BELLES PROGRESS IN COUNTY CUP

County cup first round as the Belles made an away trip to Albert Village of the gold league. The Belles were without Eliza and Scarlet who are injured and Darcy who is away in Valencia on a school trip. We then lost Zoe due to illness, but the squad depth of the Belles saw a strong group of 12 players available.

The Belles got up to speed with the game after a slow opening 5 minutes and took the lead. A lovely corner from Oliwia, saw the ball rebound to vice captain Monica, who finished from close range. The opposition striker then thumped in a brilliant volley to make the game level. Despite this, the Belles started moving up the gears.

Some neat work from Evie at left back, saw Ava H run through on the left side as she slammed the ball home. It was a brilliant moment for Ava H, who got her first Belles goal.

Oliwia and Captain Caitlin were passing and moving really well. A driving run from Iris, saw her shot well saved by the goalkeeper. Then Lola played a lovely pass through to Elcie, who scampered away and finished confidently. Elcie added another to the score not long after, she ran through and found the bottom corner.

The Belles continued to keep the ball and play on the front foot. Caitlin saw a shot go wide then Lols nearly connected with a corner. The pressure soon paid off with another couple of goals before half time. Oliwia made a run off the shoulder of the defender as she collected Caitlin's perfectly weighted pass and drill the shot into the corner.

A cross from Amie found its way to Elcie, who rounded the goalkeeper to complete a very impressive first half hat trick.

At half time we moved Ava S into the strikers position, Evie moved into midfield, with Monica and Ava H going into defence.

It didn't take the Belles long to extend their lead very early in the second half. Amie, saw her shot parried by the goalkeeper and there was Ava S to smash home the rebound. Another player who got her first goal for the Belles and she wasn't finished there! Not long after, Ava S drove at the defence and her pace saw her strike low past the goalkeeper to complete her brace.

Evie sent a right footed shot which went wide and Iris saw her shot saved as the confidence of the Belles players was evident. The goals kept flowing for the Belles, Oliwia showed excellent pace and rounded the on rushing goalkeeper to score her second. Two goals quickly became a hat trick for her as she jinked past four players and finished high into the net. It's a first Belles hat trick for Oliwia who has had an awesome start to the season.

The opposition scored from a breakaway, then a brave Esme denied the striker at her feet. Caitlin drove past 3 players to score a wonderful individual goal but somehow it was ruled out for an offside. Very harsh decision for Caitlin, who was magnificent all game. Lols the won a strong tackle, then the winger tried to get past Ava H but she showed tremendous strength to win the ball back.

Esme made a tackle after rushing off her line. It was really pleasing to see the Belles remaining focused and committed. A fourth goal for Elsie came as she prodded home then she made it five for her with a close range finish in the 6 yard box.

The full time whistle went with lots of happy faces in the Belles camp. It was great to get some goals but it was really pleasing to see players moving well off the ball. Not only that everyone wanted the ball and showed bravery in possession. There was also the added bonus of seeing some of the Belles playing different positions with excellent effect.

Players of the match went to Ava H and Elcie. Ava H, grabbed her first goal for us but also played in a variety of positions and she always does a fantastic job.

Players of the Match - Ellie and Ava H

To Elcie, for a wonderful five goal display as she showed determination and her work rate was incredible all game.

Well done both and well done Belles as we march on in the county cup!