It was the battle of the league high-flyers as the Belles of the yellow league faced Kibworth of the Green league.

The Belles were missing Iris who was ruled out with illness but had a full squad available. Both teams were looking to progress into the county cup final!

The Belles were tasked with winning the ball high up the pitch and to use the wide areas. Captain Scarlet and Oliwia occupied the wings and a position switch saw Darcy play as the striker.

The Belles started in blistering fashion with a quick throw from Chloe sent Darcy surging through and finishing past the goalkeeper to give the Belles the lead within the first minute.

Kibworth pressed and forced Esme into two comfortable saves. The Belles continued to push forward and win possession high up the pitch with Darcy bringing an excellent save from the goalkeeper.

The centre midfield act of Caitlin and Monica were first to every ball and were a catalyst for every Belles attack.

A second goal came after Darcy was put through, she showed great strength to hold off the defender and finish low past the goalkeeper.

Oliwia and Scarlet's direct running was causing the opposition problems, with Oliwia's cross missing Darcy but Scarlet's far post finish was kept out by the goalkeeper.

Yet again the Belles defence snuffed out an opposition attack, with the combination of Ava, Lois and Lola proving to be too strong at times.

Darcy then completed her hat trick with a cool finish after Scarlet twisted and turned to send a cross in to give the Belles a comfortable lead into halftime.

We asked the girls to keep the momentum going and to continue the high intensity in their play.
A switch saw Ava move into midfield and Daisy move into the left wing position.

Kibworth came out flying and put the Belles under pressure with Esme making a magnificent save to tip the ball around the post. However from the resulting corner, Kibworth scored as they really threw bodies forward in desperation.

Despite this the Belles continued their good play as Daisy stung the palms of the goalkeeper with an excellent attempt.

The Belles settled into the second half and their attacking play continued to flow. Monica was providing a shield in the middle of midfield which allowed Caitlin to flow forward in support of Darcy.

The Belles worked the ball out wide to Oliwia, who showed some excellent technical skill to send a cross into Darcy who missed it but Scarlet was on hand to put the ball into the net at the far post. A well deserved goal for Scarlet who put a shift in all game.

Kibworth pushed forward in response and Esme again made an unbelievable save onto the crossbar to keep the opposition at bay.
The Belles were swarming the ball as their intensity didn't falter, Ava's shot was blocked and Caitlin had another attempt blocked by the tireless defence of Kibworth.

A neatly worked passage of play from the dynamic Oliwia saw Lois whip a cross in which Darcy dispatched for her fourth goal of the game. The Belles were well organized with the defence proving to be very strong and providing a good starter point for counter attacks. Lois came out of nowhere to stop an attack and send the Belles scampering forward. Lois was extremely impressive in not only providing cover but her attitude in wanting the ball.

The Belles pressed with a lung bursting run from Caitlin sent Darcy up the wing but she couldn't just quite cross for Scarlet or Chloe.

The oppositions lively attacker bought another outstanding save from Esme who was displaying alertness off her line.

The Belles still pushed forward and were unlucky not to add more goals in a positive performance.
The full time whistle went as both teams worked tirelessly and displayed an unbelievable advert for u12 girls football!

Full credit to Kibworth who were very well organised and the Belles who attacked with intent.

Yet again it was extremely difficult to pick a player of the match and up to half a dozen names were mentioned. We picked Esme for 3 absolutely brilliant saves and showing so much confidence. Lois for an incredible performance in defence, not only did she defend so well but she also wanted the ball at every opportunity. Then finally to Darcy whose direct running and willingness to chase everything saw her score 4 goals

It was a lovely team display as every single one of the girls showed an immense attitude and work ethic as the Belles marched into the county cup final!

Well done girls!