To use an old cliché, it was a game of two halves for the Rugby Town Girls U15s on Friday night, as the floodlit astro at Kilsby Lane played host to their League Cup Semi-final against Coalville Town Ravenettes.
A large crowd was in attendance as the girls were led out onto the pitch by Referee Dave Goodyear. As the handshake took place the atmosphere amongst the crowd was an expectant one.
The game commenced with Rugby immediately on the back foot as Coalville started strong securing their first goal inside 2 minutes. Coalville scoring first had not been in Rugby’s game plan. Heads dipped, the team was rattled, and the Ravenettes knew it. They continued to pile on the pressure, pulling Rugby apart to create a wide open midfield. It was a weakness Coalville exploited as often as they could to break through and head for goal. Shots at goal were plentiful for Coalville and it was rather fortunate for Rugby that several hit the metalwork and angles were slightly off; though not by much.
Whilst much of the first 40 minutes was spent in Rugby’s half, the U15s weren’t without their early chances. Holly, Lauren and Flick all had opportunities denied them in the first quarter of an hour and Cait found herself positioned in the box perfectly central behind a ball that was just out of reach. It was 28 minutes in, after a prolonged injury stoppage that a cross from Lauren met with Flick for a goal that came on the rebound. The playing field was back level and a collective sigh resounded around the pitch.
A promising run from Lauren towards the end of the first half was a sign of things to come as the girls headed into the changing rooms for a welcome breather.
As the match restarted there was a sense of de ja vu as Coalville once again scored two minutes in. This time however, Rugby retaliated. Less than a minute later Lauren levelled the score with a powerful free kick that the Coalville keeper had no chance of intercepting. A rejuvenated Rugby side were beginning to find their form. Having been behind twice they were eager to get in front and a fantastic run from Holly down the left wing duly earnt her a place on the scoresheet.
The size of the pitch was beginning to take its toll as play swung end to end. Injuries to Kacie and Emily who both left the field of play, meant there were few substitution options left for Rugby’s U15s. Now was the time to dig deep no matter how much legs ached and lungs gasped. The Ravenettes wanted the win as much as Rugby and were prepared to fight for it to the whistle. As they aimed to bring the score back level they were denied (again) by the crossbar. As Coalville found themselves in receipt of a free kick the tension was palpable. They looked almost certain to level the score but a confident display from Rugby’s keeper meant the Ravenettes’ frustrations began to rise. With time ticking on, Rugby knew they needed to extend their lead in order to buy themselves some breathing space.
It came upon Flick to secure the match in the 75th minute; an error from the Coalville defence allowing Flick to run in from the corner and lift the ball over the keeper. The Ravenettes didn’t let up but the Rugby defence proved stubborn, they weren’t about to lose the match now and as the whistle drew near it looked increasingly unlikely that the Ravenettes had time to pull it back.
As the final whistle blew, the roar from the crowd was unlike anything the girls had heard before. Both teams walked off the pitch to a much appreciated, rousing round of applause. Coalville, were deflated but gracious in defeat whilst Rugby just couldn’t hide their smiles… and why should they?
Final score: Rugby Town Girls U15s 4 – Coalville Town Ravenettes 2
