BELLES IN CONFIDENT MOOD
NEW boss John Buckley is looking forward to Saturday's opening Premier League match at Aston Villa with confidence despite last week's Community Shield defeat by Fulham.
The London club - unbeaten for more than two years - maintained their run against the Belles but had to rely on a late goal for a 1-0 victory.
Buckley said: "They are still in front of us and it would be silly to pretend otherwise.
"But I have been very encouraged with what I've seen since I've been here and I think we are definitely in with a chance of breaking their stranglehold on the game."
Fulham finished worthy winners but the Belles had the better chances at the start and former England skipper Karen Walker was unlucky not to fire Doncaster ahead when she hit the post.
Buckley has been impressed with the example set by the international striker but still believes his team need to improve in several areas before they can match the likes of Fulham.
He said: "I would like to make one or two signings to strengthen the squad and I still think we need to work on our fitness levels.
"Fulham have had an advantage in that respect through being full time in the past but the fitter we become the better we will be able to compete with them."
The Belles were without Karen Burke and Michelle Barr but will be boosted by their return after next week's game and Buckley added: "When we are at full strength we will be a match for most sides.
"There is plenty of ability in the squad and one thing we have which you can't buy is a fantastic team spirit."
The former Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United winger said: "I know from the men's game that is something which is not always present at clubs however good the team may be.
"We had it at Doncaster under Billy Bremner when I was there but I didn't have it at all my clubs and it can make a big difference when players are prepared to roll their sleeves up and give everything for each other."
He added: "We will be aiming to start with a win at Villa and I think we will become stronger as the season progresses".
Buckley is set to play an attacking system against newly promoted Villa using three strikers and has brought in a player from Sunderland to strengthen the left back position.
* The Belles bounced back from the Fulham defeat with a 3-0 victory over Oldham in their final friendly outing with goals from Walker, Jodie Handley and Vicky Exley.
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Weather for Doncaster
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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