The Lionesses roared back to Northampton League action yesterday in the glorious sunshine at Butlin Road – it proved to be a comprehensive, confident performance from this very talented team. Kingsthorpe are renowned for being tough to break down defensively and it was important that the girls weren’t complacent and started strongly.
There was some fantastic football on display from the outset and within the first fifteen minutes the game was all but decided. Afua came into the Rugby defence and she put in a storming performance; she showed great confidence on the ball and used her strength to her advantage against the talented Kingsthorpe wingers whilst retaining a calm head under pressure. Poppy was again lively on the Rugby wing, showing excellent movement to find space and be available to her teammates; she was confident on the ball going forward and found herself in the right place to give Rugby the lead with a first-time left-foot finish!
Lexie was dominant in the centre of midfield, passing players with ease going forward whilst also chasing back to break up play at the back; her determination was rewarded with a fantastic long-range effort which was too good for the Kingsthorpe keeper to put Rugby two up in the first ten minutes. It was one-way traffic for the rest of the first half as Rugby played some excellent attacking football, with one touch and two touch passing becoming at the core of how they play.
Aurora showed great energy on the other Rugby wing, using her pace and determination to cut through the Kingsthorpe midfield; she created numerous chances for her teammates with some excellent crosses into the box and was rewarded for her efforts with two goals of her own. Ruby put in an assured, confident performance in the centre of Rugby’s defence; she’s always unflappable and shows great intelligence to read the game well, reacting first so she’s always in the right place at the right time.
Sofia was tireless leading the attack, hounding the Kingsthorpe defenders and linking up well with the Rugby wingers; she showed some intelligent touches, retaining possession well and demonstrated her clinical finishing to further extend the home side’s lead before half time. Confidence was high at the break as the girls came in five goals to the good, with the match seemingly out of reach for Kingsthorpe; the girls were encouraged to just carry on doing what they were doing and enjoy the second half.
However the opposition appeared refreshed for the break and after some tactical changes seemed to be revived and revitalised; Kingsthorpe attacked with power and pace to score two goals in quick succession! That proved to be a wake-up call for the girls and they started to defend for their lives whilst getting the ball back on the ground and playing some excellent football. Kiki was lightning fast in central midfield; making some brave and committed challenges to protect the Rugby defence whilst barrelling forward in possession to create chances for her team-mates; she was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet once again and her long throws were a huge asset in the second half.
Izzy put in another strong, consistent performance at the back for Rugby, defending determinedly against a powerful winger she more than held her own and always played it safe to keep the opposition at bay; she showed a mature head and great bravery with some important tackles. Layla looked confident and assured in goal, collecting the ball calmly and bravely at every opportunity; she was always alert, quick off her line and made a fantastic fingertip save in the second half to prevent Rugby conceding a third.
That could have changed the complexion of the game but the home side showed their class with two further goals in the second half from Sofia and Lexie to assert their authority and ensure a well deserved, comprehensive victory. At times Rugby were unplayable and, after securing the result with an impeccable first-half performance, can be forgiven for switching off for ten minutes in the second! With no subs and most of the girls playing an age group up, it was a fantastic display and we couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them.
This team is exciting to watch going forward, intelligent and determined defensively; they play for each other and are starting to stamp their own brand of football on the way they play – it’s a joy to see. Huge thanks to Tony D for refereeing, Will for linesman duty, our sponsor Lit Cars and to all of our parents for your fantastic support.
