CAPTAINS PERFORMANCE FROM CAITLIN

The Belles first home game of the season and another battle against Anstey who were formerly East Goscote Vixens. The Belles were without Ava H and Iris, with also Eliza not being well enough to play.

The Belles lined up with a back four as Evie slotted in at left back. With Monica returning to midfield and Darcy shuffling out to the right side of attack.

The Belles started the game well, some neat passing from Oliwia and Caitlin were setting the tone as the Belles grabbed an early lead. Darcy picked the ball up, shifted it to her right foot as her shot squirmed beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper.

The Belles had certainly made the brighter start, Elcie drove forward, showing fantastic foot work but the defender made a recovery block. Amie then pinged a lovely pass to Darcy but again the opposition defence cleared.

The opposition then grabbed an equaliser as their striker finished when being played through on goal. It was harsh but the Belles remained calm on the ball. Lola showed fantastic anticipation to clear when the opposition were on the attack and Ava S, showed excellent pace to get back and intercept the ball from their attacker. Despite this the Belles fell behind, as their striker turned and smashed a shot past Esme.

Up the other end Darcy drove forward and sent a pass across the face of goal that missed Elcie and Scarlet. Another quality run and show of pace from Elcie nearly got the Belles through as the half time whistle went.

The team talk was simple. Much of the same and try and get the first balls a little quicker. We switched to a back 3 to get more bodies forward.

The second half began and the Belles were upping the pressure on the opposition. Zoe got to the ball and sent a pass up the line to Darcy, the goalkeeper came out but didn't gather the ball. Darcy then took the ball around her to score from an acute angle. It was thoroughly deserved for the Belles and for Darcy who has started the season in incredible form.

The Belles continued to push forward as the game was becoming very competitive. Lols showed incredible bravery which ended up with an accidental blow to the face. She was good to carry on and that bravery continued as she regularly got her body infront of the striker to regain possession.

A cross from Amie fell to Scarlet who volleyed wide with the game being delicately hung in the balance. However the Belles fell behind which again was probably against the run of play.

Darcy jinked past the defender and her low shot was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Then another surging run from Elcie saw her low shot saved by the goalkeeper.

It was looking like the Belles were going to get level but again the opposition scored to go 4-2 up. However the Belles were not giving up and got a goal back. Darcy's shot was saved but there was captain Caitlin to slam home the rebound and it was game on again!

Caitlin then drove the Belles forward but her cross was blocked and then Monica won the ball as Evie tried to get another shot away. Amie's corner just missed Darcy then Lols nearly got the second ball but again the opposition defence cleared.

As the Belles pushed forward for an equaliser there was the risk and of being exposed, which eventually the opposition did as they counter attacked twice to unfortunately put the game to bed.

The scoreline was a tough one and certainly not a fair reflection on the game. It was a hugely competitive match with both teams going for the win and the quality and determination from both teams was fantastic. The Belles could be proud of the football they played and on another day it could have been a different outcome.

Player of the Match - Caitlin

Player of the Match went to Caitlin. It was a magnificent captain's display from her, full of quality in possession and incredible work ethic. She set an example of how to behave on the pitch and got a very deserved goal!

Well done Caitlin and well done Belles, we go again next week!