WMRWFL D1S
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Caitlin, Kelly, Amber, Kelsey, Bex, Robyn, Grace, Ava, Nicole
Substitutes: Ellie, Laura M, Amy, Milly, Kirsty
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
Rugby welcomed Leamington Ladies to Butlin Road this afternoon for the last home game of the season for the hosts. We were thrilled to see so many people in the stands today.
Rugby started brightly and won an early free kick, delivered by Nicole and passed around between Grace, Caitlin and Nicole before finally being cleared by the visitors. Rugby maintain good pressure and clear communication and were showing they were keen to take the game to Leamington.
Leamington were looking to make good use of their quick breaks and passing and indeed had a very effective press on the Rugby goal, just missing the target and providing Rugby with a let off.
Rugby back up the pitch and were working well to look for a change to play that last ball through. Rugby won another free kick, delivered by Bex, just over the bar. Rugby win the ball back from the goal kick and a lovely ball by Katie up to Nicole who delivered a lovely looping long range shot and was unlucky to see the ball drop into the roof of the goal.
Ava, Kelsey, Nicole and Kelly combined with some nice play, Kelly’s final shot a bit high and sailed over the Leamington goal. Play restarts and Rugby win another free kick, Grace delivers and Leamington clear for a Rugby corner. The corner is delivered by Nicole and cleared well by Leamington.
Leamington again showed their pace on the break as they stormed down to the Rugby goal pretty much uncontested. In a 1v1 with Leah, it seems certain they would open the scoreline, but the Leamington player shot wide, and Rugby escape the threat.
Generally, play continued pretty evenly between the two sides. Rugby were knocking on the door with lots of possession and pressing, but the final ball was still proving a little elusive. Rugby won 2 free kicks in quick succession, the second delivered by Caitlin with a good strike which needed the Leamington keeper to deal with.
Kelsey <-> Ellie
Rugby with another free kick and Leamington again clear for a corner. Delivered in and cleared. Bex, Ellie and Nicole were working well together and were starting to open the pitch up a little.
Grace, Caitlin and Nicole press again and are rewarded with a corner. Nicole delivers and Leamington clears.
Ava <-> Kirsty
Leamington are starting to put the pressure on Rugby and the back 4 of Grace, Robyn, Amber and Katie and doing well to absorb the threat. Amber in particular is going great work against the Leamington No22 and is providing some good defensive tackles to keep the ball away from Leah in the Rugby goal.
Leamington win a corner which is easily dealt with by Rugby. Again Leamington capitalised on a error in midfield, capitalising on their speedy breaks and Rugby have to work hard to regain control in what is the last action of the first half.
Second Half.
The second half resume at a high tempo with both teams clearly looking to break the deadlock. Free kick for Rugby on a heavy foul on Katie. Kelly takes, the ball in kicked into touch for a throw in which Kelly takes as Rugby work their way slowly up field.
Using her pace, Grace find the space to play a great ball through to Nicole which looks very promising, but the ball has a little bit too much on it and the ask proves to much to Nicole.
Caitlin, her usual stalwart in midfield, is a complete authority and managing play well. She is pushing the Leamington back 4 hard and works to get a good shot off, saved by the Leamington keeper.
Kirsty <-> Millie
Ellie <-> Kelsey
A Leamington player receives a caution for a very enthusiastic tackle. The resulting free kick played in by Bex and cleared.
Nicole and Katie and building the play well, Katies shot saved by the keeper. Rugby win a free kick on the right edge of the 18yd box. Bex played to Caitlin, but the knocked out for a goal kick.
Robyn <-> Laura M
Rugby win a free kick and 2 corners in quick succession, but the strong Leamington defence prevent Rugby from creating any meaningful chances. Kelsey, Katie and Bex continue to move well, they create the space they need to advance on the Leamington goal only to see Bex’s shot saved by the keeper.
Into the final 10 minutes and Rugby have upped the tempo and are playing some of their best football of the game, supported by a very vocal Rugby bench, clearly desperate for that goal!
Leamington were not letting Rugby get it all their own way, and a clever use of the wing, a good switch and cross, see Rugby ill-prepared to defend and a free header is nodded into the left of the Rugby goal and Leamington take the lead.
Rugby win a couple more free kicks and another corner, along with visible fighting spirit and they try to secure a point from the game, but the final whistle is blown and Rugby a left to reflect on a home defeat.
Summary
Rugby Town 0 – 1 Leamington Ladies
Thank you to all the supporters, it was fantastic to see so many at Butlin Road. Many thanks to referee Chris and linesman James.
Rugby Town have their final league game of the season away at Alvechurch on 5th May