Sunday 21st November 2021
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical.
Squad: Alice, Amelia(capt), Beth, El, Emmi, Jess, Katie, Lola, Maddie, Sophia
Rugby Town u12 Lionesses travelled to AFC Andrews, only two weeks after playing them at home.
The match started at a high tempo, and Rugby were clearly up for this return fixture. Situations were reversed today, as AFC Andrew had a number of players available who had missed the previous game, where as Rugby were only able to bring 9 fully fit players to today’s game.
Rugby went with a slightly changed formation playing 2 up front, which increased the Rugby attack and this showed with some great link up play between Jess and Amelia throughout the game.
This was particularly apparent in the first half, where there were two great opportunities for Rugby to open the scoring. These were only stopped by some great last ditch tackles by the Andrews defence. Jess and Amelia can count themselves very unlucky to have not scored from either of these break aways.
The Rugby midfield worked its socks off today. Katie Dominated the centre of the pitch, and her work rate was great to see. She made many key tackles and blocks. Eleanor likewise covered a lot of ground, and both defended and set up attacks with equal quality.
Sophia has a good solid game, with some important tackles and supportes the attack. She is showing the improvements she is continuing to make, due to her effort and work in training.
The Rugby defence of Maddie, Beth and Alice again worked really well as a unit which was great to see. They not only covered each other well, they also protected the keeper when Emmi came out to collect the ball early. They looked strong and consistent throughout the half.
Emmi had a good first half, and did everything expected of her behind a strong team performance, including some good improvements to her distribution.
Half time 0-0, but listening to the home team manager, they were clearly shocked by the improved Rugby performance from 2 weeks ago.
Rugby started the second half like a bullet out of a gun. Eleanor made a great run deep into the opposition final third, which deserved a reward.
Every Rugby player continued as they had played in the first half. However as the half approached the midway point, it was clear their legs were starting to feel heavy, but the effort had not dropped.
Andrews did manage to break the deadlock due to the drop in Rugby’s energy levels. However despite this, Rugby continued to battle, and made a number of attacks which required Andrews had to really work to stop.
As the game reached its final stages, the Andrews pressure did begin to mount, as the Rugby girls started to lose a bit of speed to the ball, and strength of passing. However they dug incredibly deep, and Andrews were not able to get a second.
This was down to sheer grit your teeth time by the defenders and midfielders. Also a couple of great reflex saves by Emmi.
Despite the pressure it was great to see Jess and Amelia remaining a threat right to the final whistle.
A special mention to Lola, who travelled to the match today, despite picking up a knock in training. She did come on for a short spell in the first half, and despite some good touches, she was struggling badly and was forced to withdraw from the game.
The game ended 1-0 to Andrews, but it was an impressive display by Rugby and no one could have argued had it finished a draw.
Parent’s player: Alice for strong and composed game.
Manager’s player: Eleanor for her great work in both defence and attack.
Thank you to the parents for their fantastic support and to Pete for his assistance and also running the line.