The Belles secured back-to-back league wins for the first time this season as they saw off Norton and Stockton Ancients 3-0 on the 3G pitch at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Captain Jess Tugby-Andrew opened the scoring with a superb free kick before Jasmine Saxton continued her excellent scoring run with a brace.
It saw the Belles collect a league double over their visitors from the north east and make it ten points from the last 15 available to edge closer to the top half of FAWNL Division One North.
Ciaran Toner’s side were millimetres away from taking an early lead when Hannah McWilliams ran onto a quickly-taken Holly Housley corner and smashed a shot off the crossbar.
The first half was a closely contested affair with plenty of chances created without either side finding the breakthrough.
McWilliams looked to have done so just before the break when she ghosted onto a cross from Jess Tugby-Andrew and found the far corner, only to see the effort ruled out for offside.
The Belles finally took the lead on the hour mark when Jess Tugby-Andrew smashed a free kick from distance into the top corner, leaving Norton keeper Kelsie Moore rooted to the spot.
Izzy Gigg looked to extend the advantage as she worked space on the edge of the box, only to fire over the crossbar.
Daylight was created ten minutes from time. Saxton raced clean through on goal and rounded Moore, only to be brought down and win a penalty. The striker dusted herself off and fired into the top corner from the spot.
And the win was confirmed deep into added time. Substitute Mollie Barlow slid a pass through to Saxton, who slotted into the bottom corner.
Belles: Sharpe, R Johnson (Yates), J Tugby-Andrew (Morris), Rattenbury, Housley, L Tugby-Andrew, McWilliams (Barlow), Abadi, Sneddon (Parnham), Gigg, Saxton. Subs not used:
The Belles are back in action on Wednesday, February 21 as they host Hull City at the Iqbal Poultry Stadium in a 7.45pm kick-off. To purchase tickets, click HERE.