Arsenal have succeeded the Doncaster club as the top women's team in the country and seldom lose.

But Buckley said: "This club has a proud tradition and we will go down there and give it all we've got."

Belles' future is in jeopardy because of serious financial problems and club chairman Jonathan James said: "I just hope there is a businessman out there who can be the saviour of the club.

"The people of Doncaster have suffered enough through redundancies and unemployment - let's not see one of the town's biggest sporting institutions close as well."

A shirt sponsorship deal worth £60,000 a year is required to prevent the club from going under.

Target2000, a charity appeal launched in June aimed at recruiting 2,000 people to donate 50p a week to secure the club's long term future, has seen just 54 individuals pledge their support so far.

The club is currently in talks with Doncaster Council and the Keepmoat Stadium's management committee.

Offers of help have also been received from Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster College.

Buckley said: "It would be a catastrophe to see the name Doncaster Belles go out of existence.

"The club will be 40 years old in January and, with the best side we've had for some years, we had hoped to be celebrating the anniversary in style.

"Now it looks as though we won't even get to be forty."

Dial M for Mortgage has launched a collection for the Belles at their Cleveland Street shop in the town centre, while staff have also visited
other businesses in search of more support.

On the field Belles have started the season on fire - winning each of their last three games, scoring 15 goals in the process, and beat Fulham 7-0 last Sunday.