Chelsea manager Matt Beard hailed match-winner Dunia Susi as Chelsea got their Women’s Super League season off to a fine start.
Susi, the scourge of Doncaster, struck twice as Chelsea came from behind to claim an opening victory.
Belles were knocked out of The FA Women’s Cup Quarter Finals by Chelsea last month – with Susi on the scoresheet again – and they were denied by the Blues at Wheatsheaf Park.
Doncaster took the lead through Alyssa Lagonia following an error from Carly Telford before Helen Lander equalised.
Susi’s double, one just before the hour mark and another in injury time, turned the game around and Beard said: “I am glad we got the three points and hopefully we can build on this.
“We showed character to get the equaliser. Dunia has been playing well and we’re delighted with her. She took her goals really well.
“We have got plenty of strength in depth. If you had said beforehand we’d win 3-1 I would have definitely taken that.”
Doncaster’s on-loan goalkeeper Jasmine Elliott was not unduly troubled by the hosts in a low-key start to the match, with the windy, rainy conditions proving difficult to negotiate.
Doncaster, who finished seventh last season, grew into the match and took a deserved lead mid-way through the first half.
Chelsea goalkeeper Telford spilled a cross from the right and Lagonia was on hand to tuck the ball home. The lead lasted just six minutes, though, as Lander swept the ball home with a sweet half volley to level things up.
Beard brought on Claire Rafferty and Ashlee Hincks for Laura Coombs and Helen Bleazard for the second half as he looked to change things around following an indifferent first 45.
Rafferty had the required impact, too, as her excellent cross was tucked home by Susi to put the hosts ahead and Susi added another in injury time.
The result flattered Chelsea, with John Buckley’s side dangerous on the break with Lagonia and Kasia Lipka particularly impressive.
“There was not a great deal in it,” Buckley said.
“I am not disappointed with the effort they put in. They should hold their heads high and I don’t think that’s a fair scoreline.
“We’ll keep going as we are. We’re a good bunch.”
Chelsea: Telford, Perry, Bonner, Williams, Susi, Buet, Sherwood (Lappin 60), Ingle, Bleazard (Hincks 46), Coombs (Rafferty 46), Lander.
Doncaster: Elliott, Cunningham, Little, Holtham, O’Gorman, Lagonia (England 69), Russell, Lipka, Oxtoby, Fenlon-Billson (Sigsworth 72), Chadwick
FAWSL.com, Sportsister
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