The Women's Super League kicked off last night. At 5.30 Chelsea took on Arsenal in front of the TV cameras and a crowd of over 2000. Arsenal bagged the three points with a 1-0 victory over their London rivals. While that was going on I travelled to Sincil Bank, home of Lincoln City FC, to watch Lincoln Ladies take on their 'local' (as in 40 miles away) rivals Doncaster Belles.
Lincoln City are struggling in League 2 at the moment (they should never have got rid of ace ex- Huddersfield Town manager Pete Jackson so readily) and their ground could do with a bit of TLC. Nevertheless I find the old terraced housing that surrounds Sincil Bank comforting, a throw back to times when football was a game for the working classes located in the heart of their community. I'm all for a bit of nostalgia - and humour. I loved the fish and chip shop on the corner called the 'Back of the Net.'
There was an air of excitement outside the turnstiles. A quick survey of the queue showed a fair mix of people - male and female, young and old. I bought a programme - £1.50 - and liked the fact they were giving away postcards of some of the players with them. I got England international Sophie Bradley.
At the turnstiles I flashed my season ticket with pride (£24) and my daughter and her boyfriend paid their £6 entrance fee. Once inside, all the fans were ushered into the main stand - there is no need for segregation at women's matches. The crowd is neither large enough not ugly enough to warrant it. We found seats towards the back and above the half way line.
We could have done with a few drums and a 'singing end' to keep the momentum going but we did have a Donny Belles fan with a handbell (bell - Belles - gerrit?). Everytime it rang I thought lessons had ended or we were at a boxing match. I hope Arsenal fans don't bring a cannon (though Everton can bring toffees...)
Then the two teams emerged into the cold night air and the applause of the 742 crowd.
Guess who the ref was? Sian Massey, the fourth official caught up in the Richard Keys/Andy Gray sexism row (see earlier blog). Anyway, that small distraction aside, the match began. Doncaster Belles came out the stronger and looked more assured on the ball and in set pieces. Lincoln took longer to settle. Sue Smith and Jess Clarke got plenty of the ball but were thwarted by a solid Belles' defence. Belles pushed and pushed and Vicky Exley deservedly scored just before the end of half time.
Bringing on Sophie Walton after the break seemed to add that bit of impetus to the Imps. The second half was much more lively and both sides played some great football. My daughter, who'd watched the Chelsea v Arsenal match on TV, said they were just as good as the London teams. Casey Stoney (ex Arsenal) began to exert her influence with some beautifully controlled crosses. Sue Smith came closest to scoring the equaliser and keeper Kay Hawke pulled off an absolutely brilliant save towards the end to prevent Belles going 2-0 up.
So Belles drew first blood and took the three points but Lincoln Ladies have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of; they showed great potential. Ace captain Megan Harris and her team can hold their heads high and go into the next match full of confidence.
Lincoln Ladies
Post-match post mortem
Read the full match report on Lincoln Ladies website or Doncaster Belles'
Helena Pielichaty
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