The Belles welcomed East Goscote for their first home game of the season. Plenty of close encounters in the past against today's opposition and this morning was another!
We knew it was going to be a difficult game and we asked the Belles to show desire, commitment and to focus on their own game. Captain Lois dropped into defence to partner Lols (aka Lola Cuthbert) with Darcy coming into midfield with Caitlin and Ava. Eliza started upfront with Freya coming into left wing.

The Belles started really well and were passing quickly, a wonderful ball from Ava saw Oliwia break down the right but her cross was intercepted. On the other side Freya was sent scampering away by Darcy but again her attempt was blocked.

The opening 10 minutes were excellent by the Belles, who were showing tenacious defending with Lola, Lois, Lols and Monica being so strong. Despite the encouraging start the opposition got Infront with their first attack. A cross found their winger at the far post who scored.

Extremely unfair on the Belles but they continued to push. Further opportunities nearly fell to Caitlin and Ava but agonisingly the opposition doubled their lead.
This further galvanised the Belles who kept playing lovely football that certainly was from a team that didn't deserve to be 2-0 down.
Caitlin saw a shot saved saved, then a corner from Scarlet caused confusion in the box but again the defence just cleared in time. The opposition forwards were being thwarted at every opportunity. Lols was excellent in judging when to nip Infront or stand off and be strong. With Lois sweeping behind it was the Belles who were looking good value for the next goal.

A direct run from Eliza saw the goalkeeper come out to bravely save the ball. However the goalkeeper took a nasty accidental bang to the face. After a delay in playing whilst the goalkeeper was checked she came off and was taken to hospital. Everyone at the Belles wishes her a speedy recovery.

The game restarted as Evie came into midfield. It didn't take long for her clever passing to show, as she played a nice ball to Darcy to chase but the defence got back and cleared. It was Ava's turn to find Darcy with a pass to the left, Darcy managed to get infront of the defender and was brought down in the box. However the ref decided to not award a penalty. Another harsh moment for the Belles who on another day it would of been given.

Half time came and it was a chance for the Belles to recharge their batteries. Coach Scott said the girls efforts were brilliant but the next goal will be crucial and challenged them to try and get it, with a team task of having 5 shots at the goal second half. More changes were made with Iris coming on in right wing.

The Belles continued their impressive commitment into the second half, Monica was having an outstanding game at left back as the opposition forwards were having no joy against the resilient Belles defence. Chloe was then added to the defence as the Belles strength defensively was fantastic.

The Belles did get the next goal, the ball falling to Caitlin on the edge of the box, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner. Game on and it was deserved for Caitlin and the Belles! Lola dispossessed their winger to send Iris on a run. She played a neat pass into Scarlet who fired wide.

The Belles defence was still tenacious, Lols was impressing in only her second game as a Belle, with Lois continuing to be a commanding presence there as well. Amie won a corner with the Belles pushing forward for an equaliser but it was cleared. Then Scarlet saw a shot saved by the goalkeeper as the game was opening up. Another cross from Oliwia saw the replacement goalkeeper somehow clawing the ball out of the air with the Belles ready to pounce. A swift opposition counter saw Esme make a save. It wasn't only Esme's shot stopping that deserves a mention but she was also really confident with the ball at her feet. The Belles pushed for one last chance and won a corner. This was whipped in and somehow wasn't converted with the opposition managing to clear again. The full time whistle went to end a pulsating spectacle.

The Belles deserved more out of the game but the performance was incredible. Every single player not only worked hard but the football played was excellent. Their bravery in their play was brilliant and coach Scott couldn't ask for more from them. We knew it was going to be tough, the opposition won the treble last season but the Belles showed they are more than capable of competing.

Coach Scott, with his new player of the match trophy couldn't pick a player of the match. He gave it to the whole team for their commitment, hunger and for just being the best players a coach can ask for!

Well done Belles you certainly done yourselves proud!