Storm Bert threatened this fixture all week, and ultimately Girls football won out against the Storm. The match was switched to Albury Heath due to a waterlogged pitch. Ten Beechcombe Belles and their parents travelled over to Albury for a 9:30 kick-off.
The game started slowly with the Eagles playing a lot of the first ten minutes in their own half. The Beechcombe Belles had a very quick number 10 who linked in well on the right hand side. Good fortune and robust goal keeping from Seren kept them from scoring. As the Eagles woke up the defence of Ruby and Tabitha started to provide a steady stream of balls behind the Belles defence with Lyla running on to them. Lyla had one shot on target for a relatively simple save and an excellent cross that was just missing the centre runners. After the first round of subs for the Eagles they started to take some shape. Amber then provided a secure attacking base by ensuring the balls stayed in the Belles half. Maeve came on for her first run out in an Albury shirt, and Heidi added some solid defence on the left. Freya then took over on the right and caused havoc for their midfield, a quick turn and chip created space and for a time it seemed like a goal was owed to her.
Both teams went in for half time with the score 0-0. The team talk created more structure for the team and Liv and Freya went on the left and right wing. Both players linking up well with the wing backs. Ella having chased every ball down like a Jack Russell came off and Liv moved to central Midfield with Maeve going on the left. Numerous darting runs saw Maeve out pacing the defence and having a one one one with the Goalie. Stella then moved to a defensive midfield position, and a couple of right hand arcing runs with the ball saw her cut in behind the Belle’s midfield.

At the other end a couple of defensive lapses saw the ball bobbling around the box with an abundance of players and the feeling the a goal was coming for the Belles. The problem was fixed by the hefty boot of Ruby this time. As the clearing kick then landed at the feet of another Belle the second attack started. This time Seren dived on the ball as the number 9 tried to play it passed her. Emma created a wall in defence in the second half down the right side, with Tab’s not allowing the players to cut inside.
The attacking tool of Tabitha’s throw created good options to score for the team, still no balls hit the netting. Strong winds were present throughout the match, at one point the Eagles goal blew away. This also made the aerial play and goal kicks more difficult.
After sixty minutes the scores were tied at 0-0. With girls football clearly winning out over Storm Bert.

Many thanks to https://www.ameliacarter.com for providing the money and enthusiasm to get the team moving.