The Belles made the long trip to Northamptonshire to play Rothwell Aztecs. A steep slope and long grass on the pitch was early signs that playing quality football could be difficult. A minute silence was undertaken as we paid our respects on Remembrance Sunday.

The Belles had a full squad available and ready for action. The first 15 minutes were end to end as the opposition's pacey attackers tried to breach the Belles defence. Lola covered well to concede a corner then up the other end a shot from Darcy was saved well by the goalkeeper.

Further attempts from Iris and then Caitlin ensured that the opposition goalkeeper was the busier of the two. The Belles then started to really push for an opener and got their rewards courtesy of Scarlet. She turned her marker well, which saw her first shot cannon off the post but then the ball made its way back to her and she finished from close range. This goal meant Scarlet has hit double figures with 10 for the season.

A second goal came and it was lovely move. Darcy drove forward, skipped past 2 players and sent a low cross into Caitlin who tapped in first time. A brilliant run from Darcy and fantastic to see Caitlin getting into the opposition penalty box, as it's something she does so well.

Esme then had to come charging out to gather the ball but was on the receiving end of a collision which left her struggling with a back injury. Unbelievable bravery shown by Esme to first get to the ball and to carry on until half time.

The interval saw Scarlet volunteer to replace the injured Esme in goal, with also Ava joining the defence and Chloe pushing into attack.

The Belles defence were certainly being challenged and stood up to the task. Lois made an incredible tackle when the striker was through on goal. Then Lola got to a loose ball to stop a counter attack. Ava was then put under pressure but a neat turn and left footed pass got the Belles on the attack.

A third Belles goal came from a sublime pass from Monica through to Darcy who showed great pace to finish low past the goalkeeper. Iris then grabbed a fourth goal, finishing well from a scramble in the penalty box. It was Iris' second goal in as many games and thoroughly deserved for her. An exquisite combination between the rampaging Caitlin, Darcy and Oliwia, seen Oliwia strike an effort at goal but was saved brilliantly by the goalkeeper.

Chloe was leading the line well with her tireless running seeing her drive at the full back and was denied by a good save yet again by the goalkeeper. A Belles fifth goal was scored by Caitlin after an excellent run and cross by Darcy, saw Caitlin fire the loose ball past the goalkeeper. Caitlin's brace today saw her hit 10 for the season.

The opposition grabbed a breakaway goal, but the Belles responded well with some nice footwork from Daisy nearly finding Chloe who would of been through on goal.

The Belles midfield were covering the pitch well, Monica and Caitlin were enjoying lots of spells where they drove forward. A ball into Darcy saw her knock it past the defenders and out sprinted them to finish again, to complete her brace as well.

A late consolation for the opposition didn't dampen the mood as the full time whistle went. It was a really efficient, hard working performance on a pitch that was always going to be difficult to play on. Huge credit to Esme for completing the first half after getting hurt and to Scarlet for volunteering to take over in goal second half. It was pleasing to see the Belles defence coming through a tough test, with Lois, Lola and Ava doing tremendously well against a strong opposition attack.

Again it was difficult to pick players of the match and we eventually picked Darcy and Monica. Darcy was brilliant today, driving forward at every opportunity, setting up 2 goals and scoring 2 herself. Also Monica, who yet again produced such an amazing display in midfield. Her performance allowed her attacking teammates to get forward as she stood strong in the centre of the pitch. Well done girls and well done the Belles!