| Match Report |
After a positive preseason the time had finally come for Boots to experience their first National League game. Having arrived at Doncaster before the dawn chorus Boots had plenty of time to settle any pre-match nerves. Doncaster was always going to be a tough team to beat having had 21 seasons at National League. Doncaster are well established, disciplined and highly experienced. Unfortunately, it seemed like nerves had got the better of Boots and after a shaky start Doncaster showed no mercy scoring their first two goals, both from short corners and within the first 10 minutes. Doncaster continued to dominate the game and won another short corner. Boots were slow to react and couldn’t clear the D and after the several shots on target Doncaster finally made it 3-0. Although Doncaster made the most of their chances Boots were definitely not being outplayed and following some great passing play Boots won a short corner. The first shot was defended well by a Doncaster defender but Nicola Just nipped in for the rebound and scored Boots’ first national league goal just before half time. After the goal and prep talk from Andy Boots came back from half time fighting. Despite this, the Doncaster continued to make the most of their chances and scored another two goals. At 5-1 down Boots were surprisingly in good spirits. Determined to close the goal difference Boots toughened up and started connecting some great passes down the line and into Doncaster’s D. A second goal from Tori Moore spurred Boots on even more. The final 10 minutes saw Doncaster under constant pressure from the Boots attack at its best. Boots tenacity and determination to give Doncaster a run for their money resulted in Becky Simms scoring the final goal during a short corner. Within the final minutes Doncaster had one last attempt at scoring which was saved by Clare Schulze, for this save and several others throughout the game, Clare was voted as man of the match.
Despite the fact Boots were given a rude awakening within the first few minutes of the game there were definitely some positives that they can build on. They should not be too disheartened by a 5-3 defeat against such a well-established team. Onto the next game and with home advantage, tighter defending and their lucky mascot Oscar supporting there is no reason why they can’t chalk up their first win. |