A Rachel Williams hat-trick together with a late Jodie Taylor strike ensured Birmingham safely progressed through to the last four of the Continental Cup.
The result never appeared in doubt as Williams’ hat-trick killed the game off shortly after half-time, and Jodie Taylor made it four with 11 minutes to play.
Birmingham showed their intent early on as Karen Carney tried her luck with a volley, but her effort was blocked.
The away side didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity, taking the lead on 16 minutes through Williams. Kerys Harrop was in acres of space on the left-wing and delivered a curling cross, with Williams rising highest at the far-post to head home.
The visitors almost doubled their advantage through Izzy Christiansen. The winger was first denied by Doncaster ‘keeper Marie Earps, then her second attempt curled wide.
The Blues duly extended their advantage, though, as Williams scored her second of the afternoon just before the interval.
The former Belles forward side-footed past Earps from close range after the Belles players claimed Jessica Sigsworth was fouled in the build up to the goal and that Taylor was offside. But it was nothing less than Birmingham deserved.
The game was sealed on 47 minutes thanks to Williams scoring from the penalty spot.
The referee had no choice but to award a penalty, as Christansen was barged in the back when going in search of Carney’s cross.
Williams was involved again moments later when she teed up Taylor, and her strike partner was unfortunate to see her shot drift inches wide.
However, Taylor got her goal late on, heading in Carney’s brilliant cross.
Doncaster (4-5-1): Earps; Chadwick, Sjoman, Jones, Karlsson; O’Gorman, Exley (Hall 61), Holtham (C), Prosser, Hamilton (England 66); Sigsworth (Scott 80).
Unused subs: Cox
Bookings: Holtham (43, dissent), Jones (44, dissent).
Blues: (4-4-2): Hourihan; Harrop, Westwood, Bassett (c), Weston (Susi 66); Carney, Potter, Moore (Stanton 71), Christiansen (Ballard 63); Williams, Taylor.
Unused subs: Hall, Wright.
Goals: Williams (16, 42, 47 pen), Taylor (79).
Player of the match: Rachel Williams
Referee: A.Fearn
Attendance: 198
Paddy also caught up with their manager David Parker for a quick post match chat.
With the semi-final draw of the Continental Cup taking place tomorrow, Birmingham boss David Parker doesn’t mind who his side draw out of the hat.
The Blues booked their place in the last four alongside Arsenal, Everton and Lincoln after thrashing Doncaster Rovers Belles 4-0 in a scintillating display this afternoon.
Unsurprisingly, Parker is in confident mood ahead of the draw.
“We’ve got to beat two teams to win the competition and the aim and the objective has to be to get to the final first, taking it one step at a time.
“We’re willing to take on anyone and it’s out of the hat but a home tie is always nice. Whatever will be, will be and we’ll take on anyone with the mood we’re in at the moment.”
Birmingham ran out deserved winners against a tough Doncaster side, and in the process showing their early season free-flowing goalscoring form – something which clearly delighted the boss.
“I feel like that performance has been coming for a while now. The last three or four league games, we were just getting back to that level where we were at in the first seven games of the season.
“And now we just seem to be peaking at the right time for the cup competition. Unfortunately it’s too late for the league but it’s perfect for the cup as we’re now only one game away from the final.”
The final does indeed beckon for Parker’s side at Burton Albion FC in a fortnight’s time, and they look decent bets to reach the showpiece occasion after a wonderful display of attacking football against the Belles.
This was partly down to the prolific Rachel Williams together with her new strike partner Jodie Taylor, who has just returned from a loan spell at Lincoln.
“Rachel has been fantastic again. She probably had a bit of an off week last week but she’s come back and responded unbelievably today. She had a new strike partner in Jodie as well and their link up play was fantastic. The performance of the team was great and that was also very pleasing.”
He continued: “I was absolutely delighted with Jodie today. Her movement, her link up play with Rach was excellent and the fact they hadn’t played in a competitive match before was frightening. If you look at the way she plays and the way she links up with the rest of the team it’s great and everything’s looking promising for her.
“The way she took her goal after missing a few chances before was brilliant. All the girls are really pleased for her.”
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