Doncaster Rovers Belles set for do-or-die game at Middlesbrough

Belles are four points adrift of safety in FAWNL Division One North with two games left to play.

They will be relegated to the fifth tier – regardless of their result this weekend – were Norton & Stockton Ancients to avoid defeat against Barnsley and York City win at Stockport County.

Middlesbrough lie second in the table, behind Cheadle on goal difference. Ironically, the three-goal margin is traceable to November’s game against Belles whose 3-0 win was Boro’s only league setback this season.

In contrast, Belles have gained just five points from their subsequent games. With just five points separating the bottom seven at the turn of the year, Belles’ current predicament is chiefly down to gaining just four points from their five key games against those relegation rivals in 2025.

Belles exited the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Women’s Senior Cup after losing to Huddersfield Town in a penalty shootout after the teams had drawn 1-1 in their quarter-final tie on Sunday.

The game came two days after Belles had announced they had parted company with manager Ciaran Toner by mutual consent.

Meanwhile, Rossington Main could be playing one tier below Belles next season – if as seems likely Belles are relegated and Rossington are promoted.

Rossington host YP Women in the County Cup this Sunday with the prize for the winners an away tie in the semi-finals against Sheffield United Under-21s or Barnsley FC.

After that game, Rossington are scheduled to play each midweek and Sunday until the end of the month in their quest for a Sheffield & Hallam Women and Girls league and cup double.