NEW FACES FOR THE BELLES

A first pre season friendly for the Belles on a sunny evening at Ravenstone. Although we were missing Iris and Caitlin, we had 4 new players in the squad after a busy summer of recruitment.

After a slow 5 minute start the Belles settled into the game. A rampaging run by Eliza saw her cross fall to Scarlet who fired wide. Not long after the Belles took the lead, a ball was played through to Darcy, who left it for Scarlet who finished low into the corner.

At the other end a long distance effort saw Esme pull off a diving save to her right, with the Belles back 3 coping very well with the opposition attack. Lola's strong interception started a move that saw a ball played through to Darcy, she rounded the goalkeeper but was fouled. New recruit Elcie took the resulting free kick and was denied by an excellent save from the goalkeeper. Ava H, another new recruit charged up the wing, playing a neat one-two with Darcy as her cross just missed Amie.

Another new recruit in Ava S won a strong tackle as it was clear that the back 3 of Lola, Ava and Lols already have a great understanding. Elcie got a goal her hard work deserved as she arrived in the box to finish a cross from the left. A great moment for her at the start of her Belles journey.

Eliza slotted into the back 3 and was showing unbelievable determination and composure on the ball. She has fantastic speed but her improvement in possession has been remarkable.

At half time, the Belles gathered together and we discussed the first half. The intensity was incredible considering it was our first game back and they were tasked at continuing it.

The midfield duo of Evie and Captain Monica were tenacious but were also showing quality on the ball. A through ball from Evie, saw Elcie fire wide then Amie struck a shot wide after great work from Oliwia. It was pleasing to have Oliwia back and she was demonstrating what a gifted player she is, driving the Belles forward at every opportunity.

A third goal came from Darcy, Oliwia played her through and Darcy's strong running saw her finish low beyond the goalkeeper. The Belles kept playing and the decision making of either playing short or trying to stretch the game was brilliant. Eliza was continuing to impress in defence and Monica was showing fantastic leadership in the centre of midfield.

Another new recruit Zoe came on as the Belles switched to a back four and not long after got a fourth goal. A driving run from Oliwia, saw her neat footwork open up an opportunity as she drilled a low shot past the goalkeeper. A wonderful goal from a very impressive Oliwia.

The Belles were still playing from the back and despite a little lack of communication saw us concede two goals it wouldn't take the shine off a fantastic team effort.

Players of the match went to our four new recruits, Ava S who has settled in like she's been in the team for years. Ava H who's positive wide play really helped the team. Zoe who slotted in at right back and produced a very composed display. Then finally Elcie, who got a goal and for her hard work in attack. Well done girls!

The encouragement and positivity from the players was lovely to witness. These girls will certainly give their all to have a very successful season, that's for sure.

Huge thanks to our sponsor Ibstock Brick for our new Pink away shirts. Well done Belles, a great start to pre season!