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Rugby Town Squad: Ellie A, Hannah, Kelsey, Sophia, Ava, Elle J, Tash(C) Evie
On the back of their first defeat of the season, the U12s arrived in Barwell to kick start a new winning streak. A much smaller squad than usual meant it was necessary to play some of the girls out of their usual position, an extra challenge the RTGLFC U12 were up for!
1st Half
Evie, showing great team spirit, dropped into the RB position today to help out our depleted defence. She had an excellent game with an exceptional work rate and showing huge drive and determination to win the ball in some pretty heavy tackles.
Barwell were certainly the most dominant team for large periods of the first half, limiting Rugby’s chances of pushing forward through midfield. There was significant early pressure from Barwell, which the Rugby players coped with, albeit a little scrappy.
Elle J, on the right wing, had a very strong game today, facing an opposition that typically play a lot more physically than we are used to. Elle’s skills on the ball were excellent and her willingness to get into the tackles was some of the best I have seen from her this season.
Ava played really smartly, and when Rugby found space, she provided some sensible and well thought out passes to capitalise on any holes in the Barwell midfield and defence.
Barwell keep the pressure on Rugby, but luckily could not find their finishing shot and saw several balls wide of the target. Any shots on target were soft and Sophia collected without any trouble.
Elle, Ava and Tash managed to put together a fantastic combination of passes, slicing through the Barwell players, unfortunately the curse of the finishing shot affected them too and the very capable Barwell keeper smothered the ball.
Hannah had a tough game in midfield and was having trouble matching the pace of the very quick and skilful Barwell number 14. The Barwell number 3 was also having a great game down the right wing and being given too much space, caused Rugby all sorts of headaches.
Finally, Barwell capitalised of their strong counter attack and pushing quickly forward and winning a corner. Confusion in the goalmouth saw Barwell deservedly find the back of the net.
AFC Barwell 1 – 0 Rugby
On the restart, a poor pass saw Barwell regain possession immediately, attacking the Rugby goal. Thankfully the powerful shot sailed over the cross bar allowing Rugby a few second to collect themselves.
Elle J was still fighting hard on the wing and delivered a great individual performance throughout the game. Rugby were now starting to fend off the Barwell pressure and turn the tables a little. Evie collecting the ball in defence provided a beautiful through pass to Elle, who ran into space, making up a lot of ground, lifting her head and spotting Tash available to receive up front.
Although Rugby could not gain an equaliser in the first half, the squad were really starting to show improvements in their game and spirits were still high going into the second half with the girls believing they could take the game to Barwell and come away with a positive result.
2nd Half
Rugby started the second half much stronger and the additional of Kelsey up front added some much needed pace to the Rugby attack. Almost straight away, Kelsey and Ava slotted into a strong partnership which tested the Barwell players. A very good Ava / Kelsey one two was only stopped by some sharp goal keeping.
Ellie and Evie in defence were working very well together, Evie working the ball well with some great ball skills back up to the Rugby midfield, and Ellie winning and clearing the ball well up field during some very strong clashes with the Barwell forwards.
Barwell had a brief period of attack but sadly for them, again saw their shot sail over the Rugby crossbar.
Rugby delivered a number of corners well and although no goal scoring opportunity presented itself, the work done by Tash, Kelsey and Ava was very positive.
Hannah and Tash had a much stronger second half and were winning the ball and closing down the opposition well.
Elle J swapped in for Ava, and picked up where she left off, worked some string play with Kelsey to allow Elle J a shot on target, which the Barwell keeper just managed to collect.
Rugby kept the pressure on with most of the action being seen in the ferocious midfield area. Barwell had a speculative shot which drifted well wide of the Rugby post.
Sophia delivered the goal kick of the game, finding Kelsey who was already making her run. Beating a defender, Kelsey kept her head and knocked the ball to the right of the keeper and winning Rugby’s equaliser.
AFC Barwell 1 – 1 Rugby
Rugby continued to turn the tide on Barwell and the game was now in our favour. Barwell, now sensing the possibility of defeat, ramped up the physical tacklers, which saw a number of Rugby players tackled heavily to the ground.
Rugby not allowing themselves to be brow beaten or subdued, kept their attacking play going with more accurate passes and some excellent on ball skills. Defensively, Rugby were strong which visibly frustrated Barwell.
Kelsey and Task continued to push forward and a strong combination play with little resistance from Barwell, resulted in Tash finding the net with ease.
AFC Barwell 1 – 2 Rugby
Rugby were now in charge of the game and were always looking dangerous on the break. Several other opportunities presented themselves to Rugby in the closing minutes and Barwell only withstood the pressure due to their very committed and skilful goal keeper.
Summary
A hard fought game on a tough pitch with very determined opposition really tested the Rugby Town players today. The second half was a much improved performance with Rugby dictating play and displaying a desire and determination to win.
I was very impressed with all the girls today, especially with their attitude in not being intimidated, picking themselves up (literally) and dusting themselves off to fight back from behind.
Coaches Player of the Match – for showing great tenacity and bravery during the battle of the second half: Kelsey
Parents Player of the Match – for excellent team commitment, playing in unfamiliar position and delivering an exceptional performance: Evie