A game of Chess for the Belles

The Belles travelled to CHESS as the rain poured just before kick off. The Belles were missing Lola C, Evie, Ava H, Ava S, Iris, Scarlet and Ava L.

Despite this we still had a squad of 12 as Lois and Sydney were available.

The game started and it was clear that the pitch condition was going to scupper any flowing football. However the Belles made a great start which nearly saw the opening goal. Elcie saw her shot saved by the goalkeeper then not long after Oliwia also had a shot saved. At the other end the opposition headed over from a corner as the first 15 minutes were end to end.

The Belles did get infront, Elcie was tackled in the area as the ball fell to Sydney who struck a shot which deflected off Elcie and into the goal.

The Belles defence was solid throughout, Lols was meeting everything and the jet heeled Darcy was on top form.

A second goal followed, Oliwia's trickery saw her burst past the defender to cross to Eliza who finished from close range. Eliza saw another shot tipped around the post and captain Caitlin had her shot blocked.

Despite the opposition pushing for a goal back, Esme was positioned perfectly to gather or clear any through balls.

At halftime Caitlin had to shoot off for a family meal. It was brilliant of her to come and help us out for the first half. We shuffled the team as Oliwia moved to centre midfield as Sydney switched to the right wing.

Again the Belles started well in the second half with Eliza's pace causing the defence issues. A brilliant pass from Lois on the left saw Eliza's perseverance and speed elude the defender as she finished calmly beyond the goalkeeper.

The opposition continued to push for a goal as Esme punched a corner away then made a low save. At right back Zoe dealt amazingly well against their left winger.

A free kick from distance was awarded to the Belles. Darcy fired the attempt just wide, which would of been an incredible goal. Amie drove at the defence as her cross flew across the box.

The Belles grabbed a fourth goal as Eliza completed a well deserved hat trick. She raced onto a through ball and despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to her attempt it still found the back of the net. Monica was still battling away as the Belles determination showed no sign of stopping.

We closed the game out with a well earned victory, as the Belles produced an efficient and effective display. The pitch conditions weren't great but we dealt really well with it and looked solid defensively.

Special mentions to Lols who played despite being ill and Caitlin who played the first half as she attended a family birthday meal.

Player of the Match - Eliza

Player of the match went to our hat trick hero Eliza! She was excellent upfront with her pace causing all sorts of problems for the opposition. It's wonderful to see her getting goals for the team.

Well done Eliza and well done Belles!