Millwall Lionesses 2 Doncaster Rovers Belles 0
Millwall Lionesses remained at the top of the Tesco FA Women's Premier League after a comfortable victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles at Beckenham Town's Eden Park last weekend.
Goals from Lindsey Morgan and Ann-Marie Heatherson ensured The Lionesses' unbeaten home record remained intact.
With Meghan McKeag, Leah Jones, Ellie Stenning and Victoria Boardman still sidelined though injury manager Aidan Boxall made changes to his side with Harley Bennett, Lauren Phillips and Angela Kiobel coming in to the squad.
The game started brightly when Rachel Williams had her close-range effort tipped over by Claire Lacey in the Millwall goal.
This was shortly followed by a shot from Victoria Williams after a drive forward by Vicky Exley.
It was The Belles who looked livelier when Lacey was forced into another smart save, punching away an effort from Elizabeth Hansen.
It was Millwall, though, who made the breakthrough against the run of play when a misplaced long ball by Sinead Boyer was met by the run of Morgan who lobbed visiting keeper Claire Farrow from 20 yards.
The second period saw both sides make early changes with the visitors substituting Emma Johnson and Carla Baxby for Paige Eli and Victoria Williams, and The Lionesses replacing Phillips with Kiobel.
Looking to recover their deficit The Belles pressed for an equaliser with Rachel Williams shooting wide under a challenge from Leanne Champ.
The Lionesses were looking stronger as the game progressed and Morgan came close to grabbing a second after some smart play from Kiobel down the wing, seeing her shot cannon off the cross bar.
From a Charlotte Gurr corner Emma Beckett almost claimed her first goal when she rose above The Belles' defence, only for her header to go wide.
The Belles came close to an equalizer when Emily Simpkins smashed a shot through a crowd of players only for Claire Lacey to get down low and push the shot round the post and away for a corner.
The Belles followed their corner by earning a free-kick on the edge of the box. Emily Simpkins again smashed the ball-goal bound only to hit the wall and the follow up shot from Precious Hamilton was cleared by Leanne Champ who received the ball in her face for her bravery.
Looking to seal the victory manager Boxall replaced Carly Eagles and Gurr with Harley Bennett and Rebecca Tweed.
With five minutes remaining an inspired run down the wing from the sprightly Kiobel resulted in a cross field ball to Heatherson. With only defender Natasha Stanisland to beat, some quick feet by Heatherson saw her clip the ball round the defender and leave her stranded before gracefully stroking the ball past keeper Claire Farrow to put the game firmly out of Doncaster's reach.
The Lionesses face league and cup champions Arsenal Ladies tomorrow Sunday 4th October in the second round of The FA Premier League Women's Cup at Beckenham Town FC.
Millwall Lionesses: Claire Lacey, Dionne Lennon, Sarah Jones, Sinead Boyer, Charlotte Gurr, Carly Eagles, Leanne Champ, Emma Beckett, Ann-Marie Heatherson, Lindsey Morgan, Ellie Stenning (Harley Bennett) Subs not used, Rebecca Tweed, Lauren Phillips.
* The Lionesses are keen to hear from potential sponsors. Please contact Sam Thomson via email on samthomson9@btinternet.com or call 07760 430122.