Sunday 30th January 2022
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical.
Squad:
Alice, Beth, El, Elisa, Emmi, Jess, Lola, Maddie(capt), Matilda.
Result 1-1
Rugby Town u12 Lionesses travelled to Oadby today, on the back of some great recent performances in last few games, and had been unlucky not to pick up points in these recent games.
Today due to injury and sickness, only 9 players were available to face a strong Oadby team who were competing at the top end of the table, and having beat us 3 nil in the first meeting.
However they were now meeting a far more settled and experienced Rugby Town who have really started to work well as team.
Despite having no subs, the girls were clearly confident from their recent matches and came out keen to take the game to Oadby. It was clear Oadby were a little shocked by the competitiveness of Rugby as they were clearly struggling to get any rhythm going in their play.
The game was a high tempo and it was possible that with only 9 players we would run out of steam.
Alice, Beth and Maddie continued in defence and dealt well with early pressure from Oadby, and Emmi again looked great between the posts dealing with any attempts on goal well.
The midfield in the first half, was made up of El, Lola, Elisa and Matilda. They worked well as a unit, clearly benefiting from the work they had put in during training. They passed the ball between themselves well and kept pressure on Oadby despite knowing they would not get a rest.
Jess up front again pounced on every ball put forward by Rugby, and it was only some strong defending that prevented Jess breaking out….a number of throw ins high up the pitch were won as a result.
However about halfway through the first half a short pass in the defence did allow Oadby to nip in and score an easy goal.
1-0 at half time.
Rugby Town clearly didn’t feel they were out of it, and came out with even more high a tempo as the first half. This was great to see, and Rugby were now playing the better football for parts of the game, Oadby struggling to cope with the pressure still being applied.
However Emmi and the defenders were still kept on their toes by Oadby and so they could not afford to let their work rate drop.
It was a day of ‘all hands to the pump’ with girls being asked to play different positions and to dig deep to keep up their efforts.
For the second half Matilda dropped back into central defence, and used her footwork to distribute the ball well and launch some good counter attacks. Beth moved forward into midfield, and El pushed forward to support Jess. Both girls making some great runs deep into the Oadby half.
The girls really got into their stride in this half, making far stronger attacks on the Oadby goal, they clearly felt they could get something from the game. This shows that their confidence has grown over recent weeks and some close games.
Lola and Elisa had great games, both making important tackles and some nice forward play, this was in addition to El and Beth who were getting forward and this stopped Oadby being able focus solely in Jess.
With this increased pressure, Rugby Town got a strong attack built and with Jess and Beth bearing down on the Oadby goal, Beth struck the ball well and leveled the match.
However the game was far from over and the Rugby defence still had plenty to do, with Alice and Maddie making some very important tackles and to clear the ball out of bounds. This was great decision making as it gave Rugby some vital time to get their breath back and reorganise. Matilda in the middle of the defence was able to get the ball forward with some nice passing.
Rugby Town clearly felt they could push on, and go for a second. However without the ability to rest the girls it was clear that legs were getting heavy and maintaining the high work rate was becoming harder. This was evident with some chances Oadby were now starting to have.
Therefore with only 13 minutes to go, a change was made in formation. Beth dropped back into central defence alongside Matilda forming a back 4. With El also dropping deeper into a holding midfield role. This change in formation meant the girls would have less space to cover, and the discipline of the girls was great to see…they responded well.
Rugby Town now battled for every ball, determined not to concede another. However they still had their sights on 3 points and a late counter attack, and lovely run and shot from Jess was unlucky not to result in the win, as she rattled the upright.
The girls really put a shift in today. They’ve had many games where they have deserved something from game. Today was that day.
Parent’s player: Elisa for a strong game defensively and also making some nice runs from winning the ball.
Manager’s player: Maddie for a very good game, making strong tackles and lovely clearances. A really confident game.
Thank you to Pete for his assistance and running the line.
Thank you to the parents for their great and positive support of the girls.