Rugby Town Girls u9s played Asfordby for the 3rd time in 3 weeks today, this time hosting. The first two games were against Asfordby u10s but this was Rugby’s first game in their correct age group.
Rugby had a large squad today, having been joined by some new players. This meant that there would be plenty of chances to rotate which has not previously been an option, however dropping down to 6 aside meant a slight change of formation.
Rugby started with confidence having played really well against the older girls last week. There were chances at both ends throughout the first half. With Poppy, Sofia and Aurora linking up well with each other as they rotated and really showed their skill against an opposition of similar size.
Katie and Izzy both had spells in midfield and really controlled the middle of the pitch. Both were getting forward well to support attacking play but were committed enough to track back and defend. Due to the 6 aside format, this role can be quite a lot to ask, but this was the benefit of the squad size.
Defence was one area where there were a few more new faces and required the girls not only to ensure the personal performance was good, they found themselves rotating with new partners which meant learning on the hoof. I’m pleased to say that they managed this and on the whole kept the opposition attackers marked.
Initially Isobel and another new girl Darcy started in defence both having just finished a game for the u10s! Both displayed great awareness and commitment breaking up a number of attacks and making good clearances.
Ella and another new player Rhea also had great spells in defence and it was great to see that we had players who could rotate into the team and maintain the same performance levels.
During the first half there were a few moments where Asfordby managed to get in behind the Rugby defence. However, a committed team did not give up and chased the attacking players to either stop the opposition or at least put pressure on to aid the keeper in saving.
The keeper for the first half was Lexie who was in goal for the team due to no keeper in today’s squad. Lexie having previously played for other Rugby age groups, made some great saves and showed fantastic bravery to make saves at the feet of the Asfordby strikers.
As the game moved on Rugby settled and following some pressure on the Rugby goal with some big Asfordby runs. Both teams were giving it their all, but a great run by Rugby was finally rewarded by Aurora who was as usual linking up well with Sofia who likewise was always busy in the attack.
The second half also started well, as Rugby had clearly relaxed following the goal. There was a half time change in goal, where Lexie came out to rotate in the attack and Rhea bravely stepped forward to stand between the sticks. Rhea did a good job and cleared any trouble when called upon. Rugby had by now started control the game more and there was less pressure on the Rugby goal.
As the half developed Poppy who made a number of good runs showing some great footwork and never stopped running, pressured the Asfordby defence in the goal mouth and caused an error which rewarded Rugby’s performance. This was following a nice free kick taken by Lexie who made a number of really dangerous runs during the second half.
The second half performance was finished off with a great move we’d practiced in training, with a great through ball passed to Sofia who finished the move calmly. It was great to see the girls clearly execute it and that the practice had paid off.
A great performance and nice to see the girls rewarded finally after their efforts in previous games in the u10s league.
It was also good to see the girls who’d played so far this season, gelling so well and comfortably, with new teammates. Every girl played her socks off today, and on any other day would have been in the running for player of the game…but Tony and I after much thought decided that:
Coaches girl of the match: Katie who covered every inch of the pitch, making important tackles in defence.
Parents girl of the match: Isobel who was a rock in defence, and had also looked comfortable in the u10s game.