Harborough Town U12 vs Rugby Town Girls U12s – Sunday 25th November
Sponsors: Lisa Collins Hair Design and Caring Help at Home Ltd
Rugby Town Squad: Ellie A, Ella, Hannah, Erin, Kelsey, Sophia, Ava, Elle J, Mia, Izzy, Evie (C) Tash
Keen to continue their excellent league form, the Rugby U12 squad took a trip up the A14 to visit Harborough Town FC
1st Half
Rugby started very strongly and Ava showed early promised with some very positive runs up the left wing, finding her positions well. Harborough showed they were not going to let Rugby dictate the game, but making some early breaks towards the Rugby goal.
The first half defenders, Ella and Erin, worked well together, allowing Ella to make 2 really good clearances in the early stages of the game. Erin had another really good half, and she is really looking comfortable in the right back position.
Harborough had two throw ins early on deep in the Rugby half, but Rugby handled both threats without too much fuss. Elle J and Tash, along with Ava worked well together to move the ball back up field, building a good partnership throughout the first half.
Rugby won a few corners throughout the first half, all well delivered by Hannah, who really takes pride in her corner skills, and rightly so. There is still a bit of work to be done on converting these corners, but the signs are positive, and with practice, the team will do well with their set pieces.
Ava, again in on the action, although slightly out of position, charged down the right wing, releasing a great ball to Elle J who slotted it neatly passed the Harborough keeper allowing Rugby to take the lead.
Harborough 0 – 1 Rugby Town
From the restart, the Rugby defence of Hannah, Ella and Erin had their work cut out as Harborough fought to obtain a quick equalizer. The girls worked well together and covered for their teammates, finally clearing to Tash and Elle J. Back up field, showing some good passing, Elle J had a shot on goal, which was well saved by the Harborough keeper.
Harborough kept up the pressure on Rugby pressing the Rugby goal and keeping the defenders and Hannah, who dropped back from midfield to support, busy. Harborough won a throw in, which was excellently intercepted by Elle J who swiftly shot up field. A goalmouth scramble and a bit of confusion which saw the Rugby players claiming a penalty, somehow ended up as a free kick to Harborough.
Not happy with this decision, Rugby lost concentration for a few minutes before shaking themselves of and turning there quick counter attacking play to good use against their opposition. Rugby had 3 shots of target in quick succession, but a slight lack of power allowed the Harborough keeper some comfortable saves.
2nd Half
A full squad meant a 5 player change for the second half, hoping fresh legs would allow us to retain and build upon the Rugby lead.
The team settled back into the game within a few minutes. However, half time had also brought a change in players for the Harborough side, and a couple of particularly strong players were beginning to cause Rugby some issues.
Kelsey, Evie and Tash, playing up front, experienced some good teamwork by the Harborough side, limited the play they could generate meaning Rugby experienced less flow in their game than they have enjoyed in recent games.
Harborough certainly had the upper hand in the second half and it wasn’t long before Rugby found themselves desperately defending another charge. Sophie pushed a shot on target away very well. Unfortunately, an eagled eyed Harborough played spotted the loose ball and cannoned the ball into the back of the net.
Harborough 1 – 1 Rugby Town
Ellie, skipping up from left back, delivered some good corners throughout the second half, but again, Rugby could not capitalise on their set pieces and could not convert any of the deliveries. Our other defender, Izzy, found herself defending against some quick Harborough players and did well to run them out onto the left wing, limiting the opportunities Harborough had to shoot on goal.
Mia, in midield had a tough half, and despite a spirited and determined performance, she struggled to contain a more dominant Harborough midfield.
Finally, Rugby manager to coordinate a strong counter attack which saw involvement by Kelsey, Tash and Evie. Tash in particular initial the counter attack with a strong and confident rundown the left wing. The resulting shot from this play was just wide, but Rugby showed that they could put together some strong play to beat Harborough. This seemed to lift the Rugby spirits and the game picked up.
Harborough were not going to be brow beaten and come back at the Rugby side quickly and strongly, working the ball well around the Rugby midfield. The Rugby defence were not prepared and Harborough punished the lack of attention by scoring and impressive and emphatic second goal
Harborough 2 – 1 Rugby Town
The last few minutes mainly belonged to Harborough who saw a couple of shots go wide of the Rugby goal. Rugby continued to absorb the pressure, but were unable to clear sufficiently to give themselves breathing space.
The last play in the game saw Tash, Evie and Kelsey again delivering some good play to mount a final attack on the Harborough goal in an attempt to scrape a draw. A shot was clear and the final whistle dashed Rugby’s hopes of a better result than was achieved.
Summary
Harborough Town 2 – 1 Rugby Town
The first defeat of the season was always going to be a bitter pill to swallow. Rugby, despite training on Astro, seemed to struggle to get the measure of the ball on the Harborough astro pitch. An excellent first half was not reflected in the second. Wayward passes allowed Harborough more chances than they would have otherwise had.
However, there were lots of positives to take from the game, and some good individual performances. I know the team will dust themselves off and face next week’s league match with their usual positivity and drive.
Thanks to some other results going our way, Rugby Town U12s retain their top spot in the league with a game in hand.
Coaches Player of the Match – for some good footwork and skill shown on the wing : Tash
Parents Player of the Match – for excellent commitment, determination and work rate in the first half: Ava
Thank you to Tash for the cake. And thank you to the girls for a very rousing rendition of happy birthday for the poor ageing coach!