Sunday 13th October
West Midlands Regional Womens Football League – Division 1 North
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Robyn, Amber, Ellie, Kelsey, Milly, Bonnie, Nicole, Laura B, Ava, Amy, Loren
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
Our 3rd league game of the season saw us host Tamworth FC Women at Butlin Road.
First Half
Tamworth started brightly with a clear attacking mentality which the home side initially struggled to manage. A quick run down the right saw Tamworth open the scoreline with a very early goal
2’ Rugby 0 – 1 Tamworth
Tamworth continued with tough tackles, physical football and a very quick press and counter attacker. Rugby started to slowly find their feet and were building into a good period of play. Nicole, Loren, Kelsey and Leah were working hard in midfield to create the space and movement needed to open the pitch up. Tamworth however were keen to maintain their pressure and a nice move down the left side allowed them to increase their lead.
13’ Rugby 0 -2 Tamworth
Rugby were a little at sixes and sevens and were struggling to clear their defensive 3rd with the ball being kicked around somewhat aimlessly. On 16 minutes, Tamworth’s persistence seemingly paid off with the ball hitting the back of the Rugby net for the 3rd time. However, the flag had gone up on the far side and the goal was disallowed for offside, with Rugby breathing a sigh of relief.
As the half progressed, Rugby started to turn the tables and Kelsey received the ball wide, making a great run forward, laying the ball off to Ava on the 18 yard box, and Ava took her shot, the ball running just slightly wide of the post.
Rugby maintained possession and were working well as a team to release their forwards. Again, a Kelsey / Ava combination allowed Kelsey a shot, parried by the Tamworth keeper. The ball fell to Ava who again shot a little wide.
Tamworth regained their momentum and had an attack on the Rugby goal. Their attacker released a strong strike form distance and Amber did a fantastic job of just tipping the ball over the crossbar with her fingertips for a corner.
Tamworth won 2 corners one after another, but the home side coped with both
Leah collected the ball in midfield, made good progress, linked up with Nicole who danced her way around a couple of opposition players and released the ball to Ava. Ava’s subsequent shot well held by the Tamworth keeper.
41’ Kelsey <-> Bonnie
Second Half
Rugby needed to settle quickly into the half and were asked to focus on their positions, and moving the ball quickly. Work was needed to quickly reduce the goal deficit.
From the off, Tamworth were on a charge, forcing Amber into an early but excellent save. Rugby were looking like they were starting to get the bit between their teeth and forced an a corner. Loren played a clever short ball to Nicole, whipped in the cross, and their was Katie to nod the ball into the Tamworth next with a beautifully calm and well placed header.
50’ Rugby 1 – 2 Tamworth
54’ Milly <-> Laura B
60’ Loren <-> Kelsey
Rugby were really growing into the second half now and were starting to cause Tamworth significant issues. Ava continued chasing down the ball in midfield and a well timed tackle was rewarded with possession, a short, well managed dribble by Ava, allowed a good pass to Nicole, who again spent some time frustrating the Tamworth defence with her ball skills, and slipped a nice ball through to Kelsey who made no mistake to level the scoreline.
61’ Rugby 2 – 2 Tamworth
Rugby were dominant now and early nerves we well and truly shaken off. Ellie, played a solid game in LB, providing some much-needed header clearances and Robyn in CB was adamant on causing the Tamworth forwards major problems. Another special Nicole / Kelsey combo saw Rugby take the lead.
63’ Rugby 3 – 2 Tamworth
65’ Leah <-> Milly
73 ‘ Amy <-> Leah
Rugby had a bit of a rampant 10 minutes with Kelsey causing the Tamworth keeper a headache and forcing a fingertip save on 76 minutes and Ava, Bonnie, and Kelsey working for another shat and another save shortly afterwards
Rugby remained dominant and on 80 minutes, Nicole took flight down the left wing, fired in a screaming cross, the Tamworth goalkeeper flapped, Rugby and Tamworth players crashed to the ground, no one was too sure what happened, but the ball was in the net, and Nicole claimed it whilst Kelsey was deciding whether she had broken her head or not.
The final 10 saw Tamworth trying to claw back space and work some attacks but Rugby remained resolute to see the game out and pick up their first league points of the season.
It was certainly a game of 2 halves with Rugby looking a completely different side in the second half. All players contributed 100% to the second half performance.
Special mention to Katie who played a huge roll in centre back today and was a rock for the team. Amy also had a stellar performance in holding mid with some exceptional ball play. Thanks to done to Bonnie, Loren and Laura B who stepped in at the last minute to help the team.
Many thanks to referee Lois, linesman James and the supporters today.
Rugby Town Women are back in cup action next week at Butlin Road as they host Estone Ladies in the first round of the Birmingham County Challenge Vase.