The Belles had an away trip to end the season. With 3rd place in the league already cemented, what followed was a very entertaining game as both teams went on the attack. The Belles had a thread bare squad with 6 players unavailable through a combination of being away and injuries.
The reshuffled Belles line up saw Monica go to centre of defence, Darcy drop into midfield and Scarlet lead the attack. The game started in blistering fashion as the Belles took the lead within the first couple of minutes. Scarlet picked up the ball on the right and whipped in an amazing effort that flew over the goalkeeper and into the goal. It shows how much confidence Scarlet has and the last few months she's been in brilliant goalscoring form.

The Belles continued to play well and in defence they looked good in possession. But the opposition had a couple of pacey attackers who kept Monica and Ava on their toes. A surging run from Ava, who jinked past a couple of players saw her cross just evade Freya and Monica was on the front foot, meeting every attempted through ball with good effect.

The Belles added to their lead and it was from another player who is in sparkling form at the moment. Scarlet's corner towards the far post was met first time by Caitlin who finished really well.

Despite the promising start the Belles were pegged back in quick succession. Esme's goal kick fell to their forward who drove through and scored. Then they added another as their wide player scores from close range.

It was harsh on the Belles and the defence, but they regained their composure and started to play the ball around with good effect.

Freya moved into the forward position and soon after saw her shot brilliantly saved by the opposition goalkeeper. Then Darcy struck one from distance that crept wide. The Belles got back in the lead as the opposition defence missed a through ball and Scarlet ran onto it, there was still plenty to do but she finished well into the corner with her right foot. That goal saw Scarlet hit 20 for the season. Half time came and it gave the Belles an opportunity to reflect on the first half. We asked them to continue the good play going forward but to try and improve on decision making. Sometimes we didn't pass when we probably should have and didn't close the players down when we should have.

The second half began with the Belles looking to add more goals. Darcy struck a shot wide and then Freya saw another low shot saved well by the impressive opposition goalkeeper. The Belles did get their fourth goal, a brilliant forward run from Caitlin allowed her to slam home the ball to get her second of the game.

With the Belles looking like they were going to add a couple more, the opposition struck back. Again their pacey forward broke through and finished beyond Esme.
The Belles defence then began to be put under pressure, but Ava tracked their forward and cleared, then Monica bravely intercepted to stop an attack. The opposition did level the game, a high pass was sailing into Esme's hands but the ball slipped through her grasp as the player tapped home.

The game was set up for a frantic finish as both teams threw bodies forward. Iris' strong run and shot nearly got the Belles in front and Caitlin then saw another thumping drive fly just over the bar. As the clock ticked away the Belles thought they got a winner. Scarlet cut inside from the right and thundered a shot against the crossbar, however Caitlin picked up the loose ball and calmly scored to complete a brilliant hat trick from her. That saw Caitlin's season tally hit 19 goals which is an excellent return from someone who plays in midfield.

The Belles were defending well as the game was deep into stoppage time, but unfortunately another break away saw the opposition score with the last kick of the game. It was extremely harsh on the Belles who did more than enough to win the game but all credit to the opposition for their perseverance throughout.

The full time whistle went to bring the curtain down on another successful season for the Belles. A league campaign saw only saw 2 league defeats and a third place finish. It shows how much the standard of the u13 league is improving. Put that with a league cup final runner up and a county cup semi final, gives the Belles another season to be proud of.

134 goals scored over 28 games is incredible. The whole squad has been phenomenal and absolutely amazing to be around. All the girls are brilliant friends and their togetherness through a long hard season has been excellent to witness.

Players of the match today went to Caitlin and Scarlet. Caitlin's hat trick capped off a wonderful season for her and particularly over the last few months she's raised her game to another level. Also Scarlet who has also raised her game to another level. Her confidence is evident for all to see and 20 goals is a brilliant return from her. Well done both!

Bank Holiday Monday sees another Belles birthday as Monica celebrates hers. We all wish her a happy birthday and hope she has an amazing day!

Coach Scott would like to thank Andy and Shane for their help all season. To the parents for their incredible support and of course the players. The girls are absolutely magnificent and I'm so proud to be their coach. They are all a credit to their parents and the club. It's been a fabulous season!

We all look forward to seeing what next season brings as we move to 11 a side! Exciting times ahead for the Belles!