13th October 2024
Team Sponsors: Kelsey Living and Life Investment Estate Agents
With the chill of Autumn really starting to set in, the girls were away to Nuneaton Borough FC – one of the more memorable teams from the Summer tournament based on their performance there. But the sun was shining, and the team had a strong squad consisting of: Sophie, Maisie F, Charlotte, Heidi, Ada, Imogen, Maisie B, Primrose, Phoebe and Flossie. The coaches were certainly spoiled for choice with the team, and all the girls proved that they were more than ready for the challenge.
At the kick-off, Imogen was in goal with Heidi, Sophie, Floss, Primrose and the 2 Maisies on the pitch.
The whistle blew and immediately something just clicked. It was such impressive start to a game with all of the girls using their space and positions effectively. The communication and passing was on another level, with some nice runs by Maisie F, Heidi and Sophie, linking up with some thoughtful thru-balls that put Nuneaton on the back-foot from the start.
Floss was running hard and keeping the opposition’s wide runs down the left in her sights, whilst Maisie B took up her usual defensive position and, with a keen eye, read the incoming passes and intercepted them time and again. Primrose’s pace in midfield meant that every press by Nuneaton was interrupted.
After the first period, Ada, Phoebe and Charlotte were subbed on. Charlotte bolstered the defence as Nuneaton started to find their game, whilst Phoebe took up her usual right-wing position and immediately got stuck in with some strong tackles. When winning the ball she also took the time to move it forward and look up for the right pass. Ada supported on the left, using some fantastic footwork to control the ball.
The bunching up of players that was seen in some previous matches wasn’t happening, with both teams looking to make space and attempt good runs and passes. This worked really well for Rugby allowing players time on the ball without the usual crowding. This meant Heidi and Maisie F linked up to make a series of advances, keeping the ball in the opposition half for extended periods, blocked only by a full defensive line from Nuneaton, and the woodwork on a couple of occasions.
Into the second half and Floss took a turn in goal. The dynamics of the game changed when a very skilled Nuneaton player was given more space than in the first half. Previously their star player was on the wing but kept in check by Primrose and Ada. Instead, they moved her to the middle and Nuneaton enjoyed an extended period of success, putting huge pressure on Rugby’s defence and Floss in goal. It was more of a ‘1 person team’ approach though, in contrast to the exceptional teamwork that Rugby were showing.
The Rugby girls kept their heads up, didn’t let the change in pace affect their motivation and they soon adapted to the new game dynamic. In particular, Maisie F put Nuneaton’s strongest player in her sights whilst Imogen worked to block the passes between some of the other opposition players. Soon enough, Rugby were well and truly back in the game. Charlotte took up goal-keeping to allow Floss more time in midfield.
Sophie was slotting back into her natural centre-forward position really well, supported by Ada, and they were rewarded with numerous changes in the opposition box.
In the final minutes of the game both teams were throwing everything they had into the game. Charlotte was doing a great job in goal.Primrose used every ounce of her pace and Floss’ tackling worked wonders. Maisie B ensured Rugby’s defences were solid allowing the midfield and forward players to put constant pressure on Nuneaton’s defence and keeper.
The passing, marking and communication from Rugby was the best it’s ever been and the whole match was a joy to watch from the sidelines. This was Rugby town with some of their best football and an exciting look at what is to come. The girls should be immensely proud of their performance.
Players of the match:
Coaches – Ada
Parents – Maisie B
Players – Heidi