Bewdley Town v Rugby Town Women
West Midlands Regional Women Division 1 South – League Game
Sunday 4th February
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Caitlin, Kelly, Grace, Amber, Ava, Milly, Kelsey, Bex, Robyn
Substitutes: Ellie
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
A small squad of 12 arrived at the Riverside after traffic woes, looking to better their 1-1 draw against Bewdley when we hosted a Butlin Road a few weeks ago.
Bewdley mount an early threat which was well managed by centre back Amber and keeper Leah. Rugby used their keeper well throughout the game to reset play. Bewdley could break quickly, especially down the wings so the back 4 of Katie, Robyn, Amber, and Grace needed to be alert.
Grace was called into action to provide a well-timed sliding tackle to remove another potential risk on the Rugby goal. Bewdley deliver the corner well, the ball caught well by Leah. Rugby Town press and push on the Bewdley goal, well cleared by their defence.
Bewdley win a free kick and Rugby set their wall, the Bewdley player firing the ball high and wide over the Rugby net. Short delay in play for an injury on Katie, the result of the first of a fair few “spirited” tackles.
Rugby win a corner after working the ball up field with some nice play. Grace delivers, Ava nods on and Kelsey converts to open the scoreline.
Rugby then win a free kick from a foul on Caitlin. Katie takes but the keeper collects with no issues. Ava is having a good game in midfield, showing pace and commitment. Bex offers commanding comms also in midfield and is helping to guide the rest of the players and Kelsey continues to harass the Bewdley defence.
Bewdley press again, running deep into the Rugby final third. This time, Grace’s slide tackle is not as well timed as her first and the Bewdley player in brought down in the box. Bewdley are awarded a penalty which they do not hesitate to convert.
Back into play and Rugby win another corner, which was earned by some great tenacious play by Kelsey. Grace delivers but Bewdley clear, only as far as Grace who shoots, just wide of the post.
Bewdley win a free kick in the Rugby final third which is cleared and shortly after Kelsey draws a foul and wins a free kick for the visitors but was called offside as play progressed. Rugby shortly after win a corner. Again, Grace delivers and has two bites of the pie as the initial ball was cleared back to her. Bewdley make sure they clear the second delivery better.
A good period of pressure from Rugby with a Grace, Bex, Grace combo. Sadly the resulting shot is high and flies over the bar. Caitlin continues to have a high tempo game in midfield and does well to win a corner which Rugby fail to convert.
Amber is another player having a strong game and is holding her centre back position well and continues to read the game well to provide a number of crucial tackles and clearances. Katie, Kelsey and Bex then team up for another press on the home sides goal and win a corner for their efforts. Katie delivers but having cleared had her Weetabix for breakfast, cannons the ball almost into the Severn.
Another injury delay, after a Bewdley player decided Katies needed to be introduces to the barriers around the pitch. A scrappy few minutes for both teams as Kelsey is also brought down heavily as she pushing forward.
Milly <-> Ellie
Rugby continue to enjoy the majority of positive play with a couple more free kicks and a corner in the final minutes of the half.
Second Half
Bewdley get us back underway and press hard from the off. This time Grace makes no mistake and times her slide tackle to perfection. Bewdley concede a free kick from a handball, but Bex’s shot is cleared well.
The second half continued to see perhaps a higher-than-expected number of free kicks as both teams were battling hard. A short delay again after Katie once more was the recipient of an overly enthusiastic tackle. This time, Katie needed to come off for some treatment.
Katie <-> Milly
Another short delay as the Bewdley number 4 was brought down and required treatment.
Rugby maintained good pressure and were searching for that final ball that could make the difference in this game. Milly provided an excellent defensive run, showcasing her deceptively fast speed to stop a promising Bewdley run down the right wing. Some great play by Ava wins Rugby a corner. Bex’s delivery cleared.
Katie <-> Ellie
Kelsey and Katie mount another charge on the Bewdley goal, ending in Katies shot being saved by the Bewdley keeper.
Milly <-> Ellie
Bewdley press and come hard at the Rugby back line, some intelligent passing gives them the space they need to take the lead.
Rugby now have to work hard to bring the score back level and shortly after, Katie and Kelsey rise to the challenge with a great run and teamwork, to allow Kelsey to bring the score level.
Bewdley win a corner not long after the restart which is well defended and cleared by Amber. A tense final 5 minutes sees a Rugby free kick and a Bewdley corner. Neither of which are converted.
Summary
Bewdley Town 2 – 2 Rugby Town Women
Goals from Kelsey (a. Ava and Katie)
Rugby Town are thrilled to welcome new player, Bex, on her debut for the team.
Rugby Town must settle for a point from a game that upon reflection, they maybe should have won. However, with a small squad, travel issues and a challenging pitch, the team and coaches were pleased to come away with something for their efforts.
Thank you to the supporters and Linesman James.