After a recent dip in performance (no doubt due to playing 4 matches in 10 days), the U15s were a rejuvenated side against Harborough Town this morning.
With the weather and pitch conditions greatly improved from recent games, and after a week of rest, the girls started the match in a much more buoyant mood than of late. An unusually strong start led to an early lead that came just 2 minutes in, as a lay off from Chloe was confidently finished by Hollie.
Working up-hill and into the wind for the first half didn’t deter the 15s from running, knowing the conditions would be in their favour for the second half. Despite an equaliser from Harborough 10 minutes later, the girls’ heads didn’t go down. The 15s viewed it as slightly lucky having been assisted by the metalwork and it was therefore, nothing they couldn’t come back from.
On the 25th minute mark, a superb run and strike from Lauren gave Rugby back the lead. Invigorated by being back in control of the match the girls matched the pace of the Harborough team who were dangerous on the break from midfield and weren’t afraid to take the game deep into Rugby’s half. With Rugby’s defensive back 4 holding firm however, Harborough were denied their chances. As were Rugby… there were chances to be had in the latter stages of the first half, if only the goals were a fraction wider… or taller! The soft but dry pitch seemed to suit the passing play that the Rugby girls aspire to and at times they showed glimpses of just how good they can be when fully on form and focused but with minds on next week’s League Cup Final, they were perhaps a little distracted at times today.
Holding on to the 2 – 1 lead going in to half time was a much welcomed position to be in. With water drunk, and heads and necks doused as protection against the heat, Rugby took to the pitch grateful for the easier, downhill, down- wind conditions, determined to extend their lead and secure the win.
10 minutes in to the second half, a well-timed cross from Lauren was tucked neatly away by Chloe for a 3 – 1 lead. This was beginning to feel more like the Rugby side we’d seen earlier in the season. On the hour, a well-struck corner from Hollie found Lauren waiting in the box who duly headed it into the back of the net. At 4 – 1, Rugby had the cushion they had been seeking.
Harborough Town however, were never completely out of the game which saw almost as much time spent in Rugby’s half as theirs. The occasional error from the 15s allowed Harborough to implement the passing play that a flat-footed Rugby couldn’t always deal with. With playing moving swiftly from one end to the other, the heat was beginning to take its toll on the players as the second half drew on. 15 minutes from time, Harborough’s perseverance paid off as they scored their second of the match. It was perhaps, too little too late, against a Rugby side looking for a confidence boost before next week’s Cup Final. However, there’s the small matter of a rematch against Harborough on Friday first.
Full time: Harborough Town 2 – 4 Rugby Town