It was the first game of 2025 for the Belles and a tough away trip to East Goscote, who sit second in the league. The Belles haven't played since 15th December and were without Chloe, who was away and Ava who was unwell.

The game started with both teams looking to attack. The opposition striker dragged a shot wide, then Eliza was played through but the goalkeeper got to the ball first. Yet again the Belles defence was strong but also confident on the ball.

At left back, Evie struck a lovely pass that got the Belles on the attack, then on the opposite side, Lola played a sublime pass to Darcy scampered away but shot just wide.

Esme made a great save to deny the forward, then a shot cannoned off the cross bar and bounced away. Despite this the Belles remained composed. A strong run from Iris, saw her cross blocked and out of play. From the resulting corner, Freya nearly pounced but it was cleared. The midfield trio of Oliwia, Caitlin and Monica were everywhere. Monica, making several dispossessions and allowing Oliwia and Caitlin to get forward on the ball.

Some lovely link up play between Darcy and Amie, saw Amie send a cross in but again it was cleared.

There was still time in the first half for Lols to somehow win the ball back, then Lois yet again swept up as the opposition tried to break through.

Halftime came with the Belles producing some excellent football coupled with unbelievable determination. Coach Scott told them that they should be very confident in getting a win, if they go out and perform like that in the second half.

The second half started with Esme showing confidence off her line and claiming the ball a few times. Her distribution was also brilliant.

Caitlin threaded the ball through to Eliza but the defender managed to recover, as the Belles were starting to create more opportunities. A surging run from Darcy, saw her cross flash high across the face of goal. Oliwia's neat pass found Scarlet but again the defence cleared.

Lois then bravely got in front to win the ball but took an accidental kick to the neck area. She was good to continue and not long after made a brilliantly timed tackle as the Belles cleared. Lols then broke forward as her shot from distance was saved by the goalkeeper. The opposition winger tried to beat Lola, but Lola's strength saw her win the ball back.

Scarlet's first time pass found Darcy, who fired over the bar. Then Caitlin drove forward and thumped a shot that the goalkeeper parried but Scarlet just couldn't direct the rebound goalwards.

It was looking like the game was heading to a draw, but the Belles grabbed a deserved winner. Evie played a pass into Darcy, who turned past the defender and struck the ball into the corner.

The Belles remained calm and saw out the game for the win.

The performance was incredible from all the girls. Determination, hard work and quality was all on show and they all deserved it so much!

The defence was strong and solid, the midfield very industrious and the attack used the ball well at the critical moments.

Players of the match went to Lois and Darcy. Lois, for literally putting her body on the line but also showed so much quality on the ball.

Also to Darcy, who covered every blade of grass. Her willingness to run and energy saw her get a deserved winning goal.

Well done girls and well done Belles. What a start to 2025!