Sunday 4th September
Squad: Ellie, Ava, Izzy, Cara, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Priya, Ella, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Tash
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 held the opening game of the season at Butlin Road this morning, hosting Ambleside Falcons.
We welcomed new player Millie to the team and were keen to try a new 4-3-3 formation for the first time. A lack of preseason games meant the team were facing a challenging 80 minutes, but confidence and enthusiasm was high, and it was great to be playing football again.
First Half
An early attack from Ambleside caught Rugby asleep and unprepared as they opened their scoresheet 0-1
Rugby started to settle and we beginning to take the game to the opposition. A break from Ambleside saw the win a corner which was well cleared by the Rugby defence.
Rugby back in possession and Ava played a great ball in from the left wing, finding Kelsey who calmly converted to level the score within 15 mins: 1-1
Rugby continued to grow in strength and were starting to press with some good presses up into the Ambleside final third. Rugby won a corner, but the ball was cleared by the Ambleside defence.
The two Rugby centre backs of Ellie and Robyn were holding the back line well and working well with Sophia in goal. Lots of positive vocal encouragement from the Rugby defence. Millie, right back, was providing and excellent performance in her first league game for Rugby. Her pace and strength a great addition to the squad.
Ella, left back, was another standout player. Lots of energy, excellent positioning, and some clever runs forward with the ball was really underpinning many of the Rugby attacks.
Ava <-> Rosie
Ambleside had a period of attack, which saw them generate a few corners. A little haphazard defencing by the home side saw a penalty awarded for handball. A thundering strike was too much to expect Sophia to save, and Ambleside took the lead again: 1-2
Mille <-> Cara
Rugby continues to push hard to regain level the score again but cannot find a way through the tenacious Ambleside back four. Ambleside break and counter with pace, some nice passes into the Rugby half sees a great shot on target from Ambleside. Only the quick and agile reactions and a great save from Sophie keeps Ambleside from increasing their lead.
Izzy, defensive midfield, was having a great game in a very challenging positioning. Great to see the sort of marking and tackles we have seen in training, being put into practice during the game. Sophia K, right wing, was having a solid game. Always a target player for long balls, Sophia’s control and power was called upon numerous times. Rosie, left wing, was showing great intent to move the ball forward and increase Rugby’s goal scoring potential in the attaching third. Cara, providing another defensive marking masterclass, is proving her increased confidence is making a massive difference to both herself and the team.
The final minutes of the first half sees Rugby win several corners and a free kick, none of which cause any issues for the opposition.
Second Half
Izzy <-> Ava
Sophia K <-> Millie
Clear instructions from the manager at half time sees Rugby out strong from the whistle. Good link up from Priya, Rosie and Kelsey sees a shot hit the crossbar in the opening minute. Rugby were playing high, looking to snatch a goal. The Ambleside keeper was lucky that a poor goal kick, falling to Kelsey, was sent just wide of the upright.
Rugby continued to play a high line and press the Ambleside defence. A lovely through ball from Ava allowed Kelsey to use her pace to clear the defenders and level the score: 2-2
Rugby were now dominant and comfortably controlling the game. Any lost possession was quickly regained, and Ambleside were not being given any space or time on the ball. Great combination play saw Millie, Kelsey and Priya moving the ball well to allow Priya a shot for a well place goal to put Rugby into the lead: 3-2
Rosie <-> Izzy
Rugby maintained their positive play, with communication good around the pitch. Game awareness was much improved which was driving the team confidence. Another challenge by Rugby started by Sophia with a good goal kick, and a beautiful nod forward by Tash. Picked up by Kelsey, who finished the phase of play with an audacious chip over the keeper to extend the Rugby lead: 4-2
Ava, now back on the left wing, collected the ball and a lovey solo effort, running straight at (and beating) the Ambleside defence, calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for Rugby’s 5th : 5-2
The final minutes of the game saw a small Ambleside resurgence which Rugby needed to weather. Further possible play from Priya, Millie and Kelsey should have resulted in one or two more goals, but after the effort of the game, fatigue was beginning to take its toll.
Summary
Rugby Town 5 – 2 Ambleside
Captains’ player of the match: Ella. A fantastic performance in left back showing lots of movement, great defensive runs and some crucial tackles.
Managers player of the match: Izzy. Playing in a new position with a big job of holding the midfield. Izzy provided a confident, energetic, and impressive performance.
Thank you to Dave for refereeing, Paul for running the line and all the U16 parents for your support.