Rugby Town Girls U16 v AFC Barwell
Sunday 18th September 2022
Squad: Ellie, Ava, Izzy, Cara, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Priya, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Tash, Lucy
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 were back in home action at Butlin Road this morning. The team had a fantastic opportunity to play in the stadium for the first time, so excitement levels were high.
Sticking to the 4-3-3 formation, Rugby were looking for early domination and a healthy score line.
First Half
An early Barwell free kick caused the home side no issues, and Rugby were passing the ball effectively and with purpose. Kelsey received a nice pass from midfield and took her first shot, the ball travelling just wide of the post. Barwell won a few throws in success but generally the first ten minutes of the game saw both teams settling into the game.
Rugby won a throw in down in the Barwell defensive third and found the space to shoot, the Barwell keeper collected comfortably. Ellie, playing centre midfield, provided a great ball out to Millie on the right wing, using her pace and skill to clear the Barwell midfield and defence, just shooting wide
Izzy, central defence, was marking well and frustrating the Barwell forward players, who were not getting much opportunity for clear shots on goal. Robyn, also in central defence, always enjoys a bit of a battle on the ball, and today was no exception. Both defenders were confident, methodical, and effective.
Ava <-> Cara
A Barwell corner was defended well by Rugby, and a proficient counterattack was mounted. Ellie fed through to Kelsey, but again, the ball passing to the wrong side of the Barwell post. Rugby then won two corners in quick succession, Tash delivering both balls well, but the Rugby side could not capitalise on them, so the score remains 0-0.
Cara, left back, playing very well today. Very good pace and game awareness today saw Cara neutralise several Barwell wingers being able to develop any play from width.
Izzy <-> Rosie
Rugby continued with their attacks, giving Barwell little breathing space, Kelsey provided a shot on target but with little power behind the ball, allowed the Barwell keeper an easy collect. A Rugby throw in was well controlled by Tash, who also had a shot on target, the Barwell keeping doing their job well and preventing Rugby from opening the scoring.
Rugby were now pushing hard. A Rugby corner was saved by the keeper, but their soaring goal kick into midfield was brought down well by Ellie, playing a well thought out pass to Priya, who with some nice football played through to Kelsey who found the right side of the post.
Rosie, on in central defence was having a good game, committing well to the role and ensuring she was clearing balls effectively to the Rugby midfield which had a significant impact on the positive attacking play of the whole Rugby team.
Rugby Town 1 – 0 Barwell
Back into action and Rugby won a throw, Barwell gained possession for a brief time and managed a shot well wide of Sophia in goal. Sophia’s goal kick was nodded on by Tash with a sublime header, onto Kelsey who gained the ground needed to press into the final third, finishing her contribution with an effective lay off to Priya who converted with Rugby’s second.
Rugby Town 2 – 0 Barwell
Rugby now in the ascendancy with Ava having a bit of fun in left midfield. A great striding run, and lovely control saw Ava up deep in the Barwell defensive third. Intelligent play by Ava to Kelsey for a calm finish and an extension to the score line.
Rugby Town 3 – 0 Barwell
Ava again was causing the Barwell midfield headaches with her confident run. This time, running deeper and playing either a cross or a shot (still under debate) saw the ball crash into the side netting.
Half time saw Rugby retire to the changing rooms for a quick team talk and planning for the second half.
Second Half
Rugby came out with a determination to continue to control the game. It was only a minute or two before Tash and Sophia K asserted their dominance in midfield with some good combination play, allowing Sophia to score her first of the season.
Rugby Town 4 – 0 Barwell
Sophia W continued to have a cracking game in goal. Her goal kicks were targeted well and any pushes from the Barwell attackers were handled with confidence and authority.
Barwell win a corner, Rugby defended well and again, used the opportunity to mount an effective counterattack. Priya had the bit between her teeth and a good solo effort, run and calm efficiency saw her score her second of the game
Rugby Town 5 – 0 Barwell
Another Barwell corner was cleared well by Ellie, but Barwell did well to pick up again in midfield, a short run saw a Barwell attacker bang a very speculative shot from distance. The speculation turned into a well-placed and well driven ball that sailed over the Rugby back 4 and into the very top of the Rugby net.
Rugby Town 5 – 1 Barwell
Rugby seemed a bit miffed to have conceded so were fired up a little. Ellie, Tash, and Kelsey once again playmakers and making positive decisions, moved the ball up through the Barwell midfield and past all but one defended. Kelsey then took responsibility for beating the defence, but the keeper collected. The subsequent goal kick was poor and again Ellie received the ball in midfield and placing a nice ball forward to Kelsey. Kelsey took a ferocious shot and only the quick thinking of a Barwell defended, who literally threw her body between Kelsey and the goal, blocked a sixth goal for Rugby
Lucy, right back, was another player who quietly got on with the job in hand and had an excellent game. Well timed and managed defensive runs pretty much rendered the Barwell left wing / forwards impotent. Lucy’s positional work was spot on. A very confident and inspiring performance.
Rugby continued searching for their next goal, this time they required a little help from Barwell. A Rugby free kick was not cleared as well as it needed, and the following goal mouth melee saw Barwell unlucky to concede an own goal
Rugby Town 6 – 1 Barwell
Sophia K <-> Ava
Lucy <-> Izzy
The following frenetic 10 mins saw a lot of attacking action from Rugby which really should have produced a goal or two:
- Kelsey hit the post
- Ava’s shot was saved
- Kelsey shot wide
- Ellie shot wide
- Kelsey shot saved
- Ava shot wide
- Ellie shot wide
- Priya shot saved
Some finishing work is probably the order of the day for the next few training sessions……
Pretty much the final action saw Rugby concede a free kick, Ellie and Robyn formed their wall, which usually proves very effective. However, luck was not on our side and an unlucky handball saw Barwell awarded a penalty, which they converted very well indeed.
Summary
Rugby Town 6 – 2 AFC Barwell
A very pleasing performance with players pretty much doing the job they were asked to do. Great positivity from all players and a well-deserved win, keeping them at the top of the table.
Managers player of the match: Lucy. A commanding wing back performance. Great positional work, sound defencing and a pacy run forward when needed. back showing lots of movement, great defensive runs, and some crucial tackles.
Captains’ player of the match: Millie. Dominant right wing positional play. Nice link up with the forwards and showing a clear desire to help in defensive midfield.
Thank you to Dave for refereeing, Paul for running the line and all the U16 parents, friends, and families for your support.