Sunday 17th November
Birmingham County Challenge Vase 2nd Round
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Robyn, Amber, Ellie, Kelsey, Milly, Bonnie, Ava, Caitlin, Zoe, Izzy, Laura C, Emilly, Kirsty.
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
Back to cup fixtures for our Women as they hosted KLI at Butlin Road on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon.
First Half
Rugby start strongly with a desire to win the ball and press. Rugby win 2 early corners in quick succession, both delivered by Leah. The second proved fruitful as Leah delivered and Katie nodded in from a glancing header.
5’ GOAL – Rugby Town Katie (Leah)
Lots of bruising in midfield and Rugby were having to watch the quick KLI wingers. KLI win a free kick which was well taken.
10’ GOAL – KLI
Caitlin, working hard in the centre of the pitch was winning some good balls, she plays a great ball through to Kelsey who takes it forward, shoots and is just wide of the mark. The Rugby midfield of Ava, Caitlin, and Milly continue to do a great job winning the ball back. This time it is Kirsty who provides Kelsey with the ball, Kelsey strikes, and the keeper collects. Rugby keep pressing hard, and Leah plays a well timed ball to Ellie who shoots just wide.
KLI win a corner on 20 minutes but their resulting shot is wide of the Rugby goal. Another corner won soon afterwards by KLI is well cleared by Rugby. Back up into the attacking third and Ellie this time provides the through ball to Milly who is making a great run, she collects, gathers and shoots, the KLI collecting well.
30’ Leah <-> Laura C
KLI win a free kick and Amber holds well to deny them the chance to extend their lead.
35’ Kelsey <-> Leah
Rugby Town win a free kick, Katie take and after a scramble, it seems Leah scores with the final touch, only to be deemed offside to Rugby’s frustration.
The back four of Emily, Robyn Katie and Kirsty and having a strong half, with Emily in particular getting very stuck in the game.
38’ Ellie<-> Bonnie
In the closing minutes of the 1st half, Rugby win a free kick for a foul on Leah. Katie steps up to take, but the kick is a little “fresh” and flies away over the crossbar.
Second Half
46 Laura C <-> Kelsey
51’ Emily <-> Zoe
Game discipline started dropping and things were getting a little feisty out on the grass. Rugby win a free kick for a heavy tackle on Kelsey just on the edge of the 18 yard box. Katie steps up to take and rockets and lovely low ball, beating the KLI wall and keeper.
8’ GOAL – Rugby Town Katie.
Rugby are still working hard and Zoe is covering the ground well. Zoe make a great run towards the KLI goal, plays Kelsey through, Kelsey strikes and forces the keeper to push the ball wide of her goal for a Rugby corner. Leah takes and KLI clear well.
KLI win 2 corners in quick succession, both well managed by Rugby, There are a number of free kicks for both teams as the game gets rougher. KLI take advantage on one of their free kicks which is cannoned towards the goal, and although she gets her hand to the ball, Amber cannot stop its momentum and the visitors level the scoreine.
70’ GOAL – KLI
72’ Kelsey <-> Izzy
Rugby have lost their way a little and there is a lot of dropping and covering to do to try and keep the score line level. Rugby are caught quick on the counter, split the defence and take the lead.
75’ GOAL – KLI
From kick off, KLI take a decisive run at the Rugby goal, a shot from distance is launched and light speed and the back of the Rugby net is again the balls destination.
77’ GOAL – KLI
The fouls are now really heavy and Rugy win a couple of back to back free kicks.
80’ Bonnie <-> Ellie
81’ Izzy <-> Kelsey
Another free kick for Rugby, KLI win straight back and counter, again proving successful with a goal.
87’ GOAL – KLI
Final Score Rugby Town 2 – 5 – Kenilworth and Long Itchington
After an excellent first half of football, the second proved more challenging against a strong KLI side and some interesting on field decisions and game management. The late KLI goals putting the game out of reach for Rugby,
Thank you to referee Simon, linesman James and the supporters who came to Butlin Road in good numbers to support.
Rugby Town Women are at home again next week as they host AFC Telford in the West Midlands Regional Womens League.