Sunday 15th September
West Midlands Regional Womens Football League – D1N
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Amber, Kelsey, Robyn, Ava, Ellie, Millie, Emily, Zoe, Grace, Izzy, Caitlin, Kirsty, Bon
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
The first home league game of the 2024/25 season saw our Women host Walsall Wood at home.
First Half
Rugby win an early free kick and test the Walsall keeper before the two teams settle into the game. Bon and Kelsey link up with Kelsey’s shot just wide of the Walsall goal.
Walsall also had a number of strong pushes on the Rugby goal and Leah stood steady and safe hands to negate the Walsall pressure. Walsall with a corner that was clear well by the home side.
19’ Rugby defence miss the opportunity to stop a Walsall push. Walsall make use of the space and drive the ball through the space and open the scoreline. 0-1
19’ Robyn <-> Emily
Rugby win a corner and Grace delivers a great ball in. A mad goal mouth scramble ensues but eventually Walsall clear the ball. Bon and Kelsey defend from the front and win the ball back, Kelsey again just wide of the target.
Play remained pretty even between the two sides with lots of battle for possession in midfield. Walsall win a corner, cleared again by Rugby. Bon and Ava now linked up with some great movement, allowing Ava a shot, the goal keeper collecting without too much fuss.
28’ Rugby win a corner, another nice delivery from Grace allows a charging Katie to connect well with her head and slam the ball into the Walsall net for the equaliser. 1-1
Rugby free kick generates some excitement as Kate delivers and Caitlin climbs, looking to connect, but the Walsall keeper does really well and stops Rugby in their tracks.
The remainder of the half sees some good periods of play from both teams, lots of energy around the pitch but ultimately neither side can break the deadlock.
Second Half
Walsall win a corner which is well defended by Rugby, who then drive forward towards the Walsall goal with some good play by Kelsey and Ava. Ava shoots wide. Rugby are awarded a free kick just past the halfway line Katie takes but the well drilled Walsall defence clear well.
65´Kelsey <-> Izzy
66’ Walsall win a corner and although Rugby clear the immediate problem, Walsall quicky work the ball back in and score to increase their lead. 1-2
Rugby win a free kick for a clumsy tackle on Caitlin. Grace takes and the ball is bundled into the net. Rugby’s pleasure turns to pain as the goal is disallowed due to a perceived foul on the Walsall keeper.
80´ Bon <-> Kelsey
80’ Izzy <-> Ellie
The final 10 minutes + injury time is a frantic, noisy and tense affair. Rugby win a corner, Grace delivers, and Katie is just wide with her shot.
82’ Walsall mount another attack, their winger squaring that ball and their forward finishing the job. 1-3
82’ Ava <-> Zoe
84’ Caitlin <-> Bon
Rugby free kick, delivered by Leah, knocked on by Ellie and finished with a surprise headed.
2-3
Rugby now see an opportunity to salvage a point from the game and are pushing a high line for an equaliser. As often happens when a team gambles on a press, Walsall took advantage and came back with a quick counter and sealed the deal with their 4th goal.
2-4
Rugby continue to push until the whistle and the final action sees a free kick taken by Leah with Ellie taking a shot which the Walsall keeper easily saved. A final corner for Rugby was cleared by Walsall to see out the game.
Rugby Town have a break next week and then host Hereford Pegasus in the league cup at Butlin Road on 29th September.
Many thanks to referee Amanda, linesman James and the supporters today.