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After a good victory away to Burbage the previous week Rugby returned to “sunny”, read rain swept Butlin Road for their next league match against 4th placed Epworth Forest.
Rugby started brightly with a good run from Sophie that resulted in a cross going across the Epworth area. After a long throw that resulted in a scramble in the Rugby area Epworth scored the opening goal to make it 1-0.
This was a wake up call for Rugby and after a corner that caused problems Leila had a shot that went just wide. A second corner for Rugby went all the way across the box, it just needed a touch for the equaliser. Rugby were starting to get some success down the wings with Poppy going close after a good run. Izzy then had a shot that went just over and Leila had another shot that was well saved by the Epworth keeper.
Half time 1-0
Rugby started the second half brightly with a shot from Louise that was well saved by the Epworth keeper. Epworth then had another corner that caused Rugby problems with the ball going right across the area. Rugby continued to press for an equaliser with a good closing down by Louise and then Sophie had a shot that went just wide.
Sophie then summoned the spirit of Haji Wright with a mazy run down the left wing, cutting inside and shooting from just outside the box. The ball sailing over the Epworth keeper to make it 1-1.
Epworth kept going forward and shortly afterwards when Rugby failed to clear their lines Epworth scored to make it 2-1. Rugby tried again to find another equaliser and came close with a corner that caused problems in the Epworth area. After another scramble in the Epworth area the referee blew the final whistle (and the rain stopped).
Full time 2-1
A tough game for Rugby against an organised Epworth side that took their chances well.
Coaches player Daisy-May, endless running and so strong against bigger opponents
Thanks to Quiet Dave and Shouty Dave, to the parents, to Tony the referee, to the linesmen and to the opposition for a great game played in the right spirit. Also a special thanks to the Epworth coach for messaging after the game, “Your teams a credit to play against so professional and welcoming, thank you”.