MICHAEL Mulhern has called for a reaction from his players after Middlesbrough Women suffered their first defeat of the season.

Boro were stunned by lowly Doncaster Rovers Belles as they went down 3-0, with Mulhern admitting it was as poor a display as he'd seen from his side since taking charge last summer.

But Boro remain top of Division One North, with Mulhern now urging his players to dust themselves down and get back to winning ways when they host Barnsley at Stockton Town on Sunday.

"It was very disappointing and one of those days where our decision making wasn't great," said Boro's boss.

"We've never been as bad as that but it happens, it shouldn't define us and we're now looking for a response.

"It's our first defeat since April and even then the season was over and we made a few changes.

"The girls have to reflect and we hope it's a one off. We've been so so good this season, we've just had an off day, it happens."

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Mulhern added: "It's disappointing but we have to reflect. That's what good teams do and hopefully we can look back and say that was a blip but we got over it. As long as you learn from it, that's what matters."

Mulhern and Boro have quickly turned their attention to Sunday's game at Stockton against Barnsley, who are languishing down in ninth place.

Admission will be free for Boro season ticket holders and Under-16s. For non-season ticket holders, it's £5 entry for adults. The game kicks off at 2pm.