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Rugby Town Squad: Ellie A, Ella, Erin, Kelsey, Sophia, Ava, Elle J, Mia, Izzy (C) , Evie, Tash
Our first fixture of 2019 was away to Asfordby Amatures for the first meeting of the season for these two clubs. Looking for a strong start to the year, the Rugby team were enthusiastically looking forward to getting onto the pitch after the Christmas break
1st Half
A few changes today to allow for player rotation. Ellie A, our second goalkeeper, started in goal for the first half to get some game time in. Ella and Mia both starting for full games.
Rugby started positively with instructions to dictate the play with an attacking approach. The midfield and forward players settled in quickly and were already displaying some great link up play, pushing up onto the Asfordby goal.
The Rugby defenders were generally idle during the early part of the game, but kept their awareness well and were quick to defend when needed. Both Ellla and Erin, who becomes more confident each week, made some good clearances.
Mia and Evie in midfield ready each other’s play excellently, and a lovely link up from Mia to Evie, running up the wing and releasing to Tash in the middle, allowed Tash to open the Rugby score sheet early.
Asfordby 0 – 1 Rugby Town
The team have started to work on their crosses in training and I was very pleased to see that the players were more comfortable playing out wide and crossing some very nice balls in. Tash especially delivered some very nice crosses indeed, that Ava and Evie were unlucky not to convert.
Rugby continued to keep good control of the game and were a constant threat on the counter attack. Rugby retained and gained a huge amount of possession in midfield, mainly down to some excellent work by Evie, Mia and Ava.
A good through ball found Tash to beat the Asfordby defenders and found herself 1 on 1 with the keeper onto to see her shot just go wide of the net on the left.
Back into play and Rugby quickly worked their way towards the Asfordby goal and another Rugby shot, this time by Ava, was saved well by the Asfordby keeper. Rugby kept the pressure and again, Mia linked up with Evie, and this time the outcome was as desired with Evie scoring a well-deserved goal
Asfordby 0 – 2 Rugby Town
Rugby were getting stronger as the first half progressed and were allowing Asfordby few chances. Tash was working hard up front to retain possession and work some passing moves.
Another shot on goal for Tash, again sadly just wide.
Ava was showing great commitment on the left wing with her determination in the tackles, visible. Evie continued to win the ball in midfield and create some excellent space and opportunity for the forward running Rugby players of Tash and Ava.
Asfordby won a corner, and Ellie controlled her goal mouth confidently, getting her defenders where she needed them. Rugby cleared the corner well and the ball was passed up to Tash again who made a strong move up to the Asfordby goal, only to see her shot saved by the very competent Asfordby keeper.
Rugby were awarded several corners during the first half. Although they were all delivered well, Asfordby defended deep and heavily, and didn’t not allow Rugby to capitalise on any chances.
Mia, running her legs off, had a foray up front from here defensive midfield positions and fancied a surprise strike, unlucky to see her shot go just wide.
Rugby won a number of throw ins but lacked a little momentum in this area. One for training I think!
In the final minute, Evie and Tash again mounted a stinging counter attack and only an excellent save by the Asfordby keeper prevented Rugby for scoring their 3rd on half time.
2nd Half
A swap out for some midfield and forward players meant fresh legs for the Rugby side. Early play was positive with Mia, Ava and Elle J have an quick attempt on goal, just smashing the ball in to the side net from a tight angle from the right wing.
Asfordby mounted a tentative attack on the Rugby half and a soft strike from distance was easily collected by Sophia in goal. Sophia delivered a good goal kick finding Kelsey who ran on to goal releasing a shot which was parried by the keeper. Ava collected but shot just wide.
Kelsey was starting to put pressure on the Asfordby keeper on her goal kicks and the pressure paid off with Kelsey intercepting a goal pass, allowing her a shot, which although nice and strong, lacked accuracy, and sailed over the cross bar.
Rugby continued in their attacking style of play, Elle J was having a cracking game on the right wing, making some excellent moves and tackles and showing off great ball control.
Unfortunately, with the constant Rugby attack, our defenders lost a little focus and were caught on the hop by a well-timed and surprising Asfordby counter attack. One of the only Asfordby runs, leading to their opening goal.
Asfordby 1 – 2 Rugby Town
Rugby looked a little rattled at conceding and heads drooped a bit. However, after a few minutes it was clear that they had dusted themselves off and were back on the attack.
On the odd occasion Asfordby managed to get deep into the Rugby half, the defenders, aided by some great tracking back by Mia, did well. Izzy especially, made a vital covering clearance, that had she missed, would have allowed Asfordby a clear shot on goal.
Rugby won 3 successive corners, but again, deep and effective defensive by Asfordby denied Rugby any goals. Ellie J, Ava and Kelsey continued to work exceedingly well, and were using space well, anticipating runs and releasing well timed balls. Both Ava and Elle J having shots either saved or hit just wide. It was a pleasure to watch the game play developing between the 2 wingers and the striker. All 3 had a very good game.
Rugby kept attacking to the end and Kelsey say an excellent strike saved by the Asfordby keeper, in surely the save of the match.
Rugby closed out the game with 2 further corners, which again due to effective defence, caused Asfordby no issues.
Summary
Asfordby Amateurs 1 – 2 Rugby Town
A good, if a little rusty, start to the New Year. Rugby had numerous chances on goal that, on any other day, they would have converted.
Overall, a good team performance, with some excellent individual performances, notably from Kelsey and Elle J (excellent tackling) and Mia and Evie (work rate and play creation).
Coaches Player of the Match – for a confident first half in goal. A first in this position this season: Ellie A
Parents Player of the Match – for super work rate and intelligent play in her full game back from injury: Mia