BELLES HIT TEN TO PROGRESS TO COUNTY CUP SEMI FINAL

An unfamiliar afternoon kick off and despite the recent poor weather the pitch was in brilliant condition. Everything was set for an enthralling County Cup quarter final!

With Eliza out injured and a recent injury to Evie, the Belles still had a strong squad of 15 players. Darcy remained at center back with Lols, with Ava L slotting into left back.

The game started well for the Belles, Elcie nearly got through to open the scoring but she didn't have to wait long to do it. A lovely composed finish by her gave the Belles a well deserved early lead.

The Belles were relentless in and out of possession. Captain Caitlin, Oliwia and Monica were so determined in the middle of the park, but also showed quality when on the ball.

Amie arrived at the far post and despite being at a tight angle, she shifted the ball onto her left foot to slot home. A wonderful finish from her!

The opposition were struggling to cope with the Belles terrific play as the Belles were using the space fantastically well. Scarlet thumped in a long range shot which was blocked and a shot from Oliwia was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Some composed and resilient defending was on show by the Belles. Lols made a brilliant tackle and then Darcy snuffed out an opposition attack. At right back Lola C remained strong and Zoe was equally determined at left back.

A third goal followed from Captain Caitlin. She picked the ball up and fired a high shot into the goal. A great strike and it was massively deserved for Caitlin. As halftime approached, Esme remained alert as she tipped a shot round the post.

The half time team talk was simple. More of the same and don't let the good work from the first half go to waste. Ava L pushed into midfield as we lost Monica to illness. Despite feeling unwell, Monica put in a brilliant shift for the team.

The second half started as the Belles continued to dominate. A fourth goal came as Elcie again demonstrated her calmness in front of goal as she grabbed her second. Then another followed as Ava S burst through to slot home her first goal.

Ava H broke down the right but her shot was blocked. From a corner the ball fell to Ava L who slammed home for her first of the season.

Oliwia then jinked her way through and she finished with confidence, then quickly followed it with another to complete a well deserved brace for her!

Remarkably the Belles were still playing on the front foot and working incredibly hard on the big pitch.

Iris got through but her shot was saved and at the other end Esme made a low save to ensure the Belles kept a clean sheet. Elcie was played through by a wonderful pass from Caitlin and she rounded the goalkeeper to complete her hat trick. Elcie's running and determination was fabulous all game.

There was still time for the Belles to get double figures. Ava L with a lovely finish as she helped herself to a brace too!

The full time whistle went to end a truly pulsating Belles display.

We played the opposition before Christmas and lost 6-2, but today they were absolutely magnificent and good value for the win. All the players were fantastic and it's wonderful to get 2026 off to a flyer as we march into the Semi finals of the county cup!

Belles Progress In Cup!

Player of the Match went to the whole team with special mentions to Caitlin and Elcie. Caitlin covered every blade of grass as she produced a performance full of quality and determination. Elcie was a threat in attack all game and was constantly looking to run in behind the defenders.

Well done to all the players what a brilliant game!