On a very cold and windy morning, Rugby travelled to play Harborough Town who always offer a friendly welcome.
With a couple of players unavailable, playing with just one substitute was always going to be a challenge. Before the game, Harborough were one place above us in the league and a win would see us move ahead of them.
The first half kicked off on a wet and slippy pitch and Rugby had a strong wind in their faces. Megan G commented ‘We could be in for a slippery ride’. The first half was a very tough hard fought affair with plenty of commitment from both teams. Both teams created chances with strikers through one on one with the goalkeeper but neither team could finish off the moves with a goal. Harborough probably had the better of the play and troubled Rugby wither strong runners. But Rugby stood firm with Eggy putting in a great performance at the heart of the defence and Rebecca making her usual brave blocks in goal. In difficult conditions a fighting performance enabled Rugby to go get to half time all square.
Half Time
Harborough Town 0 Rugby Town 0
Rugby had to make a change at half time as Rebecca had taken a knock and was replaced in goal by Megan E. The second half kicked off and we were optimistic that we could push on and get a victory. The wind was behind us, team spirit was great and we really had nothing to fear.
As the half progressed Rugby got stronger and stronger. The midfield of Kerry, Cait and Sophie really fought for every ball and gave the defence plenty of protection. This was particularly pleasing as this is exactly what we have discussed and practiced in training. Rugby started to create chances but still couldn’t find a way past the Harborough goalkeeper. Megan G was having an excellent game in attack, using her speed to good effect and she was nearly rewarded with a goal when her close range shot hit the post. Rugby were now controlling the game and only seemed a matter of time before we would score, and eventually we did though Hollie with an excellent curling shot from distance, 1-0 to Rugby. We continued to make chances but couldn’t finish the game with the goals we deserved. Harborough also had their moments in the second half as their fans cheered them on. In one attack they seemed certain to score but hit the post and the ball was cleared after a bit of a scramble in the penalty area. In the closing stages the ball was constantly in the Harborough half, we weren’t necessarily threatening the goal but it was good game management to just keep the ball up the other end and protect the lead. At times Rugby had to play with 10 players due to injuries but it didn’t seem to matter as they all covered for each other really well. The referee blew for full time and we were all immensely pleased to have got the win and kept a clean sheet.
Full Time
Harborough Town 0 Rugby Town 1
Special thanks to Kerri’s mum Jo and Rebecca’s dad Ian. They turn up every week to support the girls in all weather and are always outnumbered by opposition supporters. Your support is very much appreciated by all concerned.
Special mentions to:
Megan Gallagher who played I believe her best game for the team. She troubled the Harborough defence with her speed, and even though she had to have a couple of short instances off the pitch she was always keen to get back on to help her team. It was clear that she gave absolutely 100% effort and really did deserve her first goal for the club.
Eggy who played a great game in the centre of the Rugby defence. You sort of get used to Eggy flying around the pitch, taking out opposition attackers and bringing the ball forward to supply the midfield. But at times she really did prevent goal scoring opportunities and contributed massively to our first clean sheet of the season.
Player of the Match:
Sophie who had a great game in midfield, she seemed to be everywhere, helping the defence and helping the attack. Midfield is the hardest place to play and Sophie put a great performance, very well done.
After a tough first half of the season, things are definitely looking up in the second half. The manager/coaches were very proud of everyone for the effort and commitment shown today. Same again next week please.