6th February - Match Round-up

This weekend saw the Under 11's crash out of the cup with a 5-2 defeat to Barnsley Ladies, the Under 12's and Under 15's kicking their heels as they saw no football and the Under 13's both draw and fail to score a goal for the first time since they moved up to 11-a-side football in 2008.  On the plus side however, there were notable victories for the Under 10's, Under 16's and the Under 18's sides.

The Under 10's, who had only conceded 2 goals all season prior to Saturday's match away at 7th placed Crosspool found themselves involved in a titanic struggle as they conceded 4 goals in the game, before coming out 6-4 victors to keep up the pressure on leaders Millmoor (9-1 winners at Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders) and Dronfield Town (1-0 winners at home to 8th placed Handsworth Juniors).

The Under 11's won't be progressing to the cup semi-finals after losing 5-2 at Barnsley Ladies.  The result certainly isn't a disgrace however, because although lying in 2nd place in Division 'A' Barnsley have games in hand on league leaders Middlewood Rovers and look likely to be eventual division champions having lost only one match this season.

The Under 13's found themselves in unfamiliar territory on Saturday when they played Handsworth Juniors on the 3G pitch at Balby Carr.  The pitch is probably a bit too big for this age group and fatigue proved a significant factor for both sides as they fought out an entertaining but goal-less draw, which sees nobody benefit but Barnsley Ladies, who now have the luxury of knowing that if they win all of their remaining games they'll win the league regardless of what the Belles do... Barnsley and the Belles meet in the league at Balby Carr in 2 weeks time followed by a meeting of the teams the following week at Barnsley in the cup semi-final, 2 matches which could well determine the resting place of both age-group trophies this season.

The Under 16's had to reverse their away fixture against Worksop Town Girls, as the Worksop pitch was waterlogged.  With our own Balby Carr venue being out of commission as well, the match was rearranged to an 11-0-clock kick-off at Ryecroft Rd, Campsall.  All of that extra administration was ultimately worthwhile however as the Belles ran out as 5-1 victors, although not until they had to come from being a goal down after a sluggish start.  Belles scorers were Molly Ward, Ruth Windass and an Olivia Cawdron Hat-trick, showing what a rich vein of form she's in at the moment with 7 goals in the last 2 matches.

The Under 18's underlined the gulf in class between themselves and neighbours Dearne Dragons with a 14-0 victory at Dearne (scorers to follow).  The Belles now progress to the cup semi-finals after that result and next week return to the title chase after Sheffield Wednesday took full advantage of the Belles' temporary cup diversions and stretched their lead at the top of the table to 6 points with a 5-0 win against mid-table Dronfield Town. 

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