Sunday 27th February 2022
Squad: Ellie, Tash, Sophie, Sophia K, Rosie, Kelsey, Izzy, Ella, Cara, Evie, Lucy, Hannah, Priya (Captain), Robyn, Elle, Ava
Sponsor – Lisa Collins Hair Design
The U15s were thrilled to welcome Elle J back to the RTGWFC family after a couple of season absence.
Rugby started slow into the game and conceded a bit of an unnecessary early goal. Now was the time to gather their wits and rise to the challenge.
Playing a 4-5-1 with 5 subs, the Rugby team had plenty of options. Ellie A was back in goal for the second week running with Cara, Ella, Hannah, and Rosie as the defensive 4 on front of her. Some nice play by the defence, especially Cara who providing some great man marking and some smart balls forward.
Midfield starters consisted of Evie, Robyn and Sophia – with Tash and Elle J out on the wings. Priya up front rounding off the squad
Some nice individual play was being seen and the midfielders were starting to find their feet and link some play together. Elle J and Tash found their groove but saw Tash shoot wide.
Corners today were delivered by Hannah who was providing some great balls into the box, just begging for a Rugby attacking player to find the opportunity to convert.
20 minutes in a fresh legs to really continue the push, saw Izzy and Lucy in come in on right and left back. Ava and Kelsey come on into midfield.
Ava’s pace providing further opportunities for Rugby to press Loughborough. A good combination play from Robyn and Ava made progress to win Rugby another corner. Ava just wide with her shot.
Second half continued in the same vein with no team really in the ascendency. Rugby winning well in midfield but lacking a little creativity in the final third at times. The Rugby team kept pressing with energy and enthusiasm.
A throw in for Loughborough down in the Rugby third saw an unsuccessful defensive scramble and a lack of clearance for a soft goal.
Rugby now trailing 2 goals had a bit of a hill to climb, but determined they were. Finally, a great through ball found Priya, who was in an excellent position to run through, past the Loughborough defence and keeper to reduce the Rugby deficit.
Rugby were now looking more dangerous on their attack and their perseverance was starting to annoy the opposition. Rugby were awarded a free kick from 25 yards. Sophia K took a beautiful shot, beating the Loughborough wall and seemingly curling down into the top right of the net, only an impressive save from the Loughborough keeper stopped Rugby gaining the equaliser.
Kelsey, Priya and Elle were again making great inroads forward, just needing that last few yards for Rugby’s second goal. The best chance from a Kelsey and Priya combined attack with a shot just wide.
Rugby Town 1 – 2 Loughborough Foxes
Scorers: Priya
POM: Elle, for a great first performance back at RTGWFC and Ava for some determined football.
Thanks to Darren for running the line, Owen for refereeing, and parents for your support.