A goal from Nadia Khan wasn’t enough as the Belles were knocked out by Loughborough Lightning 2-1 at the Hollywell Sports Complex in the FA WNL County Cup.
Andy Butler made one change to the side that beat Bedworth a week ago. Tily Fantom came in for Jess Andrew to make her first start for the Belles.
The Belles started strong pressing Loughborough and they had a good chance on the 9th minute, a cross by Isabella Trevillion bounced awkwardly in the box eventually finding Jasmine Saxton, however her volley was just over.
The hosts grew into the game and on 16 minutes they took the lead. A through ball by Ella Powell found Nikki Russell who slotted the ball past Ellie Sharpe.
The Belles were almost level five minutes later, lovely through ball by Hannah McWilliams found Saxton but her shot was saved by the Loughborough keeper.
The introduction of Nadia Khan was significant in the second half, it helped the Belles back level on 59 minutes. Trevillion again causing problems threading a lovely through ball, Khan beating the offside trap, her initial shot was saved but she was there to follow it in for the equaliser.
After that it was end to end football, the back three formation was giving plenty of attack opportunities for the Belles.
However, the Belles were caught out 11 minutes from the end, substitute Abbie Benstead’s low cross caused the Belles havoc in the box eventually finding Russell to tap home from close range.
Loughborough held on for the win, the Belles will now turn their attention back to league action in two weeks when they travel to face Leafield Athletic.