12 GOAL THRILLER

An absolute goal fest in the Belles final pre-season game. We were looking to continue the positive form from the previous two friendlies. We were without Monica and Ava S, but welcomed back Ava H.

It was a frantic start with both teams looking to open the scoring. Scarlet's corner fell to Oliwia then broke to Darcy as she scuffed a shot wide. The back three of Eliza, Lols and Lola were coping well with the high balls particularly from the opposition goalkeeper kicks, but the Belles went behind after the opposition caused chaos with a high ball in our penalty box.

The Belles then started to attack with more intent, a blistering run from Elcie saw her shoot wide but a through ball from Lola saw Darcy round the goalkeeper and finish from an acute angle.

Captain Caitlin and Oliwia were seeing lots of the ball as Amie nearly played Darcy through. Although the Belles settled, the opposition got two quick goals, which was harsh on the team.

Despite being two goals behind the Belles continued to push forward. Evie played a nice pass to Iris who drove the Belles forward and won another corner. The opposition defence dealt with it really well and cleared. The Belles got a goal back, Darcy surged forward, cut inside and lashed a shot into the far corner. A brilliant individual goal from her. Then with half time approaching, Elcie drove forward and smashed a brilliant shot into the top corner as both teams went into half time on level terms.

The second half began slow for the Belles as the opposition grabbed an early fourth. Zoe played a pass into Oliwia who linked up well with Caitlin, as they created an opportunity for Ava H to drive forward. The Belles got level again, the goalkeeper parried Scarlet's shot and there was Elcie to finish from close range. Elcie's direct play and willingness to run with the ball was fantastic. She nearly got a hattrick as she burst down the left, took two players on but her shot was blocked.

The Belles did get their noses in front and it was a brilliant goal. Oliwia, skipped inside and thundered a shot high into the net. A wonderful strike from Oliwia who has had a brilliant pre-season.

There was always a feeling that there were more goals in this game and that was proven right. The opposition got level again as the game was becoming more and more entertaining with every minute. Lols, Lola and Eliza continued to battle away in defence as Scarlet saw a free kick tipped wide of the post by the goalkeeper. As the game was level and drawing to a close, there was still time for two more goals.

The impressive Darcy ran through, cut the ball back onto her right foot and finished low. An excellent hat trick to cap off a wonderful display from her. Then the opposition drew level again as they struck a powerful shot that just evaded the dive from Esme.

The full time whistle went to end an enthralling 6-6 game! It was great to see the Belles getting lots of goals and we know there's still room and time to continue to improve. We didn't score enough last season and we are delighted to score 12 in our 3 pre season games. Players of the match went to Darcy and Elcie. Both were dynamic upfront and full of running. Elcie took her goals well and she's massively impressed since joining us. Then finally Darcy for a well taken hat trick and a brilliant display in attack.

Well done girls and well done Belles. Looking forward to next week when the league season starts!