MATCH REPORT: County Cup quest ends in defeat as Doncaster Rovers Belles prove too strong for Millers

Rotherham United Women 0-4 Doncaster Rovers Belles

IT was always going to be a tough ask for Rotherham United Women to overcome a team from the tier above – and so it proved as Doncaster Rovers Belles prevailed comfortably in this County Cup clash.

The Millers defended doggedly and showed admirable work rate to keep the Belles at bay for half an hour, before the unlucky Rachel Hale flicked a free kick beyond the clutches of home keeper Georgia Ward.

And an uphill challenge became even steeper moments before the break when Rovers attacker Phoebe Sneddon seized on a loose ball 18 yards out and curled into the top corner.

Sophie Brown – a real handful for the Millers defence – added a third midway through the second half, having spurned a one-on-one chance 15 minutes earlier – and when Ward misjudged a high ball, substitute Izzy Hasselman tapped in the fourth.

Hale – who finished with a shiner following a clash of heads – and Lauren Winter each put in an industrious shift in midfield, while Dina Sarayreh took player of the match plaudits after showing her versatility in defence.

Chances for the Millers were few and far between but there were flickers of hope.

Sub Jessie Broadhurst was flagged offside when played through cleverly by Winter.

And the striker will be disappointed that she sliced wide with one later chance, while Milly Colford was denied by a flying save from Rovers’ Paige Johnson as the home side made a late charge in search of a consolation.

But ultimately it was the Belles – backed by away fans who had brough their own bells to ring – who progressed to the County Cup second round.

The Millers will now turn their attention to the League Cup, with a trip to Arnold Eagles next Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Millers’ reserves were just edged out in a pulsating seven-goal encounter with AFC Bentley at Herringthorpe Stadium.

Nnola Oyeka, Jess Jones and Mia McDonald all scored in a 4-3 defeat.

The Reserves are next in action on October 1 at home to Mosborough.

Firsts v Doncaster: Georgia Ward, Sidni Simmons, Molly Corke, Lori-Anne Tart, Dina Sarayreh, Halima Essa, Abbie Staples, Rachel Hale, Lauren Winter, Caitlin O’Callaghan, Milly Colford. Substitutes: Lauren Brogan, Jessie Broadhurst, Madison Wilson.

Reserves vs Bentley: Hannah Iguchi, Emily Ind, Jess Jones, Emily Bell, Faith Hall, Freya Sutherland, Georgia Harris, Madison Jones, Emily Ward, Nnola Oyeka, Mia McDonald. Substitutes: Lottie Tattam, Lewis Cumberbatch.