Sunday 29th January 20223
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical, The Trace Centre UK and Life Investments Estate Agents
Squad: Amelia, Alice, Beth, El, Elisa, Jess, Katie, Lena, Lola, Matilda, Macy, Poppy, Ruby, Tanisha.
Rugby Town u13 Lionesses hosted Coalville Town u13s, looking to continue their great form in the league so far.
The game got off to a bit of a scrappy start, as both teams fought for the ball. However, after a few minutes, Rugby settled down and started to pass the ball well, and got themselves into some great attacking opportunities.
Rugby took an early lead, as they found their feet, and were now having the best of the play.
Jess and Amelia teamed up well at the start and it was clear their speed was going to cause issues for Coalville.
El began the game in the holding midfield role, flanked by Poppy and Lola, and were controlling the midfield well.
Ruby, Beth and Alice made up the defence in front of Tanisha to begin the match, and were supporting each other really well, which has made the Rugby defence a solid unit this season. Lena also rotated into central defence and between them dealt well with the Coalville attack throughout the game.
Matilda, Katie, Macy and Elisa rotated into the midfield during the first half, and it was great to see them come on with great enthusiasm and show just how strong the Rugby squad is, that we can rotate fresh legs and maintain the quality of football.
With the changes some of the girls were asked to change positions, which again is great to see this flexibility within the squad
Rugby kept up their efforts and were rewarded with a second goal.
Coalville did get one back, following a very big goal kick, which bounced well for them, and they finally broke through the Rugby defence. This was the only real lapse by the Rugby defence during the whole game.
Rugby ended the half well, with a number of good chances, and could have had a much greater lead at the break.
Halftime 2-1 Rugby
Rugby started the second half very brightly and had now got into a rhythm. The Rugby players were making some nice linked up passes and some great counter attacks, and some good clearances up the pitch by Beth, allowed Jess to run on to the ball several times. Jess had a fantastic second half, and as the Coalville defence tired, they struggled to cope with her speed and power on the ball, and she was scoring freely.
Among a number of nice Rugby moves, one especially stood out when Poppy hit the ball well, which absolutely rattled the cross bar. The ball rebounded and Matilda reacted well to put in another effort and was very unfortunate not to have scored.
Matilda and Poppy both had very strong games, and linked up well with their teammates to create some nice play, both girls being justly rewarded with a goal each.
A very dominant second half by Rugby.
Final score 7-1 Rugby.
Parents player: Poppy for a great performance, and some skilful play.
Managers players. Matilda and Amelia for very strong game, and some lovely individual play, as well as great link ups with teammates.
Thank you to Pete for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.