Andy Butler calls for Doncaster Rovers Belles to build Rossington fortress

Belles have been tenants at the home of Rossington Main since 2018 following their decision to move away from the Keepmoat Stadium.

A young team found the last two seasons tough going but Andy Butler’s class of 2020, a squad more balanced in terms of youth and experience, has made a very encouraging start in this season’s FAWNL Division One Midlands.

Belles sit third in the early standings and they have won both games at Oxford Street, scoring seven goals in the process.

A brace from top scorer Hannah McWilliams and a Nadia Khan goal inside the first 23 minutes sent Belles on their way to a 3-0 win over Long Eaton United on Sunday.

"We do a lot of work watching other teams and seeing how they set up, so we knew if we got at them from the off it'd be a tough task for them,” said Butler.

"I keep saying to the players to start well and put a marker down, then you can always back off. If you back off from the start then you never get into the game.

"We want to make this ground a little fortress for us, where teams see the results and don't fancy coming here.

"We've got to keep plugging away and doing the basics right and if we keep scoring goals early on it gives you a step up."

Belles have won their last two games 3-0 after suffering a 5-0 reverse at Lincoln.

They travel to Redditch United in the second qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.