GIRLS ENTERTAIN IN THE BATTLE OF BOSWORTH

We could have written headline news the "War of the Roses" or "The Belles Ring Out for Christmas" but the best news headline was 28 girls representing the Bosworth badge on the pitch and a young referee in Nat from the U18 and Men’s Team officiating and the Girls did indeed entertain in the U15 Girls Battle of Bosworth.

It was a case of third time lucky as the inter-club county cup clash of the AFCMB U15 Belles versus the AFCMB U15 Roses which had fallen foul of the weather twice already. The teams had met 3 times previously in the league at U8s and U9s and once met in a tournament but other than that the teams have since managed to avoid each other in cup draws and there has always been one or two divisions separating them in the league. The Roses formed off the back of the popularity of girls football in Bosworth all those years ago with Scott and the then newly formed Belles, giving girls an opportunity to try football. Much has changed with the teams since then but there is still a strong core of players who joined at 6 and 7 years old still playing for the club which is brilliant to see.

AFCMB U15 Girls

Belles Report

After two previous postponements, It was third time lucky to play this county cup game. It was a battle between two teams that represent the club extremely well. The Belles were without Ami and Evie and although Eliza is still injured, it was brilliant to see her join the coaches on the sidelines to cheer her teammates on!

The Belles began brightly, as Darcy sent a shot wide and also Caitlin's long range shot was well saved by the Roses goalkeeper. On the right side a surging run and cross from the impressive Iris nearly fell to Elcie.

As the Roses continued to show how well organized they are, the Belles had to be patient. This patience did finally pay off. Elcie producing some trickery in the penalty box as Darcy sent a left footed shot into the goal.

The Belles defence was looking confident, with Zoe making not one but two interceptions as she was demonstrating playing on the front foot. At left back Lola C made a brilliant interception, but not long after Esme was called into action as she tipped a shot over the bar.

The Belles continued to try and break down the resilient Roses team, Elcie nearly added to the lead but didn't have to wait long to get her goal. She capitalized in the six yard box to score from close range.

It was a welcome return to the Belles team for Monica, who was battling a bout of illness but still showed tremendous determination anchoring the Belles midfield.

At half time we switched to a back 3, with Ava H switching to left wing back and Scarlet going into a two player attack. Captain Caitlin had a shot blocked but her partner in midfield Oliwia, blasted home from long range. Oliwia is producing her best goal scoring return this season which is fantastic to see.

Ava H linked up well with Scarlet as Iris nearly finished an attempt at the far post. A change was made as Ava S pushed upfront to partner Scarlet as Elcie dropped into attacking midfield.

A free kick was won, which was brilliantly dispatched by Scarlet. A wonderful goal for her and her first of the season.

A corner from the left was nearly flicked in at the near post by Lols but a goal did follow soon after. A lovely run a pass from Iris, found Elcie who helped the ball onto Ava S who finished at the second time of asking. The Belles remained focused with Lols making a great tackle as Lola C sent a pass to Darcy to start an attack.

Ava S completed her brace as her left footed shot flew over the goalkeeper and in. It's excellent to see Ava S being effective in a different position.

The game ended and it was the Belles who progress to the next round of the county cup. It was a very well contested game between the teams and the club should be very proud to have two wonderful teams representing the club!

U15 Belles Player of the Match - Iris

Player of the match went to Iris. We have been working on crossing from wide areas and Iris put this into the game. It was lovely to see her confident play throughout the game too!

Well done to both teams for producing excellent displays!

Roses Report

It was a sunny morning and spirits were high, some of the Roses had been dreading the encounter, worried if they could compete. However games were raised and we saw some outstanding performances. 

We spoke about positional discipline, doubling up on the wingers and with Ellie playing in that space between midfield and attack we had a good outlet supporting Chloe G who always works tirelessly upfront. In the early exchanges it felt like a fairly even battle, tackles were contested strongly but fairly and the Roses were looking good on the counter. Katie was keeping possession well and played a few lovely balls from wide, she had a really tough task defensively to support Kayleigh against a strong player. A few times we had been breached but the crosses did not find anyone but Lyla who was handling well. Esme shut up shop on the other side, not letting a lot past, in general the wide areas were being contested really well by both teams.

The Belles scored two goals in a relatively short space of time, the first, some good footwork in the box, it was disappointing we were not stronger in the tackle as the striker got through 3 players before the goal was scored at the second attempt.

The Roses said regardless of scoreline, the game was about us going again and it was pleasing that happened. In attack the Roses had a strong spell, Ellie was proving a real handful all half and she was put through on goal brilliantly, her shot was saved really well, a strong push over the bar. Three corners followed and they were defended well as we kept the pressure on. Moments later Kiri flicked one just wide from a cross.

The second goal we conceded felt a little unfortunate, Lenna got her head on the ball and it dropped in the space between the defence and goalkeeper and this was capitalised on from six yards to make it 2-0 with a good finish.

At half time, the Roses were pleased with the performance but rather than sit back we pushed bodies forward as Chloe B joined Chloe G in attack. Tilly was given a rest at half time after a superb 40 minutes with Evie and Sophie now just the two in midfield and Lily was having a short break to catch her breath after working really hard, pleasing after she had just come back from illness in the week.

As the second half got underway, we were outnumbered in the midfield but despite this Sophie made a number of interception’s before she had to make way with injury. A shame as she was moving the ball forward really well. As we were stretched we conceded with a long range effort and then from a free kick which nestled in the far corner to make it 4-0.

The Roses continued to battle, defensively we looked tight with Caris stepping out, playing on the front foot and winning the ball with aggression, Lenna was covering well and again Kayleigh and Esme were so strong at full-back. At one point Kayleigh won the ball and ran forward past 3 players to get us higher up the pitch and Lauren also did the same to keep us up the pitch.

Chloe G was enjoying running at the opposition, and got herself through on goal but was blocked just as she got herself shot away.

The Belles scored two more late in the half to make it 6-0 at the final whistle.

In summary, the Roses can be proud of their performance in this game, as teams, the Belles and Roses we have always been at different places from a development perspective but to see individuals going toe to toe, at times winning those duels was great to see. The girls could walk away with their heads held high, we didn’t sit back to just defend, we were well organised, competed from the first whistle until the last and really made it a difficult game for a good side.

U15 Roses Player of the Match - Ellie

Player of the Match was awarded to Ellie, she was outstanding in the first half, at times the Belles could not get the ball off her, she was skillful and direct and a real threat with the ball.

Good luck to Scott, Andy, Tim and the Belles in the next round!