Sunday 20th November 2022
Squad: Ellie, Ava, Izzy, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Priya, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Zoe, Ella, Tash,
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 travelled to Ambleside for league game number 9. The team were looking to extend their unbeaten run. More crucially, they were tasked with achieving their first clean sheet. The team started with their now familiar, 4-1-3-2 formation.
First Half
A good start by the visitors who were winning the first balls and playing long to make the host defence run. Rugby were asked once again to play high, attacking play and they got quickly into their stride.
The opening 10 minutes featured a Rugby corner, well delivered by Ava but block smartly by the Ambleside centre back. Ambleside tended to kick the ball into touch when under pressure, so Rugby took advantage and made some great progress up the left wing using several throw ins.
Finally, a great throw in by Priya, found Kelsey to convert and open Rugby score sheet.
Ava (LW) was creating a lot of chance for the Rugby forwards, and it is fair to say several changes went begging with Tasha and Kelsey shooting wide and Ava forcing a save from the Ambleside keeper.
Robyn <-> Zoe
Rosie <-> Ella
Ambleside had a brief period of possession and used it well, moving the ball downfield to their quick number 14. Sophia K and Ellie having to call into play some strong ball skills and tight teamwork. Sophia K pinning the Ambleside player to the corner, winning the ball, and allowing Ellie to clear.
Ellie again proved to be a formidable centre back, and was unlucky not to get a couple of assist from some really nice clearances, that were not just banged clear, but played strongly for the Rugby forwards to have a go with.
Millie (am) and Robyn (dm) were playing some great football and really did a very sound job in letting balls through the halfway line. There play throughout the game was confident, sensible and was pivotal in ensure Rugby played 80 minutes of attacking football.
Rugby had a couple of good attacking opportunities but could not find that useful final pass. They held Ambleside to their final third for much of the game though and the opportunities for Ambleside were few and far between.
Izzy had a strong game and was happily getting in the way of any Ambleside midfield who fancied trying her luck. Izzy coped well with the Rugby team playing high and was a useful outlet to provide other options to her teammates.
35 mins in, and Tasha, from about 25 yards out caught the ball well, which at first seems like it was destined for a nice pop over the Ambleside back four. However, the ball had legs and it travelled beautifully over the heads of Ambleside and Rugby and sailed into the top of the net for Tasha’s first of the season and securing Rugby’s second of the game. A very flashy and well-deserved goal.
Second Half
Ella <-> Rosie
Zoe <-> Robyn
To break a bit of a roadblock caused by the Ambleside defence in the first half, the team shifted to a 3-1-3-3 formation to try and drive more attacking play but keeping 1 player attached to the very effective Ambleside centre forward. Sophia K was tasked with this early in the second half and was causing the Ambleside player all sorted of issues. A very strong game again from Sophia K today. Lots of positive energy and nice skills.
Priya, Kelsey, and Ava made a strong early charge and Ava was rewarded with a goal as Rugby extended their lead to 3. Rosie was playing some confident football, holding the ball well and distributing forward into some great positions for her teammates.
Rugby kept pressing, making sure to not drop low. Rugby won another corner, again providing a nice delivery, but in the scramble in front of goal, one or other of the Rugby players hoofed it over the crossbar.
Rugby were becoming unplayable now and there were regular opportunities will all the play in the Ambleside defensive third.
- Ava -> Tasha show shot just over the bar
- Ambleside GK -> Kelsey who made it a little too easy for the keeper to save her shot.
- Ava solid run down the left wing, shooting just wide
- Ava -> Kelsey shooting wide
Sophia K <-> Ella
Rosie <-> Zoe
Ella coming on for her second period of the game, and pretty much did not put a boot wrong. A totally dominant performance in LB giving absolutely no space to the opposition. Great to see Ella taking the ball into space, confident running, and some forays all the way up to the final third whilst the Rugby defence covered. Great teamwork all round.
Zoe making an impact just minutes after coming on and playing and excellent through ball to Kelsey to bag her second and Rugby’s 4th. Zoe’s play is become more and more confident and skilful each week and she is always keen and enthusiastic to try any position on the pitch.
Tash -> Ava over the bar.
Sophia W (GK) had a quieter game today, which is always appreciated when chasing a clean sheet. However, Sophia was always prepared for action. Was confident in her positioning and collections and goal kicks were good. As always, Sophia’s in game praise and encouragement to her teammates was second to none.
Summary
Ambleside 0 – 4 Rugby Town (Kelsey 2, Tash, Ava)
Good overall play by the Rugby side. Clear sheet achieved along with some nice tactical play. 9 unbeaten, top of the league and we go again next week.
Managers player of the match: Ella. Two exceptional periods on the pitch in LB. Great defensive play and on ball stills coupled with some fantastic attacking runs up the left wing to distribute the ball to the Rugby forwards. Practically perfect.
Captains’ player of the match: Ava. Massive effort and commitment, smart play, and a set of stud marks down her back for her troubles.
Thank you to the referee, Brian for running the line and all the U16 parents, friends, and families for your support.