Why do we have six stars around our badge? This #WomensFootballWeekend we take a brief look at our history in the FA Cup.
Belles were formed in 1969 by a number of young, ambition women sold draw tickets at Doncaster Rovers home matches. The “Belles” came from the team’s home ground Belle Vue.
Among the Belles many and varied achievements, the FA Cup success stands out. The side reached the final a massive 13 times winning on six occasions.
In 2019, to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary, six stars were added to the club’s crest to honour their six FA Cup wins.
1983
Fittingly, a brace from club founder Sheila Stocks, as well as a goal from Jill Hanson helped Belles lift the cup for the first time after a 3-2 victory over St Helens at Sincil Bank in Lincoln.
1987
After three successive final heart-breaks, success would come in fine fashion as goals from Jackie Sherrard and Karen Walker’s set Nottingham’s City Ground alight with a 2-0 final win over St Helens, with a penalty save from Belles’ keeper Tracey Davidson sealing the win.
1988
Further success continued for the Belles as a 3-1 win over Leasowe Pacific saw the Belles retain the Women’s FA Cup. Strikes from Karen Walker, Jackie Sherrard and Gill Coultard cancelled out a Michelle Jackson penalty at Gresty Road, Crewe, in the entertaining final.
1990
Talismanic midfielder Gill Coultard scored the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Friends of Fulham at the Baseball Ground in Derby.
1992
An emphatic 4-0 Women’s FA Cup win over Red Star Southampton saw Belles clinch their fifth FA Cup. Karen Walker set a record for scoring a hat-trick in every round of the cup, including the final.
It was a very successful year for the Belles as they won also took home the FA Women’s Premier League title.
1994
Belles regained the Women’s FA Cup in their 11th cup final in 12 years. More than 1,600 fans watched on from the Glanford Park stands in Scunthorpe as Karen Walker’s header proved enough to beat Knowsley United 1-0 and give the Belles their sixth FA Cup victory.
Belles are back in FA Cup action this weekend hoping to cause a cup upset away at Stoke City Ladies. Read the preview.