3rd Round of League Cup
12th March 2023 – 9:30KO
Team:
Phoebe
Sienna W
Sienna M
Emilia
Emy-Mae
Alexis
Izzy
Esme
Sponsor: Lightning Tools and Life Investment Estate Agents
It was just a hop and a skip journey for Rugby Town U9 girls, for our 3rd round, cup away fixture to face Rugby Borough Bobcats. Due to unforeseen weather the Friday night training session had been cancelled, so the team entered this game with little preparation.
As the teams lined up we knew that his would be a tough fixture against our neighbours with the added excitement and tension of it being a cup game. The game was played over 4 x 10 min periods and each quarter had its own unique dynamic as the game unfolded in bright, dry but in windy conditions.
Both teams started well in the first 10 mins and it was an evenly balanced first period, with little splitting the teams in terms of skill, effort and determination. Both Rugby teams scored a goal each in what was a true reflection based on possession and effort for this opening section of the match.
Unfortunately the second period didn’t play out as the first part and the Bobcats managed to build momentum and convert several good opportunities. Allowing the Bobcats to take a clear advantage into the 3rd period by scoring 3 goals, without reply, despite some excellent goalkeeping from the Rugby Town keeper.
As the 3rd period opened Rugby Town girls seemed to step up a gear and in a similar way to the first period. They matched the Bobcats for every inch of the pitch, whilst defending strongly. This was a strong performance by the home team and we only suffered one breakaway moment by the opposition to enter the last period a considerable overall margin down for the final 10 minutes of the game.
As the 4th and final section started it was like the emergence of a new game and Rugby Town girls seemed to get into its normal stride with fast paced, attacking football that has entertained us so much this season. This resulted in Rugby scoring several well taken efforts and building on more. Unfortunately this was equally countered by the Bobcats also playing with an upbeat tempo in a very evenly balanced and exciting last quarter. It must be noted that Rugby Town goalkeeper made numerous saves with real confidence and courage. As the game ended the gap was just too much to match for Rugby Town in the final phase. The girls demonstrated in multiple phases how well they can play and what this game actually meant to them. We wish the Bobcats all the success in the next round and well done.
POM: Alexis, for some brilliant saves and brave goalkeeping against a strong attacking opposition.
PPOM: Emy-Mae, one of many super hardworking recent displays, with two well taken goals whilst playing from a deep defensive/midfield position.
