Sunday 2nd February
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town Squad: Ellie, Ella, Kelsey, Hannah, Izzy, Evie, Tash, Sophie, Ava, Mia, Lucy, Robyn (C), Sophia
Rugby Town U13s travelled to Hinckley for the season’s return fixture against Greentowers. A top of the table clash between Rugby (1st) and Greentowers (2nd) promised an exciting and competitive game.
1st Half
Sunshine and a soggy pitch was the order of the day at kick off. GT were quick off the mark, setting out their stall early with a couple of long balls into their very strong and technical number 6. An early speculative shot from GT flew high over the cross bar.
RT started some good build up play, settling down on the grass pitch and putting some good strings of passes together. Robyn was holding the central midfield well and getting some useful balls out of Hannah and Ava out on the right and left wings respectively. A push forward down the right wing saw Hannah take on and beat the GT left back, putting in a sweet cross to Ava for a tap in for the opening goal.
Greentowers 0 -1 Rugby Town
Our opposition continued to test the RT back three of Lucy, Sophie and Ella. Our defence had to remain resolute as the counter attacks kept coming and the GT number 6 caused a few issues with her strength and pace. Our defensive three had to cover each other today but their communication was generally good and their effort faultless.
RT were quick to counterattack and once they got past a very competent GT midfield, they could generally get a good run at goal. Kelsey was up front harassing a very brave GT keeper who flung herself on the ground several times, sweeping the ball up from Kelsey’s feet.
Ava played some lovely through balls to both Hannah and Robyn, showing some very accomplished play indeed. GT were quick to capitalise on an RT hesitation and another long ball to their number 6 allowed her to storm onto our defenders, releasing a thundering shot. Sophia, diving quickly to the right was a couple of millimetres short and GT levelled the score.
Greentowers 1 – 1 Rugby Town
Hannah had a good half on the right wing and saw lots of action with the GT midfield. Hannah had some lovely touches today. GT maintained their pressure on RT and another charge saw what felt like a never-ending scramble in the RT goal, finally seeing the ball scooped up by Sophia, Rugby lucky not to go behind.
A lovely goal kick from Sophia, found Kelsey on a perfectly timed run forward, ensuring she remained onside. Pulling to the right of the GT keeper, Kelsey scored her first of the game.
Greentowers 1 – 2 Rugby Town
Robyn was still being kept very busy in the centre on midfield, which is where much of the play was seen. RT finished the half with a now much favoured “Hannah” corner. The set piece worked well and Tash, after a very sound half, with lots of energetic play, was unlucky to see her shot just go wide of the left post.
2nd Half
Early on in the second half and a great ball by Robyn found Kelsey on another run to the right of the goal, took the ball around a GT defender and crossed the ball to Evie who had acres of space on the left post. Evie received the ball, and then in probably the calmest and most relaxed delivery ever, played the ball to the left of the keeper into the GT goal.
Greentowers 1 – 3 Rugby Town
Sophie, Mia, Ellie and Izzy were working hard to limit the flow on centre attacked by a rampaging Greentowers who were desperate to claw the score back. The intensity of the game was growing by the minute with GT gaining the upper hand. Sophia forced to make a spectacular clearance of the ball, scrambling to her feet to recover for the continued push by GT. The ball cleared only up the halfway line. GT put in one pass, found their number 6, who let rip with a screamer from a decent distance, Sophie trying hard to reach but the ball hammered into the top of the Rugby goal.
Greentowers 2 – Rugby Town 3
Robyn came off for a well-earned rest, the central midfield of the pitch proving to be a bit of a battle ground. Mia moved into CM and Tash came back on to the RW. Mia was a strong presence in midfield, and it was not long before she played and excellent ball up to Kelsey who again put on a turn of pace, past the GT defence and keeper and scored her second of the game.
Greentowers 2 – Rugby Town 4
GT won 2 corners in succession. The first was cleared by RT for the second corner. Another melee in the goalmouth lead to a tense for seconds before Sophia, who was now laid on her back in the mud, managed to gather the ball to safety.
GT were now really starting to cause Rugby serious issues and our defence was beleaguered. Sophie, Ellie and Izzy were working their socks off. It is fair to say RT players and coaches alike were looking forward to the final whistle. A marauding GT broke through the RT midfield and despite running back, a lapse in communication allowed a shot on the RT goal which unfortunately caught Sophia’s right heel and popped in behind her.
Greentowers 3 – 4 Rugby Town
Credit must be given to GT for their sheer tenacity and fighting spirit. In the final minutes of the game they were relentless. RT dropped deep and defended as best they could, pretty football it was not, but Rugby held on to the final whistle.
Summary
As expected, a tough game for Rugby. Greentowers proved to be a very strong opponent, forcing Rugby to play a much more defensive game than they are used to. The Rugby squad showed excellent determination despite relinquishing the lead several times. They dug deep and doggedly ground out the win, to take an important 3 points and extend their lead at the top of the league table.
Coaches Player of the Match: for a very committed, energetic and busy performance in goal; Sophia
Parents Player of the Match: for sheer effort, tenacity and teamwork; Ava
The team and coaches would like to thank:
- Parents for your continuing support and helping with equipment set up / put away.
- Brian for linesman duty.