Sunday 6th November
Squad: Ellie, Izzy, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Lucy, Zoe, Hannah P, Tasha, Priya, Ella
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 welcomed last week’s opponents, Kibworth Town, to Butlin Road. The teams warmed up in what can only be described as truly apocalyptic rain, so both teams were drenched before a ball was kicked in the game.
Due to the weather, no match notes were taken, so the match report is based on recollections from an aging memory!
First Half
Rugby started brightly with some good pressing, making the Kibworth defence work hard to clear their lines. A couple of wide shots from Rugby meant the score remain 0-0 throughout the half
Hannah, trying out on the right wing was having a good period and getting in some good tackles. The back 4 of Ella, Ellie, Lucy and Sophia K were working well as a team with Sophia W in goal. Robyn was playing a blinder in midfield, working well with Millie and Tash was playing some really nice balls in from the left to Zoe and Kelsey up front.
Lucy <-> Izzy
Priya <-> Hannah
Rugby were working well with good comms and commitment but were missing the final killer touch in the final third.
Second Half
Still all to play for and Rugby were still dictating the majority of the play. Izzy and Hannah were back on the pitch. Rugby won a few corners which were very nicely delivered by Tash, but the opportunity to open the score line didn’t really come. Kibworth had some periods where they were pressing well, which required some strong clearances by Robyn and the back four.
Lucy <-> Izzy
Priya <-> Hannah
Priya made an immediate impact and was working really well with Kelsey to drive the play into the Kibworth 18 yard box. Surely a goal would come soon. It did, but at the wrong end as Kibworth managed to split the Rugby defence, pass out wide to the right and strike well which, despite a very heroic dive by Sophia, flew low into the Rugby net.
The home side continued to work hard to get on the scoresheet. The team were vocal and encouraging each other and they did not allow their heads to drop
Sophia K <-> Izzy
Izzy playing some nice balls up the right wind allows successive Rugby throw ins, providing the opportunity to gain some ground. Finally, from a throw in from Priya, and a great knock on from Ellie, Kelsey directed the ball into the next with a well-controlled header and Rugby drew level.
There were a few slight efforts from both teams in the closing minutes, but no further goals from either side.
Summary
Rugby Town 1 – 1 Kibworth Town
Again, it proved to be a match where Rugby had to grind out a result, rather than play exciting football. However, the team remain unbeaten this season from 7 games and at the top of the table.
Captains’ player of the match: Priya. Massive impact on the second half of the game when brought on from the bench.
Managers player of the match: Zoe. Very strong performance up front with bags of effort and energy and a couple of very close chances. Fully committed to working as hard as she could in a new roll. Trusting her managers confidence in here and executing well.
Thank you to Tony for refereeing, Manesh for running the line and all the U16 parents for your support.