Strong debut from Isla
With no game last Sunday, the Belles welcomed Sporting Markfield to a sunny Ravenstone. The Belles were without Evie who is still injured and Iris who was unavailable. Unfortunately then illness struck for Eliza and Ava, which meant the Belles had a squad of 12 for the game.
There was a league debut for Isla at left back, with Maisie on the left as Scarlett joined the attack with Elcie. The game started well for the Belles, a sharp turn from Elcie saw her strike wide. Then Oliwia struck a shot across the goal, which was then followed by a rampaging Darcy who ran through from defence only to see her shot saved by the goalkeeper.
The Belles had a very strong first 15 minutes then the opposition started to get back into it. Esme charged off her line to block a through ball then up the other end a corner from Scarlet was flicked towards goal by Lols but the goalkeeper parried it away.
That said the Belles fell behind, as a cross found the forward who slotted home. The Belles continued to create chances as the game swung both ways. The Belles did get an equaliser on the stroke of halftime from a very unlikely source. Lols prodded a corner goal wards and it fell to Zoe who stroked the ball into the goal! A brilliant moment for Zoe with her first goal for the team!
At halftime we stressed the importance of starting the second half well and capitalising on that equaliser.
Despite the team talk the Belles started the second half sluggishly, as Esme saved from a one on one. A cross soon followed and it bobbled up hitting Lola C on the hand. The ref gave a penalty which was converted to give the opposition the lead again.
The urgency in the Belles play increased, Scarlet struck a shot wide and defensively Isla showed brilliant pace and strength to win the ball back for the team.
The Belles equalised again. Scarlet sent in a corner which was missed by the defender covering the near post and went straight in!
It looked like the Belles were going to get the next goal but conceded when a ball over the top was chased by the striker who nipped in front of Esme to score.
So yet again the Belles found themselves behind. The goal seemed to further increase the urgency as the Belles attacked with intent. Caitlin and Monica were everywhere driving the team from midfield showing unbelievable determination. Oliwia, who was playing in an unfamiliar position as striker nearly jinked through. Then an equaliser came from some excellent football. Maisie collected the ball on the right and played a lovely lofted ball to Elcie, there was still plenty to do as she lobbed the goalkeeper to get the Belles level. A lovely finish from Elcie!
With the game level again the Belles continued to pressure the opposition. Lola C cleared from an opposition attack and Scarlet crossed for Elcie, who volleyed wide. Maisie then saw a shot saved by the goalkeeper as the Belles frantically searched for a winner.
Another strong interception from Isla sent Caitlin racing away but was crowded out. Then a cross from Scarlet nearly found Monica. However the Belles grabbed the winner. A ball was played into Oliwia who fired low into the corner! It was well deserved goal for Oliwia who was such a handful for the opposition in attack.
The Belles remained strong defensively with Lols looking commanding and Darcy utilising her pace to see the game out and the win!
It was a really good advert for u16 girls football with both teams playing their part. The Belles showed tremendous determination to come from behind 3 times to get the win. They recovered from a slow start in the second half and it was brilliant to see their hard work pay off!
Player of the match went to Isla. She was fantastic in her first league game for the Belles. Her tenacious defending and calmness in possession was amazing.
Well done Isla and well done Belles!
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