BLUES Ladies' campaign to hit sports presenter Gary Newbon in the pocket has been gathering steam this week.

Newbon, a well-known critic of the women's game, bet Birmingham City Ladies they would not be able to draw 500 fans for the home clash with Doncaster Belles on Sunday (ko 2pm).

He offered to cough up £500 for the club if they did so together with an extra £1 for every fan over 500 up to a maximum of 1,000.

Chairman Steve Shipway took up the challenge, pledging to donate any money raised from the bet to participating schools on a pro rata basis to help develop women's football.

And this week the campaign was gathering steam with Talksport discussing it yesterday (Tuesday) and the Redditch branch of the Birmingham City FC supporters' club pledging their full support.

Moor Green have approached Kidderminster Harriers and a number of non league sides including Alvechurch, Bromsgrove and Redditch for their support and are asking fans to turn up in their own team colours.

Captain Laura Bassett's England exploits were not enough to earn the central midfielder an instant recall as the Redditch-based side lost 1-0 at Doncaster at the weekend.

Bassett came off the bench against Italy in midweek to win her first England cap but was a second half substitute at the weekend.

Central defender Sarah Dunn could be set for a return to the squad after joining full training this week.

Blues will play arch rivals Aston Villa in the Birmingham County Cup final on Sunday, March 16 after the Premiership hopefuls beat Stratford in the outstanding semi.