Doncaster Rovers Belles: Watford display was the best yet - Neil Redfearn

The Belles ran out 3-1 winners at the weekend and the manager has hailed the ruthless first half performance which saw the league leaders storm into a 3-0 lead in half an hour.

Despite a fluke consolation from the visitors and tricky second half conditions, the Belles manager was pleased to see his side go six points clear at the top.

He said: “First half was as good as I’ve seen us play.

“We could have easily had more than three goals. Our passing and movement was a joy to watch. If it was six or seven at half time, it wouldn’t have been an injustice.

“That first half was how to play football.

“The second half was a bit of a war of attrition but it was a pretty convincing win and I thought the girls were superb; I was really pleased with that first half especially.”

Scotland Under-19 international Kirsty Hanson came in for praise after she stole the show, claiming an assist in a rampant performance down the left for the Belles.

Redfearn added: “She was unplayable.

“It was like tackling smoke; she was so good.

“We’ve worked with Kirsty on creating space to get the ball in and her movement to give her the chance to get at people and her hard work is paying off.

“Her cross for Sam Tierney’s goal was fantastic.

“A special mention for the three in the middle too. Sophie Bradley-Auckland, Leandra Little and Rhiannon Roberts were outstanding again. There’s not going to be many better than them in this league.”

With no game until April 19 when Durham Women come to the Keepmoat Stadium, it’s a chance for Redfearn and his team to regroup ahead of a tough run in.

He said: “We’ve got a few away now on international duty so we wish all of them the best of luck.

“For the rest of the squad it’s about using this break wisely because we’ve got some big games coming up.

“We’ve put ourselves into a great position and now we just need to keep doing the right things.”