West Midlands Regional Women Division 1 South – League Game
Sunday 17th March
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Caitlin, Kelly, Amber, Kelsey, Bex, Robyn, Grace, Milly, Ava
Substitutes: Ellie, Laura C, Amy
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
In a game littered with stoppages, including one inside the first 10 minutes to patch up the astro in one of the goal mouths with a load of dirt, Rugby were looking to improve on their last meeting with Redditch Borough when they lost 0-3 at Butlin Road, way back in October.
Bex, Kelly and Kelsey set the standard in the opening minutes of the game with some good play up front, with some equally impressive defensive efforts by Amber and Milly. Grace put in a really well-timed sliding tackle to stop an early Redditch press.
Redditch had a corner, and, in the melee, Milly was hit hard in the face with the ball resulting in a long stoppage and early sub for Rugby.
6’ Milly <-> Amy
Bex was marauding around the midfield, causing the opposition a bit of a headache, and was looking to release Kelsey for an attacking run. A well timed and well measured through ball from Bex did just this and Kelsey finished the move with calm efficiency to open the scoreline on 7 minutes.
Redditch were very keen to put significant pressure on the Rugby defence, and a product piece of play saw the hosts advance on the Rugby goal, Leah spotted the danger early, came out well and put an end to the threat.
Rugby won a corner, delivered by Grace, Katie was up in the air to meet it with her head, but the ball was cleared out for a throw in.
Redditch back on the attack and a cheeky back heel from a Redditch midfielder, found their overlapping winger who stuck in what was an impressive shot from the left to level the score. The play continued at quite an intense pace for both teams, and Redditch soon won a free kick in the Rugby defensive third. Rugby set their wall and prepared, the Redditch player making no mistake and striking the ball well, beating the wall and the Rugby keeper, to take the lead.
Rugby were striving for the reply with some thoughtful football being player. Kelly was having a strong game, playing good balls forward but also there to help in a strong defensive capacity whenever needed. Leah was also needed again to stop a Redditch attack, and again came out quickly to thwart the play.
27’ Amy <-> Ellie
Kesley, Bex, Katie were again developing some great play from the midfield, forward towards the Redditch goal and won a corner which Redditch cleared with a minimum of fuss. Rugby needed to remain focused as Redditch were quick to press, strong and hard.
Leah was out again quickly for a ball down the right hand side, unfortunately this time the gamble didn’t pay off and the Redditch winger was able to cross the ball to her teammate who headed the ball into the back of the net, extending their lead to 3-1.
Rugby could have been forgiven for dropping their heads after taking an early lead but now finding themselves on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline, but this did not happen. The determination to continue to push and pull themselves back into the game could be seen all around the pitch, with great vocal encouragement from Bex and Leah.
A Rugby press sees a decent chance with Kelsey screaming in from the left, the Redditch keeper does well to collect, but moment carries Kelsey into the keeper who is totally flattered and results in a long delay whilst the keeper receives attention.
Good play between Kelsey and Katie sees another good chance for Rugby, Kelsey’s shot, just wide of the post. Ellie, Bex, Kelsey, Ava and Grace play some lovely football, and work the ball well upfield. Grace makes the most of the period of play, plays Kelsey forward who takes off on a decent run and converts a well deserved goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
Rugby maintains the upper hand, and again press, this time Caitlin with the assist and Kelsey with her hattrick to level the score.
Redditch need the win and the 3 points to take the pole position in the Div 1 South table so they had plenty to play for. They break again, looking to take the lead, but Leah again stops the play with some great goalkeeping.
Second Half
Redditch have an early shot from distance which flies over the Rugby crossbar. Back into play and Redditch again win possession, but some fantastic defending from Robyn stops them in their tracks. Redditch continue to press Rugby with tough, competitive play, again Leah is called upon and makes a sound save.
Another great defensive display from Robyn and Amber pushed Redditch back out of the Rugby defensive third. Redditch keep going and Rugby are having to defend strongly, with Grace, Robyn and Leah proving to be an impenetrable force.
Caitlin, who’s strong game performances are often taken for granted, is again proving why she is a midfield master with a great tackle in the middle of the pitch, breaking the Redditch play and giving the Rugby defence a bit of a breather.
Rugby start to find a bit of momentum again, and Ellie, Bex, Katie and Kelsey develop a good press.
60’ Ellie <-> Laura C
Kelsey is fouled, winning a free kick and the Redditch player receives a yellow card for her troubles.
Rugby are driving a resurgence, Katie, Bex and Kelsey working their socks off, looking for a fourth goal. Rugby win a corner, Grace delivers a swinging screamer which bounces off the crossbar, into the 18 yard box and cleared finally by Redditch.
The play continues throughout the second half, both teams working their hardest but unable to break the stalemate. Two late corners for Redditch, neither converted and both teams end the game with a share of the spoils and maybe both a little disappointed they didn’t claim the 3 points.
Summary
Redditch Borough 3 – 3 Rugby Town Women
Ø Kelsey (a. Bex)
Ø Kelsey (a. Grace)
Ø Kelsey (a. Caitlin)
Everyone loves a good fightback, and Rugby Town certainly delivered on that. A strong team performance with bags of resilience and determination.
Thank you to all the travelling supporters and linesman James.