Staniforth excited by first game in charge of Donny Belles

New boss Gordon Staniforth is relishing his first competitive game in charge of Doncaster Rovers Belles.

The former Hull, York and Plymouth Argyle player took over from John Buckley in November last year and is currently readying his charges for an FA Women’s Cup Third Round tie against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Both sides will compete in FA WSL 2, the newly-created second tier of elite women’s football, from April.

And Staniforth is aware of the threat Joe Hunt’s side pose.

He told the Belles' official website: "We’ve got two reports on Villa and I’ve spoken to [Everton boss] Andy Spence as they played them last weekend.

"In training this week I brought over my York College squad and we set up a practice scenario as to how Villa would play. That’s how I like to prepare. It’s easy to do things on a board or a PowerPoint, but on the pitch is the best way.

"I’ve got great respect for Villa, and I’m sure they will be a good test.

"They’ve got some good young players who have been involved with the England U19s recently. They’ll be excited to start WSL 2 and they will want to prove that they are worthy of the League."

Staniforth, whose daughter Lucy recently joined WSL champions Liverpool from Bristol Academy, holds The FA Women’s Cup in high esteem and he reached the Semi-Final of The FA Cup as a player with Plymouth in 1984.

That same season he scored in the Pilgrims’ Fourth Round win over Darlington.

He added: "The FA Cup is always important.

"It was important to me as a player, as a spectator and it is now I’m Head Coach of Doncaster Rovers Belles.

"You only have about six games to win a trophy, all it takes is being lucky six times. I want to win every game and competition we enter. It would be great to get some silverware.

"I can’t wait for the first game. At the moment I’m like a child trying to get some sweets - I just can’t wait to get into that sweetshop.

"We can’t wait to get on the pitch."