Rugby Town U11s welcomed Loughborough Foxes to Kilsby Lane for their rescheduled first round league cup game. The sun was shining, breeze was light and we had players complaining they were too warm!
We thought we would try something different today. With a healthy squad of 11, instead of subbing throughout the game, we would do a 4 person sub at half time. The thinking behind this tactic is that it would allow the players to settle down and develop some flow in the game. The gamble was, would they last either 25 of 50 mins of play ?
During warm up Rugby needed a little coaxing to generate enthusiasm and there was concern that being so flat, we would be caught on the hop early on. I had nothing to worry about – Rugby were out of the blocks from the whistle!
1st Half
In goal, Sophia was her usual dependable, fearless self. Her confidence in controlling her defenders and the team when defending corners is brilliant. My heart was in my mouth on several occasions as Sophia was just not prepared to let the Foxes score, throwing herself in the path of any ball in reach throughout the game.
Izzy had a good game today. Her awareness of the game was clear as she moved forward when needed but tracked back with the Foxes on the counter attack. Izzy’s confidence in tackles is slowly growing and I was impressed with her willingness to play a slightly different game today.
Ella, in the right back position, is always a bit of a dark horse. The opposition would do well not to underestimate her. Ella has a wicked right foot on her and used it to make a number of crucial clearances. Ella and Issy have a good partnership at the back, which I can only see growing. Ella also played the 2nd half. Impressively, she did not tire and provided an exemplary account of herself throughout.
Ava had a brilliant start to the first half with a number of runs up the left wing. I can easily say that Ava had her best game for Rugby to date. She was absolutely tenacious in her tackles; she ran her legs off to create space, reading the game very well indeed. Some nifty skills allowed a good few speculative shots on target, that on another day, she would easily convert.
Ava provided a well thought out and accurate pass to Kelsey, which she converted with aplomb. A textbook team effort, straight from the training ground!
Mia had a cracking game in central defensive / midfield. Everywhere I looked, she was there. Mia never has a bad game, but she shone today, her confidence on the ball has massively improved and her corner delivery was excellent. Her dedication and enthusiasm to the game is a pleasure to watch.
Mia also had a great partnership with Evie on the right wing, the two of them passing confidently between one another and also Mia provided Evie with a number of penetrative passes to allow Evie a clear run.
Evie was rock solid on the right wing with a good turn of pace. Her marking was spot on, tackles were assured and more often than not, she won the ball. Evie showed great game awareness and provide a lovely pass to Kelsey who calmly converted. A great assist and goal!
Kelsey was a rocket up front. The wingers and midfield players were exceptional in feeding her the ball and Kelsey used every opportunity to put the Foxes under pressure. Running at them whenever the opportunity arose, using turns and dribbling to retain possession to allow her numerous shots on target. The Foxes goal keeper did well to keep the score down.
2nd Half
4 changes in players saw Elle and Tash on the wings, Hannah in defensive midfield and Ellie in the left back position. After a great first half with exception teamwork, the challenge was to settle quickly and not allow the Foxes into the game.
Hannah started as she meant to go on and had a cheeky run up the left wing, passing to Kelsey who only narrowly missed converting Rugby’s 3rd goal. Again, something must be in the water, or the sun galvanised the players, but Hannah also had one of the best games I have seen her play. She was constantly pushing from midfield, providing support and created opportunities for the 3 forward players. She knew what was going on with the game at all times, her defence of opposition throw ins, and timing her runs back to help defend the counter attacks were impeccable. A couple of strong strikes weren’t too far from the target and a great corner delivery was scrambled clear by the Foxes.
Ellie had a good game today. Much happier to play the whole half rather than subbing, Ellie used her height to put off the opposition attack. Her strong left foot providing effective clearances both during play and when defending corners. Ellie has a great throw in, and can really generate some distance. A number of thrown ins led to some very near missed shots on target by both Tasha and Kelsey. Finally, a super throw in by Ellie to Kelsey lead to Rugby’s 3rd goal!
Rugby won a penalty due to a handball in the goal mouth by a Foxes player. Penalties are few and far between, so the Rugby players looked a bit lost. Kelsey stepped up to take the penalty but the Foxes keeper confidently saved the straight centre shot.
Elle had a magnificent game. Her speed and skill meant the Foxes defence didn’t really know what to do with her and, unwisely, mainly left her unmarked. Elle create a huge number of opportunities and work selflessly with Kelsey to get the ball into the opposition danger zone.
Tasha had a positive game today, and is enjoying life on the left wing. Her work rate was very high throughout the second half and positioning was very good. Never afraid to try for a shot, Tasha was unlucky not to score at least once, especially after all her hard work. She is building a good partnership with Kelsey and they are starting to read the others play well. Tasha always plays with bags on enthusiasm and a huge smile on her face.
At some point in the second half the Foxes scored an own goal, which admittedly I missed, but which Kelsey is claiming. And who am I to argue!
U11’s you had an absolutely cracking game, with each and every one of you displaying 100% effort and commitment. You went out with a game plan – to win – and you implemented it cleanly and efficiently. You totally deserve today’s win! Well done!
Rugby Town U11s 4 – Loughborough Foxes 0
Sponsors: Lisa Collins Hair Design and Caring Help and Home Ltd
Squad: Ellie, Ava, Evie, Kelsey, Hannah, Mia, Izzy, Sophia, Tasha, Ella, Elle
Captain – Ava
Coaches Player of the Match: for fantastic communication, impressive control of the goal mouth and her usual committed style of play: Sophia
