A friendly arranged between the high flyers in the gold league and the Belles from the Platinum league.

The Belles were without Lois and switched to a back 3, with Iris and Amie occupying the wingback positions.

The early exchanges were even, but then the ball was worked through to Darcy who prodded home to give the Belles the lead.

The Belles were playing some nice, neat football despite the Bobbly pitch, Caitlin worked the ball to Oliwia who tried her luck from distance but the goalkeeper saved. The Belles confidence continued to grow but the opposition levelled. Esme did well to save a long range shot but the forward was there to finish the rebound.

The Belles continued their confident play, Eliza dropped back into defence with her pace really combatting the opposition winger well. Unfortunately, not long after she had to come off with a neck injury.

Lola was having a strong game on the right of the back 3 with the Belles demonstrating their adaptability to play in different formations. The Belles nudged themselves in front again and it was Darcy who capitalized on a spill by the goalkeeper to score her second.

Defensively the Belles were looking comfortable, Lols was enjoying her battle with the striker and Ava was covering really well on the left side of the back 3.

Half time came as changes were made. Oliwia dropped into the back 3 with Evie pushing into midfield.

Th second half started really well for the Belles, Caitlin saw a shot blocked and Monica's energy in midfield despite the hot conditions was incredible. The Belles got a third and it was a worldie. The ball was played to Amie, who picked her head up and lobbed the goalkeeper from over 30 yards out. An amazing goal and thoroughly deserved for Amie who was having a really good game.

On the opposite side iris's brilliant run saw her cross flash across the goal. Lola pushed upfront and another Iris cross saw Lola's attempt saved by the feet of the goalkeeper.

Ashby then made the game interesting by getting a goal back, as both teams were valiantly working hard despite the extremely hot conditions.

Evie picked the ball up and saw her shot saved by the goalkeeper then Ava burst through but her shot went wide.

The Belles did restore the two goal lead, Lola held the ball up and laid it off to Darcy who thumped a strike high in to the net to complete her hat trick.

The Belles work ethic continued with Lols, Ava and Oliwia doing fantastic in defence. The Belles got another right at the end. A free kick was won by Scarlet, who dusted herself down and curled a low shot into the corner. A wonderful free kick off high quality. Then game ended as both teams finally got a rest! Huge credit to both teams who performed so well in such hot conditions. Thanks to Ashby for hosting us and we wish them all the best for the last couple of weeks of the season.

The Belles can reflect on a great display. It was our first 11 a side game since 30th March and with a formation change it was amazing to see them adapt comfortably.

Player of the match went to Amie, for a confident performance a left wing back and an absolutely magnificent goal!