Sponsored by Revellation Graphic Design
Venue: Mawsley
Weather: Cool and overcast
Squad: Lois, Emma, Zoe, Selina, Grace, Sophie, Ava (c), Rosie, Charlotte, Hev, Hav, Evelyn
We travelled to Mawsley fresh from our opening day win, expecting a challenging team against a side we were yet to play. We anticipated playing a good side based on some results from last season, and this was confirmed during the match!
The game started in fairly scrappy fashion, but it was clear that we were going to struggle to get the ball down and play. Mawsley were a very physical team and were getting to the ball first and passing to the wings well. They took a deserved lead in the 5th minute as the ball was played out to the winger who chipped home a good finish.
Rugby continued trying to get hold of the ball and were very strong in defence. A clever through ball sent Evelyn through and despite being felled by an extremely strong challenge on the edge of the box the referee gave a freekick the other way. Moments later Evelyn was played through again but fired wide this time, still suffering some ill-effects of the previous challenge. There then followed a spell of six consecutive corners that we weren’t quite able to fashion a chance from. However after 20 minutes, Evelyn rolled home a superb equaliser, cutting inside her defender after Rosie had played her through.
However, it only took moments for Mawsley to get their noses in front again as a cross was swung in and one of their forwards was there to volley home. We made a few changes to the side and Grace came on for her competitive debut, making some great interceptions to break up play. Rugby never let their heads drop and with minutes remaining in the half Evelyn drew us level again with a powerful shot from the edge of the area that cannoned in off the post.
HT: Mawsley 2 – 2 Rugby Town
At half time we stressed the positives, that we were equals to a very strong and physical side, and to keep creating chances as we did. The second half opened in very similar fashion to the first, with Mawsley creating lots of pressure but the defence largely restricting any clear cut challenges. However Rugby were struggling to get the passing game going and were occasionally pinned in with short goal kicks.
After 45 minutes, a long goal kick got turned over and Mawsley pressed forward on the break firing home to take the lead. Nevertheless Rugby remained positive and carried on trying to release Evelyn & Charlotte who had the pace to run beyond the defence. However Mawsley were able to double their advantage with a long shot, and followed this with another goal from distance to open up a commanding lead.
Rugby were still creating chances though, and another through ball from Rosie sent Evelyn through whose finish was well saved by the goalkeeper and parried to Selina who was unlucky to send her shot just wide. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be our day though and Mawsley added a sixth as the game petered out.
FT: Mawsley 6 – 2 Rugby Town
Overall Performance: A classic game of two halves! The first half was good though we started sluggishly and we did look a little vulnerable in midfield though always dangerous on the break. We know we need to vary our attacks to focus more on the wings though. The second half was tough but with lots of positives and lots of things to focus on for the season ahead. Onwards!
Parent’s Player(s): Zoe. Brilliant last gasp defending and superb composure on the ball. Knew when to step in and pick a pass.
Coaches Player(s): Evelyn. Unlucky not to get her second successive hattrick. Took her goals well despite a very physical battle with the defence.
Thanks to the parents for their positive support throughout!
