DONCASTER Rovers Belles defied the odds to lift the FA Futsal Women's Cup, with of a hard fought victory over Watford Ladies at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Belles were only brought into the competition as a late replacement by Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA last week, and had never played the game before the weekend.
After quickly familiarising themselves with the laws of the game, and taking in a few of the matches between the more established teams in the sixth annual competition, which saw the best 16 men's and women's teams in the country in action, Belles battled their way through the qualifying rounds.
Last year's winners Watford had been in impressive form throughout the competition and went into the final as favourites and settled down the quicker of the two teams.
Watford carved out the best of the early chances with Helen Lander hitting the angle.
At the other end, Vicky Exley found herself in a bit of space but her shot was well saved by Lauren Davey in the Watford goal.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when the ball was worked towards Exley and she sneaked a shot into the net.
As Watford threw caution to the wind in the closing few minutes, replacing Davey with an outfield player, Belles could have all but sealed it when tournament golden boot winner, Tanya Rich, had an empty goal to aim at but narrowly missed from long range.
It was not to prove decisive though and Belles hung on to claim the trophy.
Belles assistant-manager Paul Green said: 'We are delighted to have won.
"The odds were certainly stacked against us being such late replacements and never having actually played this style of football.
"But the girls worked hard and grew in confidence as the tournament progressed. We were worthy winners in the final against a strong Watford side. The girls enjoyed the competition and I'm sure that they are looking to become regular futsal players."
Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA chief executive James Hope Gill said: "I would like to offer my congratulations to all the players from Doncaster Rovers Belles for representing the County FA and South Yorkshire at the finals.
"To agree to step in at the last minute, without ever having played, and with only half the squad allowed for the finals, is outstanding."
The Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA is committed to promoting and developing the game.
They are working hard to improve local participation in football for both children and adults and hope that the fast-paced, exciting and skilful game will become one of the most popular in the region.
Click on the green 'Play' button above to watch the Belles in futsal actionWhat do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 508 words and appears in Doncaster Star newspaper.
