On a warm afternoon playing against a side we had little knowledge off, it was all Rugby Town from the kick off. After failing to convert some really good openings, Llia blasted one home from a clearance to make it 1-0. Back came Allexton who started to find some form but Jenna, Marley and Katie held firm at the back and limited them to very few chances.
The midfield of Lila, Jasmine and Maddi had to work and battle really hard to win and keep the ball and feed Melissa in attack who once again was showing their defenders a clean pair of heels. Rugby needed another goal to settle things down and Jasmine was the provider, as she went past a defender and unleashed an unstoppable shot past their keeper from long range. Rugby were now dominant and should have added to their tally with the chances they created but some wayward shooting and some excellent stops by the Allexton keeper meant the half time score remained 2-0.
The second half began with Allexton forcing Rugby back to defend their lead in numbers. They created openings and numerous chances but could not find a way to reduce the deficit, though they came close on a number of occasions. The intensity of the game and the heat were starting to have an effect on some of the girls so Rugby made substitutions. Holly came on for Maddi who had worked her socks off on the right of midfield. Katie, who had covered every blade of astro turf with her defending and throw ins was replaced by Rosie. Lila who had put in a determined midfield performance was replaced by Poppy.
With fresh legs, Rugby gradually got themselves back into the game and when Poppy won a tackle in midfield and sent Melissa away on the wing, her cross was met by Jasmine who swept the ball into the net to make it 3-0. Once again Rugby became the dominant side and in the dying minutes they scored their fourth. From a Rugby corner the ball was cleared out to Marley on the halfway line who promptly dispatched it back into the box and past the despairing dive of their keeper. What a goal and what a way to finish !!!
Thanks to everyone who came and supported the girls and for everyone’s help and patience this season. All the girls hard work paid dividends in the end and we, as coaches, are very proud of you all.
Rugby Town Girls FC u10s 4 – 0 Allexton & New Park FC u10s