Belles Secure Final Spot

It was league cup semi final time, as the Belles welcomed Loughborough who are top of the green league. The Belles were without Ava, who was at Wembley and Alice who was unwell. We did welcome back Lola from injury as she started as right back.

The Belles started the game well, lots of passing and movement was creating opportunities. Caitlin saw a shot fly wide, then Oliwia found space on the right as she arrowed a shot in but it came back off the post.

The opposition was struggling to handle the quick passing of the Belles, Monica played a fantastic pass to Freya, she crossed in but this time Oliwia couldn't quite finish it.

Lola's brilliant pass on the right saw Darcy have a run but her cross come shot flashed across the face of goal. Then another chance followed as Freya fired over after good work on the right by Oliwia.

A corner from Scarlet was met by Ffion who could only flick wide as the Belles continued to push for that elusive breakthrough. Defensively the Belles were superb, captain Lois was always on the front foot, Monica on the left was having another fantastic game and Lola on the opposite side was finding lots of space.

It was fantastic football from the Belles but as halftime came, all that was missing was goals that the display deserved. The team talk was simple, to continue the quick play as we adjusted the forward line. Darcy moved upfront, Oliwia switch to right wing with Ffion dropping into midfield.

The second half started as the Belles won a corner. Scarlet whipped it in and there was Monica to head home! Thoroughly deserved for Monica who was playing some amazing football. Then soon after a second followed, Ffion drove forward and played a perfect pass into Oliwia who poked the ball beyond the on rushing goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

The Belles continued to keep the ball and manoeuvre the opposition around. Chloe came into right back as Iris also went to right midfield. They combined early on, as Chloe's pass sent Iris away, her pass into Caitlin nearly got the Belles through but the defender cleared.

Scarlet moved upfront and a goal soon came for her. A long ball from Monica was chased by Scarlet, the goalkeeper tried to claim the ball but fumbled as Scarlet scored. That sees Scarlet hit the 15 goal mark for the season!

The Belles continued to attack as everything was on the front foot, Freya bent a shot wide then Monica headed another corner over as the impressive football showed no sign of stopping.

A good recovering interception by Lola, started a Belles attack as they looked to add another goal.

They perseverance paid off, Darcy picked the ball up and ran forward, she had a few in support as she played a pass into Caitlin who scored. A nice goal and it was good to see the Belles still getting players forward and it was something we did really well today.

An opposition free kick skimmed the top of the top of the crossbar but Esme had it well covered. The full time whistle went as the Belles made the league cup final. Congratulations to Loughborough who were great today but the Belles were in fantastic form.

The football at times today was some of our best and defensively we were so well organised. The attacking options were moved around which shows the fluidity and quality of the players we have.

Players of the match went to Lola and Monica. Lola was desperate to play and worked extremely hard to recover from an ankle injury. Having her back was brilliant but it was also amazing to see her play so well in a confident display from her. Monica was exceptional in defence yet again. She got a headed goal from a corner, but was also fantastic in possession and so strong in winning possession. She has added consistency to her game which is amazing to see.

Well done girls and well done Belles, we will give our all in the final and do everything we can!

We have another birthday coming up this Wednesday as Caitlin celebrates hers. We all wish her a fantastic birthday!