Sunday 27th November
Squad: Ellie, Izzy, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Priya, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Ella, Lucy
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 had their second away game in succession and we looking to winning ways and to obtain a second clean sheet.
With a small squad of 11, player rotation was not possible, and the team were asked to play sensible considered football to ensure all players would see out the 80 mins.
First Half
The Ruby back four of Ellie, Sophia, Izzy, and Lucy had a good opening spell with calm football and good comms. D&B worked an early break, but a confident Sophia W came out from her area well to clear the ball.
Rugby were working well in midfield and distributing some useful balls forward. Sophia K came forward from centre back, using her strength and skill to clear space and play a fantastic through ball for Kelsey to collect and convert, opening the visitors score tally.
Rugby maintained the pressure allowing D&B little opportunity to counter. A loose ball out to the side of Rugby’s goal allowed them to dictate play once again as Sophia’s goal kick, Rosie’s strong attacking play to release Kelsey, forcing a save from the home keeper.
Rugby won the ball again in midfield and Kelsey this time take up the challenge to drive play, releasing Millie who converted Rugby’s second.
Rugby maintained their high press and D&B were struggling to gain any traction in the game. Robyn again dominating the midfield played an excellent ball into Kelsey who took the opportunity to strike and clattered the crossbar.
Rugby won a couple of corners in quick succession, all nicely delivered by Robyn but cleared well by the hosts. Rugby were also awarded a free kick just over the half way line. Ellie stepped up, Rosie again positioning well and releasing a shot, was unlucky to see it saved by the keeper.
Rugby continued to pressure the D&B defence with some quickly taken throws and Sophia K stepping up into midfield allows Kelsey two more shots on goal, both saved.
Rugby continued with excellent teamwork and sensible football to maintain dominance throughout the first half and limiting D&B possession, resulting in only 1 attacking run from D&B in the final 10 mins of the half which resulted in the upright being struck.
Second Half
Rugby were tasked with still playing high, with a further focus on possession and quick passing. Priya and Rosie were still providing some nice positional play, with Priya in particular demonstrating some clever off ball movement. Lucy was turning on the pace in left back, and driving any stray D&B players wide and Ella, right wing, was collecting the loose balls providing some nice diagonal play. Izzy continued to play confident football and was clearly in charge of her area in right back.
Kelsey, Rosie and Priya all manage some shots are target throughout the half, but all were a little soft and the keeper either collected or kick clear.
Rugby kept working and it was clear that another goal was not far off. Again, it was Robyn who initiated the play with a good ball to Kelsey, who worked her way around a defender to cut the ball, on a very tight angle, to Rosie, who had spotted the play and positioned herself perfectly to drive the ball into the net.
Rugby maintained pressure and possession and were always looking for the next phase of attack. Kelsey again found an opening but once again hit the post. D&B decided that a long ball punt was the only way they were getting near the Rugby ball, but Sophia quickly spotted the risk, came out to clear to Sophia K, good distribution up the field to Robyn and on to Kelsey to net her second and Rugby’s fourth.
From the restart, Rugby were starting to tire due to the effort they were putting in and lack of subs. Some encouragement from the side-lines saw an uplift in energy and the desire reappeared. Millie winning the ball in the centre circle took off, with no one in front of her she decided to play a great through ball – to herself – as she careered up field, spitting the two defenders, collecting her own pass, and punting it past the D&B keeper.
Rugby maintained the majority of the play and saw out the game with “thinking” football. All in all, a very good display throughout the game.
Summary
Dunton and Broughton 0 – 5 Rugby Town (Kelsey 2, Millie 1, Rosie)
Very good teamwork today earned the Rugby girls another strong win and a well-deserved clean sheet. 10 unbeaten, top of the league and we look forward to welcoming Dunton and Broughton to Butlin Road next Sunday for the home fixture.
Managers player of the match: Priya. Lots of hard work done to get into some really good position. Tactical awareness was very strong throughout the game.
Captains’ player of the match: Robyn. Bomb proof in midfield. Winning positions, distributing balls, and providing assists. All delivered with the usual 100% effort and great attitude
Thank you to the referee, Paul for running the line and all the U16 parents, friends, and families for your support.