BELLES LOSE OUT ON PENS AFTER SIX GOAL THRILLER

A league cup clash between two sides that have seen plenty of enthralling games and this morning was another classic encounter. The Belles were still without injured Monica and Eliza, along with Ava H who was away, but welcomed back Scarlet and Ava L.

The team talk consisted of seeing an improvement from the previous game. Moving the ball forward quicker and being first to it.

The opening exchanges were frantic, with the Belles falling behind early after a cross was flicked into the corner by their forward. Despite this the Belles soon drew level. A surging run by Darcy on the right saw her cross deflect to Caitlin. She struck a low shot which was parried and there was Elcie to tap home.

The game was barely 5 minutes in and it was clear that both teams were going to give everything. Some nice work by Caitlin and Oliwia sent Amie away but her cross was cleared. Then on the other side the jet heeled Darcy, burst past two players as her cross flashed across the face of goal. At the other end a brilliant interception from Lols, put a stop to an opposition attack and Ava L used her strength to win the ball.

The hard working Belles were continuing to display some quick direct passing. Evie won the ball as Elcie used her pace but the goalkeeper saved well. The opposition were testing the Belles defence with long throws but it was from a corner that they took the lead, as their striker fired high into the net.

Another save from Esme followed then she charged off her line to clear well. Up the other end Darcy struck a shot wide after being played in by a nice pass from Lola C. Elcie drove into the box and was clipped as she fell down. However there was no penalty to follow, then Zoe intercepted and set Oliwia on a run on the left.

The halftime whistle came which ended an entertaining first half. Changes were made as Ava S pushed up into the right wing position as Darcy switched to the left.

The second half started well with the Belles still pushing for that equalizer, Oliwia jinked past a couple of players but her shot was blocked. Then a brilliant run and cross from Ava S found Iris at the back post as she thundered in a goal bound shot which somehow the goalkeeper saved. It was looking like the Belles were favorites for the next goal but a counter attack from the opposition saw them take a 3-1 lead. Very harsh on the Belles but amazingly they went again and came out fighting.

Another brilliant tackle from Lols which was followed by some confident defending from Ava L set the tone for the rest of the game.

Darcy picked the ball up deep in her own half. She drove past 3 players, cut inside and smashed the ball into the corner. It was game on and a wonderful goal from Darcy who was immense all game.

In search for an equalizer the Belles switched to a back three and the chances at both ends continued. Esme made another brilliant clearance and a save. Then soon after the Belles persistence paid off in spectacular fashion. The ball fell to Oliwia on the edge of the box as she flicked it towards Elcie, there was still plenty to do as she thumped a volley into the far top corner. A brilliant goal and a goal the Belles thoroughly deserved.

Amazingly the Belles still pushed forward and again were looking favourable to get another goal. Caitlin played a pass through to Ava S, who did so well to keep her feet but was denied again by the opposition goalkeeper. A whipped in corner from Scarlet caused chaos but the defence somehow cleared. As the game was heading to penalties there was still time for one more big chance for the Belles. Darcy let fly from distance as the ball pinged off the post into the path of Elcie, but incredibly the goalkeeper somehow saved her attempt.

The full time whistle went as both teams had given everything in what was a thrilling game of football. Unfortunately as it's a cup game someone had to lose. Penalties followed with the opposition coming out on top. It was agonizing for the Belles, who probably did enough to win the game in normal time. However, we asked them for a committed and improved performance and they absolutely delivered that!

Players of the Match - Darcy and Esme

They Belles could hold their heads high and should be very proud of that display. Players of the match went to Esme and Darcy. Esme for making a few excellent saves in the game and being so alert off her line. Also to Darcy, for a fabulous display as her direct play and running with the ball was a wonderful watch. Topped off by a brilliant goal!

Heads up Belles, we go again next week and well done everyone!