Sunday 27th October
West Midlands Regional Womens League – Division 1 Cup (2nd Round)
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Robyn, Amber, Ellie, Kelsey, Milly, Bonnie, Nicole, Ava, Caitlin, Kirsty, Laura C, Grace
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
The game started in a feisty manner and Redditch win 2 corners in quick succession. The first was cleared well by the visitors and the second was out for a goal kick.
14’ Bonnie <-> Ellie
The midfield was becoming somewhat of a battle ground as both teams were going toe to toe to gain ascendancy. Full bloodied tackles and quick counters were becoming the order of the day.
Another Redditch corner cleared out to Kelsey who made an excellent run up the pitch, gaining a huge amount of ground until the ball was bundled out for a Rugby throw in. Back into play and the Rugby attack resulted in a corner. A short corner set piece from Nicole and Grace was cleared well for a second corner. Again a short corner routine from Nicole and Grace, this time the ball is cannoned across the front of the Redditch goal but the ball goes out of play for a goal kick.
Rugby press the Redditch defence and some nice work between Ellie, Ava, Kelsey and Nicole is fruitful with a determined finish by Nicole
25’ GOAL – Nicole (Kelsey)
The game continues apace with Redditch heaping pressure on Rugby with some effective passing football. The hosts win a free kick in midfield, work the ball through and take their chance, and unfortunate spill allows Redditch to level the scoreline
29’ GOAL – Redditch Borough
Redditch continue to build their attacks and win another corner. Play is briefly stopped to treat Leah for an injury.
33’ Leah <-> Laura C
The corner is taken by Redditch and cleared. Rugby do some sterling work in the middle of the pitch and drive towards the Redditch goal. Redditch drop to shore up their defences and the ball is cleared for a corner.
Nicole runs in to take the corner as multiple Rugby and Redditch player jostle in the box. Caitlin is on the near post. Kelsey stepping out to scoop up any cleared ball and Ava and Katie waiting to run in. Nicole fires the ball into the 6-yard box but it is Ellie who rises well and with a well-timed precise header, she thumps the ball into the back of the Redditch net.
37’ GOAL – Ellie (Nicole)
Rugby maintain a great attacking mentality and are seeing a lot of the ball. Ellie, Ava and Nicole make some smart decisions, move the ball well and Nicole takes her opportunity with a great strike. Only an excellent save from the Redditch keeper denies Rugby their third goal.
Rugby are now displaying some excellent fight and determination and are really coming into their own as the first half comes to a close.
Second Half
46’ Ellie <-> Bonnie
46’ Laura C <-> Leah
Like the first half, the opening minutes of the second half see Redditch win two corners back-to-back. Rugby deal well with both and the threat is neutralised. Both sides gain and lose possession repeatedly during an intensive 10 minutes. There are several attacks by both teams with each set of defenders working hard to clear their lines.
Redditch suddenly take what seems to be a speculative shot from distance. However, it turns out to be an excellent strike, high and hard, leaving Amber in the Rugby goal, no change to save it.
60’ GOAL – Redditch Borough
Shortly after the restart, there is pause in play after Nicole is hacked down with a somewhat cynical tackle and requires treatment.
65’ Bonnie <-> Milly
Redditch have a good period of play, requiring Rugby to do some hard work in defence. Redditch win 3 corners in quick succession, but the visitors are doing a fine job handling the Redditch set pieces and they gain no advantage.
Katie, clearly fancying a change from defending, collects the ball deep in the Rugby 3rd and makes a fantastic pitch length run. Nicole is there for support as Katie lays the ball off to her, Nicole delivers a fantastic strike across goal, the Redditch keep is no where near and a goal is expected, only to go frustratingly wide of the upright.
The miss clearly fires up Nicole who provides some fantastic individual play, twisting and turning around the frustrated Redditch players and banging in her second of the game.
84’ GOAL – Nicole
85’ Milly <-> Laura C
With Rugby in the lead, the game becomes quite frantic as Redditch are throwing everything into the game. Tackles are brutal, tired legs are pumping and the desire from both teams to win the game is palpable. Rugby are holding well, but theybare having to try to remain calm under significant pressure.
The game proceeds with no let-up, still with much of the action in midfield as Redditch try to get the space to release the ball to their quick wingers and it is a 10-minute grind for both teams.
In the Rugby half, Redditch have a thrown in, in a momentary lapse, Rugby simply do not pick up players effectively and allow the space Redditch are looking for to level the score.
43’ GOAL – Redditch Borough
As it is a cup game, it seems that the result will be decided by penalties. However, the action was not over as Redditch push again and inexplicably find enough space to break through the Rugby lines to take the lead.
47’ GOAL – Redditch Borough.
Rugby are devastated, but use that as motivation as they maraud up the pitch deep in stoppage time. Redditch pull everyone back and Rugby win a corner. Rugby pull all 11 players up for the corner and run to the flag to set the ball. Unfortunately, the referee decides that’s enough for today and blows the final whistle.
Final Score
Redditch Borough 4
Rugby Town 3
A disappointing result after an excellent team performance filled with energy, passion and fight. Certainly, one of strongest performances this season. The team should be very proud of themselves.
Many thanks to supporters who travelled to Redditch to cheer the team on.
Photo courtesy of dicky_king1961