On a very bright warm morning at Scotland’s Playing Fields, Rugby Town u11s girls played their quarter-final cup match against Coalville Town u11s.
In what is becoming a regular set up the team of Jenna (GK) Rosie and Katie (Def) Jasmine, Marley and Holly (Mid) and Melissa up front started well playing some good football but so were the opposition.
5 mins into the half and Coalville’s pressure forced a corner from which their No.3 scored the first goal for Coalville 1-0. This did not deter Rugby who brought on Lila and Madi for Holly and Marley in the usual round of substitutions, Rugby applied their own pressure with two corners in quick succession from one of which Jasmine’s shot was saved.
Moments later a pass from Madi found Lila just outside the box and the resultant shot powered into the top left-hand corner of the net, the equaliser was just desserts for their hard work 1-1. Rugby and Coalville both continued to attack and even with the sun in her eyes Jenna made some excellent stops.
Rugby had slightly the better chances, some nice movement and a neat pass from Lila, Holly found the back of the net to double the score 1-2.
Holly was making several good strong runs only to be fouled on one of them, Melissa took the kick and a further corner resulted, Madi put a good ball into the penalty area and Holly’s shot was saved.
Rugby were now showing good intensity and concentration to defend well when a mazy run (one of many) from Melissa resulted in a corner which was defended well once again. Another attack saw Jasmine’s shot blocked out for a throw-in. Again in between attacks Katie, Rosie and Marley did some sterling defensive work particularly Marley racing back to make several vital interceptions and when these were breached Jenna was on hand to stop the opponent’s efforts. As the end of the half approached Lila’s pass put Jasmine through but her shot was just off target.
The second half started with the same Rugby line-up as the first and from a very strong Marley tackle in midfield, Rugby attacked which resulted in yet another corner which the opposition defended well. Coalville were still trying to play good football and one passing move penetrated into the Rugby half resulting in a corner, from which a Coalville shot on goal brought out a very good save by Jenna.
A long kick out by Jenna was picked up by Melissa who made a fabulous run and combined with a superb shot taking the Rugby score to 1-3.
There then followed a quieter period with sporadic attacks by both teams. Rugby had efforts from Lila, Melissa, Jasmine, Madi and Holly either saved or going very close. Coalville were visibly tiring under the relentless Rugby pressure and a Jasmine pass found Marley who took a touch and then shot just wide.
Rugby won a free kick 20yds out which Lila took with some power, the ball moved in the air and brought a very good save from the goalkeeper using her legs.
Coalville cleared but a loose ball then fell to Jasmine who went on another strong run but Coalville crowded her out and won it back.
The match was heading towards a close when a Rugby foray resulted in yet another corner. Jasmine stepped up to take it and fizzed in a cracking ball for Madi to meet the ball perfectly square on the forehand and a bullet of a header smashed into the back of the net scoring Rugby’s fourth 1-4 and securing Madi coaches player and parents player of the match, a superb goal to be proud of but also for all of her hard work in midfield too. Shortly after the whistle went for full time and Rugby progress to the semi-finals of the cup. An excellent team display, continuously working hard for each other throughout the match with just rewards.
Coalville Town Girls u11s 1 – 4 Rugby Town Girls u11s
Parents Player – Madi
Opposing Coaches Player – Madi
Thanks to Paul for refereeing the game and to the great encouragement given by both sets of supporters.