Sunday 12th September
Squad: Ellie, Tash, Ava, Liv, Hannah, Izzy, Cara, Kelsey, Priya (Captain), Robyn, Sophie, Lucy, Sophia, Ella
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hairdesign
Rugby Town traveled over to Leicester for their first ever competitive 11 a side league game. The new format, new positions and longer game time all promised to make this an interesting challenge for the players and coach and a club debut for new player, Liv.
1st Half
A tentative start for the Rugby team as the familiarize themselves with their new position in a game situation. Allexton had managed to arrange several friendly over the summer and their experience showed with them winning 2 corners early in the game, neither of which they could convert against a sprightly Rugby defense.
Much of the action was in midfield and down the right wing. Allexton had a goal disallowed due to handball. And Rugby had a goal disallowed due to an offside decision.
Generally, Allexton were dominant and were keen to get stuck into tackles to regain possession. Their work in the air was also good, and at times, Rugby seemed disinclined to engage with the physicality of the game in this half
Just before the water break the quick Allexton forwards broke down the Rugby defense and opened their score sheet.
Rugby did very well when the long balls came good to meet our forward players and the team did force a number of saves from the Allexton keeper. Several of the Rugby presses were also called offside.
Despite some great defending in the final minutes, Allexton extended their lead and although working hard to pull one back, the Allexton keeper pulled off another strong save and Rugby went into the break trailing 0-2.
2nd Half
Rugby started to meet Allexton halfway in the tackles and the physicality of the game jumped up a notch, resulting in both sides being awarded a couple of free kicks throughout the half.
Some strong teamwork, sensible play and developed play say Rugby open their score with a strike from Priya. Allexton did not enjoy conceding, and practically from the restart, they punished Rugby by carving up the Rugby midfield and defense and sticking a goal pass the Rugby keeper.
Rugby have been working on set pieces over the summer, and our corners are certainly showing huge improvements on last season, there is no doubt, with a bit more work, Rugby will happily be scoring from corners.
Rugby conceded a penalty from a strongly protested handball. Both home and opposition managers agreed. As it was, fate maybe played a hand, and the Allexton penalty taker skied the ball straight over the bar. Back into the game and a fantastic solo effort from the lone Rugby striker resulted in a very pretty goal.
Allexton were confident in the presses and a tiring Rugby were having to work hard to keep them our of their half, as the second half edged towards its conclusion, Allexton scored 3 goals in relatively quick succession to claim their well-deserved win.
Summary
Allexton and New Parks 5 – 2 Rugby Town (Priya / Kelsey)
Overall, despite the score line, a very pleasing match. The girls showed a good understanding for the requirements of 11 a side football and coped well with the longer game time. A good foundation to build upon for the rest of the season.
Parents player: Priya, a committed and energetic 80 mins of football. Priya was worked very hard over on the right wing and was consistently looking for gaps through the opposition defense.
Coaches’ player: Hannah, with an excellent performance in central defense. Looking forward to loads more performances like this during the season.
Thank you to the all the U15 parents for your support and Andrew for running the line.