BELLES WITH COMEBACK TO WIN

First league game of the season and an away trip for the Belles against newly promoted opposition. The Belles were without Evie, Amie, Monica and Iris who were all unavailable.

The Belles started the game well, Darcy bursting through with the goalkeeper saving her shot. Scarlet whipped in the resulting corner as it just missed Ava S and Oliwia.

The Belles continued to play on the front foot, Elcie fired a volley wide, then struck another shot just wide. Darcy was then played through and just couldn't convert after rounding the goalkeeper.

A change in formation followed as we switched to a back four, with Zoe coming into right back. Eliza who was bravely playing despite struggling all week with a shin problem, shifted to left back.

Captain Caitlin and Oliwia were covering the ground well in centre midfield. A strong run from Ava H, saw her play a pass to Elcie but her cross was well cleared by the opposition defence. Then at the other end some strong defending by Lola, saw her out muscle the opposition forward and got the Belles on the attack again.

Despite the opportunities the Belles went into halftime level at 0-0. The play was excellent, particularly playing uphill and the only thing that was missing was goals.

The second half started sluggishly for the Belles as the opposition striker prodded home to give them the lead. With the Belles starting to get going again, the opposition went 2-0 up, as a ball across the box was put in at the far post.

Despite going behind it was clear that there was goals in the game for the Belles and we got one back. The energy of Caitlin and Oliwia, saw them link up and a pass was played to Darcy, she still had plenty to do as she spun her marker and although the goalkeeper saved her shot, there was Elcie to tap in. The goal was a long time coming, but thoroughly deserved for the team and of course Elcie, who was magnificent upfront.

The Belles confidence was soaring and got themselves level in spectacular fashion. A run to the left by Darcy saw her cut in on her right foot and unleash an unstoppable strike into the far corner.

The game was becoming more and more entertaining, as the opposition tried to get in front again, Zoe who was having a solid game at right back dispossessed their winger. Ava S, showed tremendous pace to win the ball and of course Lola and Lols were immense at centre back.

Caitlin nearly broke through, then Ava H, had a shot saved as the Belles cranked up the pressure. The Belles got a third after Darcy anticipated a lack of concentration in the opposition defence and although her first shot was saved, she finished the rebound. A brilliant brace for Darcy who was full of running and her strength was incredible. Oliwia intercepted and drove forward to win a corner for the Belles. The resulting corner fell to Eliza but eventually it was cleared.

Esme rushed off her line to make a clearance and her positioning was fantastic all game. She's took on so much advice over the last week and it was brilliant to see her putting this into the games!

The Belles switched formation again to close out the game and get the win! Despite missing four players and a couple carrying injuries, the girls showed incredible determination after going two goals down to come back and win. We should of been a few goals up first half but we were delighted with the response in the second half. The Belles play at times was excellent but they also worked so hard in and out of possession.

Players of the Match - A real team performance!

It was difficult to pick a player of the match. It was given to the whole team for an incredible display that showed determination and quality throughout. All 12 players contributed massively in a deserved win!

Well done Belles!