Doncaster Rovers Belles v London Bees: Belles aim to bounce back from first league defeat

FAWSL2 leaders Belles host London Bees on Saturday (6.30pm) hoping to bounce back from a 1-0 reverse at Brighton on Sunday.

“The girls are down and a little bit disappointed in the dressing room, but we’ll pick them up and go again,” said Redfearn afterwards.

“We’ve got another big game next week against London Bees, and we’re in a great position. We’re top of the league and six points clear, so we’ve just got to keep going.

“I know how football works. If you go all season and win every game, it’s some feat, so law of averages says you’re going to drop the odd point.

“It’s been a fantastic run from the girls, and we’ve just got to make sure we keep going and do what we’ve been doing.”

Laura Rafferty’s ninth minute goal earned Brighton, who will play in next season’s top flight, the points.

Belles went into the game having beaten Durham 3-1 last Thursday.

“I don’t think we turned up first half,” said Redfearn. “We looked a little bit leggy at times after a tough game against Durham . I’m not using that as an excuse but we didn’t apply ourselves like we usually do.

“Second half I thought we battled and we were camped in their half: we just couldn’t fashion a chance.

“I thought Brighton were a good side when we beat them 4-1 at home and I thought four flattered us a little bit because they played some good football. I thought today they started off better than us.

“When we got to half- ime and it was still 1-0, you think you can do something about it and we changed it around a bit, but we just didn’t have that extra little bit to get us over the line. It was just one of those days.”