25th September 2022, KO 12:00
Team – Emilia, Emy-Mae, Esme, Phoebe, Sienna W, Alexis, Sienna M, Izzy, Roisin
Sponsor – Lightning Tools
Rugby Town’s first home match of the season with 9 players all keen to play and with the sun shining to keep the parents warm in what turned out to be a very pleasant day to watch the U9s play some very exciting and fast-paced football. Whetstones playing in a dark red kit were facing a Rugby team brimming with confidence after last week’s match in the new evolving formation.
The game started with Phoebe in goal, Sienna W., and Emy-Mae in a defensive overlapping position with Sienna M. and Emilia up front. Rugby exploded into the attack and played the first 10-minute period completely in the Whetstone half with Rugby Town enjoying possession throughout. Sienna M. and Emilia delivered quick success with 3 efforts linked to some skillful play and teamwork, whilst working both sides and in front of the goal effectively. Emy-Mae and Sienna pushed high-up on Whetstone throughout to ensure the ball remained in Whetstone’s half. Esme then came on for the hardworking Emy-Mae and built on the success with another well taken the opportunity.
A substitution introduced Alexis, Izzy, and Roisin replacing Emilia and the two Sienna’s. This provided a nice introduction as the first competitive match for Roisin and Izzy, supported by the hardworking Phoebe, Alexis, and Esme. Alexis and Esme combined nicely to have numerous opportunities again in an attacking style similar to the first period. Whetstone slowly built confidence whilst also having several chances with Phoebe making some strong and good stops and a well-taken effort. As we moved to half-time, there was another opportunity to rotate the players in the second half of the game.
During the second half, Emilia, Sienna M., and Emy-Mae increased the Rugby advantage with well-taken efforts and team play, with Emilia’s play providing particularly effective. Sienna W. again for the second match in succession worked incredibly hard up and down the pitch effectively supporting the strikers and attacking style of this game. Roisin and Izzy grew in confidence as the game advanced and worked hard and in a position to ensure the team’s advantage was maintained.
In the final period, Whetstone introduced 2 additional players which reduced the open and free-flowing nature of the game with increased tackles in the middle of the pitch. Esme also replaced Phoebe in goal and demonstrated numerous low stops and saves despite the pressure from Whetstone. In the final stages, Emy-Mae concluded the action and match with another strong performance and opportunity.
Another highly entertaining start to the season, with all the players showing great confidence and ability with a real team spirit. Well done team.
Managers Players: Roisin, for growing confidence in her first league match, demonstrating the tactics in the practice of moving into space to allow for better flow and opportunity.
Parents Player: Esme, for improved stamina and determination, both in the outfield and in goal.