The Belles welcomed Anstey on a sunny Sunday morning, looking to bounce back from an unfortunate result the previous week. The Belles were missing Iris, Chloe and Oliwia, as Eliza started as the striker with Amie coming in on the left.

Both teams paid tribute to Poppy Atkinson with a minute silence before the game.
The game started and the lively Eliza broke through and raced onto a sublime pass from captain Evie. However the goalkeeper saved well, then Amie ran forward but struck the ball over.

The Belles were playing with quality with all the players looking to get on the ball. Another excellent cross from Amie nearly found Darcy but it wasn't long after until the Belles made the breakthrough. Eliza's electric pace saw her burst through with her original attempt parried by the goalkeeper, but she was there to thump home the rebound via the post.

The Belles continued to retain the ball well as Monica was cleverly acting as a conduit between defence and attack. Ava was enjoying her battle with the opposition winger and was awarded for her exceptional defending with a goal.

Scarlet's brilliant corner, found Ava who finished from close range. Evie then saw a long range shot saved by the goalkeeper then a lovely pass from Lola saw Darcy drive forward but her cross was cleared away.

At halftime the Belles, were tasked to continue to use the ball well but also keep utilising the wide areas and space.

The second half began as the Belles continued where they left off. Caitlin fired a shot that flew wide and Scarlet just couldn't get a shot away. The Belles were still being first to the ball as Lols and Lois were excellent in possession. We were seeing lots of little link ups which was creating opportunities to get the ball forward. Lois received the ball and sent a fantastic pass to a scampering Darcy, who finished well past the goalkeeper to extend the Belles lead.

We unfortunately then lost Lola to an ankle injury as she twisted it. Eliza dropped into right back to replace her.

What was pleasing is that although Esme didn't have a great deal to do, her positioning was allowing her to be an option for the defence as the Belles continued to retain the ball well.

Some excellent direct play from Amie was causing trouble for the defence as she linked up with Caitlin and Monica well.

A driving run from Caitlin saw her go past 3 players, she unselfishly passed the ball to Darcy who slammed the ball home for her second of the game. Brilliant play from Caitlin.

Another Caitlin burst into the box and she was bundled over just as she was about to shoot. It looked like a penalty would be given but wasn't. Then Darcy raced forward but saw her shot cannon off the post and roll across the face off the goal.

Despite that the Belles still pressed forward as Amie was found at the far post, her shot was saved then Darcy's followed up was somehow blocked by the defender.

The full time whistle went to end a confident Belles display. We spoke about being brave to want the ball and they all did this. They kept the ball well, played short passes to retain possession but also went direct to exploit the space in the attacking third.

Player of the match was awarded to Amie. She was quality on the ball, drove the Belles forward on the left and was a constant threat to the opposition.

It was a big birthday weekend as Iris and coach Scott had theirs the day before. Iris was celebrating in London and Doughnuts and cookies were distributed at the end of the game to the players.

Thanks to all the players for a wonderful end to the birthday weekend and well done Belles!