Worcester United Belles 1-2 Cleeve Ladies

Cleeve Ladies began their 23/24 pre-season fixture schedule with an away trip to Hallow ….the new home of the recently formed Worcester United Belles.

With player unavailability an issue for both sides Cleeve travelled without a recognised keeper and just 12 players. This included Lois Robinson who has come up from the U16’s and a trialist.

Both teams agreed to play 3x 30mins….the breaks were needed at it was a very warm afternoon. Just before kick off the local farmer decided that now would be a good time to do some muck spreading…..lovely.. the joys of the countryside!

Cleeve started brightly and were on top for the first 10 mins or so without creating any clear cut opportunities. Worcester were trying to execute a high 2nd ball press and playing an even higher back line. Unfortunately we were unable to select the right weight of pass expose this.
On 16 min came a warning… a break down the Cleeve left resulted in a shot just looping wide. We didn’t heed that warning and a similar move resulted in Ella Sharpe picking the ball out Cleeve net. 1-0.

The second 30 min period followed a similar pattern with Cleeve creating a number of clear opportunities which we failed to capillary on. the equaliser came on the 52nd minute when Leonie hit a shot from 25 yards which arrowed into the Worcester Belles net. 1-1.

The final 30 mins saw Cleeve create a number of further chances but a combination of last ditch defending and hesitant finishing meant the score remained tied. On 71 mins a half chance from Leonie found its way into the Belles net courtesy of the inside of the post 1-2.

FT 1-2

Thank to Ella Sharpe, Lara Owen and Leonie for taking a stint in goal.

It was a good run out for the ladies which they needed. Fitness is something we need to work on ….but that’s what pre-season is all about.

Thanks to Worcester Untied Belles for hosting and I wish them well as they embark on the inaugural season in the Mid-West Counties League.