The Belles started off 2023 with a county cup away trip to North Kilworth. A colour clash meant the Belles wore their new away shirts courtesy of Scotneys letting and property management.

The Belles were tasked with using the big pitch to their advantage and shifting the ball out wide as quick as possible. The game began with an early corner for the Belles. Some quick thinking by Lois saw her play it to the edge of the box to Ava, who let fly with an unstoppable shot into the top far corner. It was a wonderful goal by Ava!

The Belles were pushing forward at every opportunity with the wide players of Oliwia and Lois always wanting the ball. Oliwia smartly turned 2 players and found Scarlet who applied a neat finish.

The Belles continued to attack as the opposition were getting stretched. Caitlin made her way into the penalty box to stroke home a third. A switch in positions saw Darcy go upfront with Daisy and Iris occupying the wide areas.

A clever run from Darcy saw her low cross find Iris at the far post who showed fantastic composure to score. This was Iris' fifth goal of the season in what is becoming her most productive yet. Darcy then drove forward and dispatched the ball past the goalkeeper then she quickly grabbed her second after pouncing on a loose ball in the opposition box.

The Belles continued to impress by making quick passes and moving forward, a lovely passage of play between Lois, Caitlin and Daisy nearly got Daisy a goal. Daisy was giving the team plenty of width and her positive play was a delight to see.

Another Darcy run saw her cross low into Oliwia who tapped home into an empty net. The first half whistle went and the Belles were extremely happy with the football played so far. We changed positions again with Oliwia going into centre midfield and Lois switching to the right wing.

It was through Lois' direct wing play that the Belles got a quick second half goal. She skipped past 3 players and her cross was finished calmly by Scarlet. Another Lois run saw her strike a shot into the net, which gave her a goal that she deserved.

The impressive Caitlin grabbed her second by slotting home after some neat footwork, then Darcy completed her hat trick by slamming the ball into the corner.

A short corner routine, saw Chloe let fly from distance which the goalkeeper saved well, but it wasn't long until more goals flowed. Oliwia prodded home and then completed her hat trick with an explosive finish from another excellent Lois cross.

Monica was unlucky not to grab herself a goal after seeing her shot saved well by the goalkeeper. Then Lola turned her marker and fired a brilliant left footed shot that looked destined for the corner but amazingly the goalkeeper tipped it around the post. A quick goal kick from Esme sent Lois on a run who exchanged passes with Daisy to set Lola up but she was again foiled.

The full time whistle went and the Belles could be very proud of their display, after not playing for nearly a month. The passing and movement was exceptional all game, with every player looking confident on the ball. Players of the match went to Ava and Daisy. Ava for not only a breathtaking goal but an absolutely brilliant performance in defence. Daisy played on the right wing and did everything we asked. She stayed out wide, always wanted the ball and her crossing all game was excellent. It was lovely to see her play so positively.

Well done Belles as we march into the quarter finals of the county cup!

Another mention to Scotneys for their sponsorship. It's hugely appreciated and the girls looked fantastic in the pink shirts!

Coach Scott would also like to thank Mollie Taylor who assisted the coaches and did an amazing job of making notes for the match report.