Belles progress to County Cup final

The Belles welcomed Anstey Vixens, in this county cup semi final clash. The Belles were missing the injured Eliza and Evie, with Iris and Ava H also unavailable.

Despite the missing numbers the Belles boasted a strong squad of 13 players. Ava L went to left back, with Monica returning to centre midfield.

U15 Belles Celebration Squad Photo

The first half started with the opposition utilising long throws and winning a few corners. That said the Belles defended remarkably well and soon followed a brilliant challenge from Lols to win the ball from their striker.

Ava S was looking a real threat on the right of the Belles front 3 as she won a corner. Scarlet whipped it in, but it was cleared straight back to her. She sent a first time cross into the box and there was Ava L to nod into the net to give the Belles the lead!

The Belles started to push forward and get more joy in the final third, but unfortunately we lost Scarlet to a knee injury. A switch was made to push Ava L into midfield, Oliwia to the right side and Amie switched to the left.

With the Belles looking the most likely to score the next goal, an opposition cross was dealt with by Lols, but the striker managed to swivel and shoot as the ball trickled into the corner of the Belles net.

The pace of the game really picked up, Monica's energy in midfield was fantastic as she was breaking down opposition attacks and setting the Belles away on the counter. Captain Caitlin and Ava L were getting forward to support Elcie, who was doing a terrific job upfront. It was captain Caitlin who got the Belles in front in wonderful fashion. She picked the ball up and drove into the box, managing to beat 3 players as she confidently fired beyond the goalkeeper.

Some neat handling from Esme stopped a cross towards their striker and Zoe intercepted well at left back. The Belles were looking stronger with every passing minute particularly in midfield. The half time whistle went as we regrouped. We spoke about remaining calm but also how critical the next goal is.

The battle continued into the second half, but it was the Belles who got that goal. Elcie's work rate paid off as she laid a ball to Ava L, who found Oliwia through on goal. She applied a calm finish low past the goalkeeper.

At the other end the opposition started to throw players forward and put the Belles defence under pressure. However, Darcy managed to show incredible pace to get back and win the ball, with Lola C also winning a fantastic header to clear a dangerous close.

The work ethic from the Belles was phenomenal.

Darcy yet again ran across to stop their striker then she herself won a header. Elcie then raced into a through ball but just couldn't take the ball into her stride then the goalkeeper managed to grasp the ball at the second attempt with Elcie lurking.

The game was heading into the final ten minutes and the opposition managed to squeeze a shot into the goal.

It was clear that the Belles defence had to remain strong for the final moments. Esme made an excellent save to her right, then the Belles broke forward with a sublime pass from Caitlin sending Ava S on a foot race with the defender. She won the race but shot wide.

The final whistle went to end a pulsating game of football. The Belles showed tremendous character and togetherness throughout the game. All the players put a shift in but also played some fantastic football.

It was also a nice present for Coach Scott and Iris, who both celebrated their birthdays on the same day!

Players of the Match - Caitlin, Monica and Darcy

Players of the match went to Caitlin, Monica and Darcy. Caitlin was phenomenal all game, producing a captain's display and a brilliant goal. Monica's energy all game was incredible and she covered so much ground to break down opposition attacks. Then finally Darcy, who has really took to her new defensive role with ease. Her pace to sweep up in defense was excellent!

Well done girls and well done Belles as we head into the county cup final. A fantastic achievement!