Match ends, Doncaster Rovers Belles 1, Chelsea Ladies 4.
Doncaster Rovers BellesDoncaster Rovers Belles1Chelsea WomenChelsea Women4
England trio Karen Carney, Katie Chapman and Eni Aluko all struck as Chelsea Ladies started their Women's Super League title defence with a 4-1 win over Doncaster Rovers Belles.
The Blues, who won the FA Cup tie against Rovers by the same score last Sunday, were in rampant attacking form.
Carney scored from the penalty spot and, despite Claire Rafferty's own goal, headers by Beth England and Chapman earned a 3-1 lead.
Aluko's fine strike sealed victory.
Carney's opener, after Millie Bright was fouled by Rhiannon Roberts, came at the end of a typical Chelsea break in a first half full of good movement, intricate passing and goal-scoring threat.
Rafferty's own goal from Courtney Sweetman-Kirk's teasing cross did little to interrupt the flow.
But despite two goals from corners making it 3-1, Doncaster responded impressively in a feisty second period.
Sam Tierney almost pulled a goal back after a fine move, but Aluko's calm finish settled the match.
Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes told BBC Sport:
"Karen Carney was at the heart and the core of everything, especially in the first half, and she looks like she's been playing at Chelsea for years.
"I thought she was instrumental in everything we did, whether she was on the left side, down the middle, or on the right.
"We're a group that's got a lot of confidence going forward. Being reigning champions helps with that belief in the way that we play. I was concerned defensively for the team but that's something for us to work on."
Doncaster Rovers Belles forward Courtney Sweetman-Kirk:
"I think as a side we're obviously disappointed. You never want to lose any matches and I know they're the champions but we still fancied ourselves, so it's disappointing in that respect.
"But we won't let it knock us. We've got a month now until the next game so we're go back to the drawing board and see where we're at. They're champions for a reason and as Glen Harris likes to say, Chelsea are two years in the making and we're two months.
"The Belles have always been renowned for and the gaffer made sure that the players he brought in were very aware of that and he's bringing in not just good players but good people."
Line-ups
Doncaster Rovers Belles
Formation 4-1-4-1
- 1Hobbs
- 17Simpkins
- 5Roberts
- 4Little
- 18Barker
- 2EastonSubstituted forMosbyat 86'minutes
- 11Sigsworth
- 3TierneySubstituted forNewboroughat 72'minutes
- 6Lipka
- 9Sweetman-Kirk
- 10Dowie
Substitutes
- 12Gummer
- 13Moorhouse
- 14Mosby
- 15Newborough
- 16Whittle
- 23Hallas-Potts
- 24Breen
Chelsea Women
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Lindahl
- 3Blundell
- 6FaheyBooked at 66mins
- 5FlahertySubstituted forKirbyat 64'minutes
- 11Rafferty
- 17Chapman
- 4Bright
- 8CarneySubstituted forDavisonat 64'minutes
- 10Ji
- 15EnglandSubstituted forBaileyat 74'minutes
- 9Aluko
Substitutes
- 7Davison
- 14Kirby
- 18Legg
- 24Spence
- 25Bailey
- 26Rafferty
- 40Kitching
- Referee:
- Tom Nield
- Attendance:
- 1,165
Match Stats
Home TeamDoncaster Rovers BellesAway TeamChelsea Women
- Possession
- Home34%
- Away66%
- Shots
- Home2
- Away19
- Shots on Target
- Home0
- Away9
- Corners
- Home2
- Away7
- Fouls
- Home6
- Away12
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Doncaster Rovers Belles 1, Chelsea Ladies 4.
Post update
Attempt saved. Ji So-Yun (Chelsea Ladies) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Claire Rafferty.
Post update
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Post update
Delay in match Francesca Kirby (Chelsea Ladies) because of an injury.
Substitution
Substitution, Doncaster Rovers Belles. Yasmin Mosby replaces Becky Easton.
Goal!
Goal! Doncaster Rovers Belles 1, Chelsea Ladies 4. Eniola Aluko (Chelsea Ladies) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Gemma Davison.
Post update
Francesca Kirby (Chelsea Ladies) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Becky Easton (Doncaster Rovers Belles).
Post update
Foul by Jade Bailey (Chelsea Ladies).
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Natasha Dowie (Doncaster Rovers Belles) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea Ladies. Jade Bailey replaces Bethany England.
Substitution
Substitution, Doncaster Rovers Belles. Rachel Newborough replaces Samantha Tierney.
Post update
Foul by Gemma Davison (Chelsea Ladies).
Post update
Emily Simpkins (Doncaster Rovers Belles) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Gemma Davison (Chelsea Ladies).
Post update
Becky Easton (Doncaster Rovers Belles) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Attempt saved. Ji So-Yun (Chelsea Ladies) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Gemma Davison.
Post update
Corner, Chelsea Ladies. Conceded by Leandra Little.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Gemma Davison (Chelsea Ladies) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Hannah Blundell.
