Managers at the club, which is due to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, have issued an appeal for cash, and earlier this week said the team was a few days from going under.

Bosses were even struggling to find £500 to hire a coach to take the team to London for Sunday's match, but a law firm has now stepped in to ensure the women can travel south.

David Urpeth, a partner at Sheffield-based Irwin Mitchell solicitors asked his firm to come up with the money and yesterday he told manager John Buckley the good news.

Mr Urpeth said: "Doncaster Rovers Belles celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and is one of the most well known women's football clubs in the country.

"I couldn't sit back and watch them go to ruin and as soon as I heard that they were in trouble I had to step in."

The club, the oldest in the women's Premier League, needs £60,000 a year.

But Mr Buckley warned: "We now need to find funding that will see our long term future secured."

Anyone who can help should contact Club Secretary Paul Green on 07966 163968.