BELLES WIN TIGHT GAME

The last game of 2025 for the Belles as we welcomed Sporting Markfield to a sunny but cold Newbold.

The Belles were still without the injured Eliza, but otherwise had a full squad available. A change in formation and personnel in positions. The Belles went to a back 4, with Lola C switching to left back and Zoe slotted in at right back. Darcy went into an unfamiliar role of center back, as Ava S played on the right of a 3 player attack.

The Belles started really well, Ava S burst down the right and struck a low shot. Elcie then pushed forward and had a shot blocked. At the other end an alert Esme charged out of her area to clear but the Belles were creating opportunities. On the left, Amie was found with a pass from Darcy but her shot was saved well by the goalkeeper.

The Belles continued to press everything, with the energy being excellent. Oliwia thumped a goal bound shot which was blocked and captain Caitlin saw her attempt saved.

Elcie, yet again drove forward after a wonderful pass from Oliwia but the goalkeeper made another save. The opposition striker then tried to break through but Darcy was there as she used her pace and strength to win the ball off her. An opposition corner was whipped in but Esme rose above everyone to punch clear. Brilliant decision making from her!

Half time came and despite no goals being scored, the performance was excellent. We said to continue to play direct and remain compact defensively. With an emphasis on supporting the attack as much as we can.

Again the Belles started the half the brightest, Scarlet won the ball and struck a cross come shot just wide. Iris then broke away but the goalkeeper just got to the ball first. Not long after, Oliwia drove through and found herself in on goal, but the goalkeeper made an excellent save.

The Belles defence continued to be organized and also played on the front foot. Lols, swept up to deny a counter attack and next to her Darcy was confidently playing the ball from the back.

A lovely pass from Lola C, found Caitlin as the Belles scampered forward. Scarlet's shot was parried, with Elcie just nudging the rebound wide under pressure from the defender.

At right back Zoe bombed forward, jinking past 2 players but her pass was intercepted.

The Belles were still pushing for the opener and were looking the most likely to break the deadlock. Monica charged forward but was just beaten to the ball by the defender.

The Belles did get the breakthrough, a corner wasn't cleared and Scarlet hooked the ball over the goalkeeper and into the corner. Massively deserved for Scarlet who went close a couple of times in the game.

The Belles were still working hard, Ava H made a brilliant tackle at right back and Evie showed tremendous work rate to get the ball back from their tricky midfielder.

As the defence of the Belles looked composed, there were still chances created to extend the lead. Captain Caitlin slalomed through as her shot deflected wide then a wonderful run from Elcie saw her shot go just wide too. It was wonderful football from the Belles who had put so much effort into the game.

The full time whistle went to give the Belles an excellent win to end 2025! It was such an improvement on the previous game performance and it was brilliant to see the girls take on the advice. They adapted well to the changes that we made and it shows the options we have within the squad.

Players of the Match - Darcy & Esme

Players of the match went to Esme and Darcy. Esme has been doing goalkeeper training and it's brilliant to see it paying off. Her decision making was excellent and she was confident all game. Also to Darcy who was phenomenal in an unfamiliar role of center back. She was composed, but also strong with her playing some lovely passes from defence.

Well done girls and a brilliant way to end 2025!

We also had our Christmas party last Thursday as the girls (and coaches) enjoyed a couple of games of laser quest. Unfortunately, the years of playing duck hunt and GoldenEye didn't help coach Scott though, but it was a fantastic time for us all!!!!