Sunday 9th October
Team Sponsors Big Wave Campers, Ados, Kelsy Living, Eclipse Clean
Immie – GK, Elsie -DF, Esme – DF, Erin – CM, Ruby – CM, Annabelle – LM, Sophia – RM, Ava – CAM, Leila – ST, Subs – Olivia, Emily
On a bright and clear Sunday morning the lyrics to the Ed Sheeran song Eraser came to mind, “Conversations with my father on the A14, age 12 telling me I’ve gotta chase those dreams” as the team made the journey to Rothwell in Northamptonshire. The supporters had arrived early and anticipation was high with the Town girls looking fantastic in their new sponsored hooded tops.
A change in formation made for a stronger midfield, with Erin and Ruby being strong in the middle and Annabelle and Sophia making good runs on the wings. A fast start to the match brought a succession of early corners and throw-ins, with Ava and Chloe both having chances that didn’t quite land on target. Chloe was particularly unlucky with a shot from the edge of the area that hit the bar.
In a sign of things to come, strong defence covering the forwards by Elsie and Esme meant the Aztec No.9 was able to make a direct run on goal with great power and pace, but a good save from Immie denied the chance. A quick goal kick to Sophia created a chance for Emily who was just wide with her effort. With Olivia coming on, Rugby were now in a 3-4-1 formation and this was creating attacking opportunities and a great chip shot from Erin was unlucky to just clear the bar.
Another strong run from Annabelle created a 1 on 1 chance for Ava but a good save from the onrushing goalkeeper denied the chance and Chloe was unlucky to hit the woodwork for a second time with a shot rebounding of the post on the stroke of half-time .
With the 2nd half underway, Emily played a super through ball to Erin that was well defended. The Aztecs team were starting to grow in confidence and Elsie and Esme were put under increasing pressure but were still able to show their honesty in acknowledging when the ball had gone out for a corner when the referee was unsighted. Immie showed her safe hands on a number of occasions and continued to prove her abilities in goal.
An unlucky miss-kick in the Rugby box led to a close range effort being finished for Aztecs to go 1:0 up and against the run of play; this seemed to knock the Rugby girls confidence and gaps started to appear in the centre of midfield that were exploited by the impressive Aztecs No.9. With fast and powerful runs she quickly made it 2 and then 3-0 with good finishes. The girls rallied in the final third with strong tackling from Elsie, Olivia and Esme and strong commitment from Annabelle in being determined to keep the ball. Ruby and Emily were making make more powerful runs going forwards and Erin and Chloe had late opportunities with Ava in particular being unlucky to hit the side netting with the last kick of the match.
The final result of 3:0 felt a little harsh on the Rugby girls but the consolation was that all the parents that saved the price of a McDonald’s on the journey back up the A14.
Parents Player of the Match – Elsie
Coaches Player of the Match – Chloe
Thank you to the referee and assistant referees for some excellent officiating.
