Rugby visited Asfordby for the return leg of last week’s fixture.
Firstly, it must be said that a fantastic welcome was made by Asfordby and their supporters. They are a true grassroots club who try to do everything correctly, but always make the players their top priority. This was eminent during the match with the big smiles from all their players even when goals are conceded, heads never going down and always trying their hardest and encouraging all the time.
With illnesses and injuries still prominent in the team Rugby only had the 1 substitute.
Tasked with passing the football and getting enjoyment, the team entered the fray.
From the off Rugby made their intentions clear and headed direct for the Asfordby goal at every chance.
Eventually Chloe had a shot from 20 yards which found its way into the back of the net. This relaxed Rugby and goals flowed during the half from Kacie, Flick, Hollie and Chloe, Asfordby pinched 1 back to make the half time score 10-1. Flick and Hollie both netting first half hat tricks.
During the half time chat it was decided Rugby should concentrate more on passing the ball around and moving into space and keeping possession, as they are working hard on in training, this would also be less tiring for them on a big pitch.
The formation and team were to be decided on by the players themselves to give them more responsibility in their team. They decided that Chloe and Kacie would be the front 2 as they were both on 2 goals each and deserved to score their maiden hat tricks for the club.
Asfordby had other ideas and brought the game to Rugby giving their defense more work to do than they did in the first half. Goalkeeper Rebecca was put in defense by the girls and stand in keeper Emily stood firm. Rebecca seemed to be enjoying the freedom of being released from between the sticks and appeared in the front line on numerous occasions but sadly couldn’t find a shot to score with.
Lauren whose vision and passing all game was outstanding decided she didn’t want to miss out on being on the score sheet and duly netted. Flick added her 4th and Chloe finally found the net to get her deserved hat trick. This led to everyone trying to set Kacie up for her hat trick. Finally, she hit the net in the dying seconds for it to be ruled out as she was offside. It will come Kacie.
All the players did their jobs and worked as a team, with the new players fitting in well and their beginner’s nerves starting to disappear. Great improvement from Tasha and Sophie.
Player of the match was not awarded, and it was felt to single one person out in a great team performance was unfair.
Asfordby were strong and pegged Rugby back during the 2nd half, scoring a very well taken penalty and a sublime header from 18 yards out. More than deserved goals. What was good to see was at the final whistle coaches from other Asfordby teams congratulating their U15s on the performance and well taken goals.
Thank you Asfordby.
Final score
Asfordby Amateurs. 3
Rugby Town. 13
Rugby scorers
Chloe. 3
Hollie. 3
Flick. 4
Kacie. 2
Lauren. 1.
Great enjoyment for the girls on both teams and big smiles from everyone.