Belles Oozing Class In Defence

A fixture reverse saw the Belles welcome Hinckley, as they returned to league action. We welcomed Ffion, who was back from a nose injury but we were unfortunately without Lola who sustained an ankle injury in training. Everyone at the Belles wishes her a speedy recovery!

The game started with the Belles going close, Scarlet bringing a save from the goalkeeper. Then she saw a close range header brilliantly saved by her. The Belles continued to push with midfield duo Alice and Caitlin surging forward to provide extra attacking options. Alice saw a left footed shot saved then Caitlin fired over as the Belles looked to make the breakthrough.

Defensively the opposition were very well organized and it meant the Belles had to show patience in their play. The breakthrough did come, Ffion played a delightful through ball to a rampaging Darcy who fired in low to give the Belles a deserved lead.

The Belles defence were yet again exceptional and composed. A neat one-two between Darcy and Ava, saw the latter play a fantastic pass. Darcy's cross was met by Freya who finished well. However she was flagged offside.

Lois was in phenomenal form, her tenacious covering but also how she was in possession was absolutely incredible. A neat turn from Monica saw her play the ball into Ffion but she was just dispossessed at a crucial time.

Esme sent a lovely goal kick forward right into the path of Ffion whose dinked attempted was well saved. A corner was cleared which fell to Ava but her attempt flew wide.

The Belles continued to push but couldn't add to the score line despite having lots of possession.

We couldn't really add much to the team talk as the performance was excellent, it was just a lack of composure at the right time that was the comment we could make.

The second half started and again the opposition was set up to frustrate the Belles. Lots of play was being started from defence as the confidence continued to show from the Belles. Freya saw her attempt saved then some brilliant foot work from Ffion saw her strike a low shot that looked destined for the corner but it came back off the post.

A position switch saw Captain Oliwia go on the right wing as Darcy moved centrally. The Belles passing continued as Ava linked up well with Oliwia as her cross towards Ffion was brilliantly cleared. Caitlin jinked forward but her shot went wide as the Belles were knocking on the door for a second goal. Defensively the Belles were rarely troubled, due to the composure showed by Lois, Ava and Monica.

Chloe went to right back and followed suit, winning not one but two big interceptions to get the Belles forward. The Belles did get a second goal that their play and perseverance deserved. Ffion got through and made no mistake as she despatched the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Iris played a good pass inside to Ffion then nearly got on the end of another brilliant Darcy cross.

The Belles saw the game out and it was a gritty but also confident display. On another day we would have had more goals but we were so happy with how they didn't panic and were patient in their play.

Players of the match went to Lois and Ava. Both were amazing in defence and in possession with Lois getting praised by opposition parents. She oozed class all game and Ava's tenacious defending is always a joy to watch.

We have a birthday coming up this week as Lois celebrates her on Wednesday. Thanks for the cakes and biscuits and we all hope you have an amazing day!
Well done girls!