Sunday 3rd March
Team Sponsors – Life Investment Estate Agents
League Cup 2nd Round – fixture reversed due to Haunchwoods pitch being waterlogged.
After a bye in the first round, Rugby began their league cup campaign with a tricky tie against opponents just a couple of league places below them. A tough match was envisaged, with the corresponding league fixture resulting in a 4-3 victory to Rugby.
A frantic first few minutes set the tone for the rest of the match, with Rugby’s defensive line of Dee, Bella and Willow proving impenetrable, with some strong tackles and excellent distribution from the back.
Going forward, Rugby started to create chances, the first of which was created by Maia herself, beating a couple of defenders before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that was destined for the top corner, forcing the keeper to push the ball round the post. From the ensuing corner, Maddie whipped the ball in, striking an unfortunate defender and ricocheting into the net to give Rugby the lead.
Calmed by the opening goal, Rugby started to take control. Some excellent passing and movement saw them create some wonderful chances, forcing some more great saves from the Haunchwood keeper. Eventually, the pressure told with Isabelle producing a tidy finish to double the lead and give her team a bit of breathing space. Some tactical changes ensued to refresh the batteries, with Emily replacing Willow and Rose coming on for Bella. Both slotted in comfortably as Rugby kept their momentum going.
Just before half time, Maddie then doubled her tally for the game with a smart finish, meaning Rugby went in to the break with a three goal advantage.
One of the key aspects of Rugby’s tactics in this game was the high press, knowing that their opponents liked to pass the ball out through their defence. This gave them lots of field advantage and allowed them to carve out some great chances as Haunchwood struggled to get out of their own half.
As the second half started, Rugby started to take a firm grip on the game. Another goal from Isabelle five minutes into the half put them four goals to the good, and with this extra cushion Rugby allowed their expansive passing game to flourish. A great goal from Jaimie, sandwiched by two typically calm finishes from Sophie, made the score 7-0 which reflected the dominance Rugby had throughout the game. A final goal from Rose, her first for the team as she followed up on a good save from the keeper to put in the rebound, capped off an all-round impressive display.
The previously defiant defence, marshalled by Lara in goal, was finally breached just before the final whistle, but by this time the result was beyond doubt. An excellent result topping off a fantastic team performance, underlining the progress the girls have made since the turn of the year. They have now scored 22 goals and conceded only 4 in the last four matches.