On a dull drizzly morning at Kilsby Lane, Rugby Town u11s welcomed AFC Market Bosworth u11s. Rugby were down to eight players with Jasmine having sustained an injury, so the initial team set up was Jenna (GK) Rosie and Katie (Defence) Madi, Marley and Holly (Midfield) and Lila up front to start.
Rugby were playing attacking football and were clearly the stronger team which led to several corners in the first 6/7mins. This dominance was thwarted by a combination of good defence, excellent saves and shots off target which meant the scores stayed level. The new look opposition started to grow in confidence and an attack led to a corner which was cleared by Madi.
Rugby brought on Melissa for Marley and from Lila’s strong tackle a combination pass to Holly put Melissa through on goal only for her shot to be saved.
Moments later a pass from Madi found Lila who sent Melissa flying down the wing with a resultant wicked cross into the box which was just cut out. The match was proving to be very even and Rugby and Market Bosworth both continued to attack with both keepers making good saves with a very greasy ball proving difficult to handle.
Marley came on for Lila and Rugby were creating slightly the better chances when a through ball was picked up by Melissa whose clinical finish opened the scoring.
Holly whilst making a good strong run found Melissa who passed to Madi and a further corner resulted. Madi put a good ball into the penalty area but the defence smothered Melissa’s attempt to shoot.
A further Market Bosworth attack resulted in a corner and Rugby had to maintain their concentration to defend well. Madi went on another strong run and put Marley into a good position but her shot on target was well saved once again by an excellent Market Bosworth keeper. Katie was replaced by Lila, Marley dropped back into defence and the match flowed back and forth in what was proving to be a very even game.
The first half came to a close with another Market Bosworth attack leading to a corner which was defended well by Rugby.
The second half started with Katie as sub and from a strong Marley tackle in midfield a Rugby attack resulted in yet another corner which the opposition cleared well once again. A good passing move between Madi and Lila saw Lila’s shot go just wide.
Katie replaced Holly and Marley moved onto the wing showing how versatile she can be, a good move put Marley through but her effort went wide. Again in between attacks Katie and Rosie did some sterling defensive work particularly by making several vital interceptions and when these failed to contain the opponents Jenna was on hand to stop their efforts.
There then ensued a period of attacks by both teams end to end with Rugby having efforts from Lila, Melissa, Katie, Maddison and Holly saved or going very close. Both teams were visibly tiring but Market Bosworth were just edging the possession when the key moment of match occurred. A Market Bosworth foray resulted in a powerful shot from the edge of the box which was heading into the top left corner of the goal but was met by the outstretched hand of Jenna in full flight diving mid air and what proved to be a match winning save, David DeGea would of been proud of it!
A final Rugby change with Madi replacing Rosie and the match was heading towards a close when an excellent Market Bosworth move saw their forward shooting just off target. A very good passing move involving Lila, Marley and Melissa saw her fierce drive fizz narrowly over the crossbar, shortly after the whistle went for full time.
Parents Player – Rosie for some sterling defensive work
Coaches Player – Jenna for save of the season (so far)
Thanks to Lauren for refereeing the game and both sets of supporters for providing great encouragement.