom-right corner, leaving Kirkham rooted to the spot.

Fylde responded positively to the setback by pushing on for a second goal. Orlaith O’Mahony dribbled forward and slid the ball through for Chan, but Sharpe was quick to smother the ball at her feet. Shortly after, Kelsh-Ridge’s inswinging free-kick found Adams at the back post, but Adams could only direct her header into the side-netting.

In the closing stages, both teams created more good chances as they chased the winner. Doncaster’s Jess Tugby-Andrew connected with McWilliams’ corner, only to see her effort graze the top of the crossbar. With Fylde’s next attack, Corrigan darted inside from the left and fired at goal, but Sharpe made another vital stop.

The result leaves the Coasters with plenty of work to do to ensure their safety, but Murphy’s team will continue to work hard as they prepare for their final two games of the season.

Full-Time: Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC 1-1 AFC Fylde Women

Doncaster Rovers Belles: Sharpe, Adabi, Sears (62’ Coley), J. Tugby-Andrew, Saxton, McWilliams, L. Tugby-Andrew (90+1’ Clarke), Yates, Parnham, Fugler, Pitter

Unused substitutes: Bywater, Barnes, Findlay

AFC Fylde Women: Kirkham, Mason, Sundquist, James, Freeman, O’Mahony, Kelsh-Ridge, Adams (90+1’ Nuttall), Corrigan, Chan (85’ Devereaux), Moore

Unused substitutes: Crook, Tindall, Waine

Report by Scott Jones