Sunday 25th September
Squad: Ellie, Ella, Ava, Izzy, Cara, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Priya, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Tash, Lucy
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
The first away game of the season for Rugby Town saw us travel up to Coalville. The visitors were looking to maintain their winning streak and were again playing a 4-3-3 to provide opportunities to score.
First Half
Rugby started well with better passing and comms and were working to apply positional awareness to their game. Ava and Kelsey teaming up well up front with some nice combination play. Ella (LB) and Sophia (GK) also had a good opening, reading each other’s game and supporting very well.
Coalville caught Rugby with a well-managed counterattack which Rugby did not handle well, allowing Coalville to open the scoresheet.
Coalville Town 1 – 0 Rugby Town
Although irritated at conceding, the Rugby side gathered themselves and worked to turn the game in their favour.
Rugby won a couple of throw ins in quick succession, allowing them to make some ground up into the opponent’s half. Priya and Tash linked up for some clever play, Tash on target but the keeper collected. Back in play and the game was getting more physical as both teams worked to gain the upper hand. Robyn, Ava and Sophia K in particular were having some particularly spicy 1v1 battles.
Lucy and Ella (RB / LB) were reading the game well and providing some good forward runs to deliver the ball to the Rugby midfield. Millie was trying out the left wing for the first time and was conscious of her positioning.
Rugby won a free kick deep in the Coalville half, well delivered by Rosie, which saw Kelsey just shoot wide. Shortly after Rugby secured a corner, nicely in by Tash and again just wide from a Kelsey header.
Lucy <-> Izzy
Another good combination between the midfield and forward players saw Priya, Sophia K, and Kelsey all involved. Kelsey shot maybe a little soft, allowing the keeper time to collect.
Ava <-> Ellie
Coalville decided now was the time to apply a little pressure on the Rugby Team and fair play to them, that an audacious chip from a fair distance, saw the ball sail over the Rugby defenders and just beat Sophia into the back of the net.
Coalville Town 2 – 0 Rugby Town
Now was a crucial point of the game, would Rugby decide to roll over and give the game to Coalville, or would they galvanise themselves and dig themselves out of the hole ?
Rugby decided to galvanise, and it was a busy final 10 minutes of the half. Firstly, Ellie gave us a bit of foot magic and bustled passed a few defenders in her typical uncompromising style, a shot on target, keeping the Coalville keeper awake and forcing a save.
Kelsey was clearly fed up of the unfavourable score line and to prove her point, took on 3 of the Coalville defenders and stuck it straight past the keeper to reduce the deficit.
Coalville Town 2 -1 Rugby Town
Rosie <-> Cara
Millie moved into centre midfield and really started firing the after burners. Tash was getting into some great attacking position. Both teams won a corner each, which were both well defended. And Cara slotted in nicely to left back, to provide some fresh legs in a hotly contested area of the pitch.
Second Half
The second half really started to heat up with some pretty physical play all around the pitch. Rugby were starting to get some pretty decent passes together and when they do this with pace, they can really dominate the game.
It was not long before Sophia K won the ball just in front of the Rugby defensive line, took the ball forward and played a lovely through ball to Kelsey who needed no further encouragement and drew the Rugby side level
Coalville Town 2 – 2 Rugby Town
Back on an even footing, there was now everything to play for. Rugby on the attack again, and Kelsey, racing forward on goal, was brought down on the edge of the box, denied a clear scoring opportunity. Rugby were surprised not to see a card for the offending Coalville player, but calmed down and got down to the job in hand, a free kick on the edge of the box. Tash unlucky to see her shot just high of the crossbar.
Rugby kept the Coalville team pegged back with a high press, and Coalville made a rare defensive error, allowing Kelsey to steal the ball and beat the keeper for her hat trick and put Rugby in the lead and in the driving seat.
Coalville Town 2 – 3 Rugby Town
Priya <-> Rosie
Ava <-> Ellie
Rugby were still pushing for another goal with lots of action:
Rugby corner, delivered by Tash, cleared by Coalville
Millie / Tash / Kelsey combo, saved by the keeper
Rugby throw, good work by Rosie to retain possession and shoot, saved by the keeper
Rugby were so keen on extended their lead, they had a momentary lapse in concentration and forgot about the other end of the pitch. Coalville, quite rightly, took their opportunity, capitalising on the space in midfield and caught the Rugby defence by surprise and claimed a well won equaliser
Coalville Town 3 – 3 Rugby Town
Tash <-> Priya
Rugby sacrificed a forward player with Priya dropping into defence to create a back 5 in the final few minutes of the game to see out the draw.
Summary
Coalville Town Ravens 3 – 3 Rugby Town
Overall, a fair score line today. Although not the win we would have liked, the game still proved fruitful with a useful away point and sees Rugby Town U16 retain their position at the top of the table.
Still a work in progress to button down the midfield positioning, but a good effort from all players who are certainly listening and trying their best to execute instructions.
It was also pleasing that the team worked well, in a very positive manner, to come back from a 2-0 deficit. Not long ago, going behind may have seen Rugby totally capitulate, so their determination to get back into the game is a credit to each and every player.
Managers player of the match: Robyn: excellent communication and enthusiasm throughout the entire game. Robyn also had a very good game in centra back.
Captains’ player of the match: Sophia K, a massively strong and dominant game in centre back. Commitment, speed, and agility all on display today.
Thank you to our hosts and referee and Darren for running the line. Also, thanks to the U16 taxi service and loyal supporters.