Sunday 15th January 20223
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical and Life Investments Estate Agents
Squad:
Aga, Alice(c), Amelia, Beth, Emmi, Katie, Lena, Lily, Macy, Maisie, Matilda, Poppy, Ruby, Tanisha.
Rugby Town u13 Lionesses hosted Cosby United u13s, looking to continue their good form in the league.
Rugby started brightly with Emmi in goal, behind a back three of Alice, Ruby and Lena. With a midfield of Beth starting in the holding midfield role, with Poppy and Macy on the wings, and Matilda in the attacking midfield role, behind Aga as the lone striker.
It was clear that Rugby wanted to stamp their authority on the game early and were having the majority of possession and chances on goal.
This early effort paid off with an early Rugby goal. Macy, who linked up well with the central midfielders made a great run on goal to fire a great effort into the top corner. This was nice first goal for the club.
- Rugby
Rugby looked to capitalise on this early lead and had an number of great chances. Especially from Aga and Poppy, which would have been goals, but for some fantastic saves by the Cosby keeper and the woodwork.
Rugby did not allow themselves to get frustrated, and Macy, Poppy, Matilda and Aga all continued to work hard and as a unit to keep the pressure on.
Beth playing in the midfield had some great tackles and won possession a number of times to feed the Rugby attack. Also Katie who rotated into midfield also made some great challenges to control the centre of the pitch.
It was great to see Amelia rotate into the game. Amelia coming back from a long-term injury, and had a good game, slotting straight back in with her teammates.
Likewise the Rugby defenders worked hard as a unit to stub out any attacks Cosby managed to make.
Rugby were now settled and playing well, and the second goal came from Poppy who Cosby had been struggling to cope with, and her efforts were rewarded with a well struck goal.
Rugby 2-0
Aga who had been playing in the striker role, had been a handful for the Cosby defence all half with her strength on the ball and some close efforts. However her work rate and determination was also rewarded with a nicely taken goal. She was to go on to have several more good chances, and can count herself unlucky not to have scored more than one.
Rugby 3-0
Before half time Tanisha rotated into defence for Alice at left back. Tanisha who has previously played in goal for Rugby this season, made some nice tackles and showed how she has developed since joining the squad.
The second half started much the same as the first, with Rugby having much of the possession and attacks on goal.
Rugby increased their lead, when Beth scored from around the edge of the box.
Rugby 4-0
Beth was playing a more attacking midfield role in the early stages of the first half, and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet again when she had a couple of goalmouth scrambles with the Cosby keeper. It was only the bravery of their keeper that kept it out.
Lily and Maisie rotated into midfield during the second half, and had a number of nice touches and passes of the ball. They have really improved both the physical and mental side of their game.
Tanisha during the second half had a longer spell in defence and performed really well. She looked comfortable in dealing with the Cosby attackers, and clearing the ball confidently.
Rugby who were looking more and more confident and passing the ball well and making some supporting runs.
Poppy finished the scoring, with Rugby’s 5th goal, again with Cosby struggling to contain her runs.
Matilda was not only instrumental in many of the Rugby attacks, she played in a number of positions during the match, to benefit the overall team performance.
It was also nice to see the Rugby defence with yet another well deserved clean sheet. Throughout the season the defenders in the squad have shown not only good individual performance, but also their ability to work as a unit, and rotate without affecting their performance.
Final score:
Rugby 5 Cosby 0
Parents player: Macy, for a great performance on the wing, and some nice supply to the attack, and of course a well taken goal.
Managers player: Alice, for a Strong and confident display on the left side of defence, which is not her usual position.
Thank you to Jason for refereeing. Pete for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.