Sunday 5th February 2023
Squad
Megan, Daisy-May, Jasmine, Sophie F, Amelia, Macey, Caitlin , Ronniee, Izzy, Erin
Super supporter – Louise
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Wrexham 2023, Sutton United 1989, Stevenage 2011, Wimbledon 1988 would there be another cupset for Rugby with a visit from FC Burbage from the green league to Butlin Road on a chilly Sunday morning? The pitch marking was excellent this morning with the Rugby team out early in the cold (see picture below).
It was a slightly depleted Rugby squad for the league cup game, only 1 substitute but the bench also had super supporter Louise coming to the match to cheer on the girls as well.
Rugby had an early corner after a good attack down the left wing which was to set the tone for the first half. Ronniee then had a shot that just went wide. Rugby started to pass the ball around well looking for a goal.
Burbage started to get into the game and they had a formidable attacking option with the long throws from one of their midfielders. The distance the ball travelled was only just short of what Rory Delap was able to do for Stoke in the Premier League. Rugby had to be on their guard for every throw in their own half but the defence of Daisy-May, Amelia and Caitlin did well to defend each time. As a defensive unit these three are reaching the levels of the Tony Adams Arsenal era. They give nothing away and are brave in blocking shots.
Burbage then had a shot that went just wide, shortly after a big kick from Megan, Macey had a chance but again the ball just went wide. Izzy then had a shot that was well saved by Burbage keeper before a run from Sophie nearly resulted in a goal, again the shot going wide.
Erin then had a great run forward, using her pace and determination to drive the ball forward towards the Burbage goal, just running out of room before being able to get a shot away. The last action of the first half was another shot from Ronniee that went just wide.
Half time 0-0
Burbage started the second half brightly with an early shot that went just wide. Rugby hit back with a great ball through to Izzy who went on a mazy run and finished well to make it 1-0 to Rugby. The cupset was on to the obvious delight of the coaches and supporters behind the goal.
The excitement didn’t last too long as as one of the Burbage players picked the ball up and went on a run that resulted in a good finish into the bottom corner past Megan to make it 1-1. Not to be disheartened Rugby attacked again with a shot going just wide from Ronniee. Macey and Jasmine then both had shots that went wide, another shot from Sophie also went wide. Rugby were pressing for another goal and were getting closer with their shots.
Two consecutive corners from Jasmine resulted in a scramble on the Burbage box, the second one was just needed a Rugby player to get a touch for it to go in but it was not to be and Burbage cleared their lines.
Burbage went up the other end and after another good run the ball was in the back of the net. Confusion from the referee who decided that the ball had gone out for a Burbage throw and the goal was disallowed. The Rugby supporters heart rates went down a notch with the relief that the scores were still level.
Burbage attacked again and forced a good clearance from Megan, the ball went out to a Burbage player who hit an instinctive shot. In what felt like slow motion the ball travelled goalwards and just dipped under the bar to make it 2-1 to Burbage. With only 90 seconds left Rugby pushed forward for an equaliser but the Burbage defence managed to clear again and cupset was postponed for another year. No Bobby Gould moment for Dave and Dave this year, there is always next year though and now the team need to focus on the league again.
Full time 2-1 to Burbage, plenty of positives for Rugby today, all the girls are improving and to lose by one goal to a team that are in the league above isn’t something that the team should be disappointed with.
Coaches players of the match – Megan for her reading of the game and some brave saves.
Amelia for putting her body on the line blocking shots with her head, stomach and legs
Thanks to Dave and Dave for coaching the girls, to FC Burbage for a great game played in the right way with encouragement from both sets of coaches for both sets of players, the referee and the two linesmen, especially Malcolm and his eagle eye for offside and to all the parents for their support today.
