Sunday 10th November
West Midlands Regional Womens League – D1N
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Robyn, Amber, Ellie, Kelsey, Milly, Bonnie, Nicole, Ava, Caitlin, Zoe, Izzy
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
Having played in cup games since mid-October, it was back to a league fixture today as our Women travelled to unbeaten league leaders Walsall Wood.
First Half
Walsall come screaming out from the whistle, immediately putting pressure on the Rugby defense. Rugby are not organized or settled and another fierce press sees maybe the inevitable happen as they concede the opening goal
2’ GOAL – Walsall Wood
Walsall maintain their ferocious pace and passing and are causing untold problems for the visitors in the opening ten minutes. Rugby have to defend deep and sometimes in desperation to stop the gap widening.
Amber in goal has already made several great stops and the back four of Milly, Katie, Robyn and Ellie are certainly being made to work this afternoon.
Slowly, Rugby manage to find their feet in the game and are starting to push back against Walsall Wood. On 16 minutes, Ava has a great forward run, using her pace to beat the Walsall midfield, she finds Bonnie and plays a great ball out to Nicole on the right. Nicole takes her shot and a shout of frustration is heard as the ball clips the left post and its out, releasing Walsall from the threat.
Rugby win 2 corners in quick succession but Walsall clear with no issues. Rugby then win a free kick on the edge of the 18 yard box, Nicole takes but the ball hit the wall and is deflected back out.
Back down the other end and Walsall win 2 corners in succession, both well managed by Rugby without drama
Kelsey <-> Zoe
With her first action of the game, Zoe picks the ball up just in the Rugby half and takes her mark for a lively sprint all the way up to the right corner flag in Walsall’s defensive third, making up a huge amount of ground.
Rugby are working hard now and there is some clear determination on the faces of all the players. Balls are being won with more frequency and there are some impressive 1v1 battles on the pitch.
Finally, Rugby’s breakthrough comes courtesy of some tenacious work by Caitlin, finding Nicole, who doesn’t need asking a second time, and levels the score.
40’ GOAL – Nicole (Caitlin)
The quick pace continued with both sides putting in some heavy tackles and both sides utilizing their quick wingers in an attempt to gain the upper hand.
As the last for second tick by, there is a bad clash of heads in an arial duel with leads to Leah and a Walsall player needing treatment and the referee sees this as a good time to call the first half to an end.
Second Half
Leah <-> Kelsey
An early free kick for Walsall is neutralized and now Rugby need to see if they can continue building the momentum they was seen in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
Rugby win a corner Kelsey nearly has it in on the far post but somehow its cleared into a forest of legs, falling to Nicole who hits the post before Walsall manage to clear.
Bonnie <-> Izzy
Rugby win a free kick, Katie delivers a great ball into the 6 yard box as all hell breaks loose as what seems like 50 bodies are trying to clear the ball or trying to score a goal. Unbelievably, Zoe sees a great chance missed, and then Caitlin sees another great chance go begging.
Walsall Wood are not giving up the fight and are ready to use their lightning quick right-winger to punish Rugby as they have been doing the entire game. The latest foray forward down the right is possibly the last straw for left back Ellie, who drags her opponent down and leave the referee no option other than to brandish the yellow card.
Izzy <-> Bonnie
Both sides are working incredibly hard and they is no respite for any players as the possessions switches back and forth, complemented by a midfield war zone and the sprint track up and down both wings.
Ellie <-> Izzy
Walsall win a corner – but again, Amber continued with her excellent performance and collects the tricky ball.
Rugby, looking for their second, finally find a little space, providing the time they need for Caitlin, Robyn and Nicole to link up to allow the shot for Rugby’s 2nd.
80’ GOAL – Nicole (Robyn)
Rugby now have to oversee arguably the hardest 10 minutes of the game. It is clear that they will be happy with a 1-2 win and are looking to hold possession and keep the ball in the Walsall half.
Nerves are fraying, coaching are pacing, and there are a few squeaky moments with Rugby defense doing some solid work, Amber nice and calm in goal and the midfield and forwards looking to take the ball to the corner.
Its not pretty football, its not inspirational football, but it is effective football and it does the job. Rugby grind out a fantastic win!
Final Score – Walsall Wood 1 – 2 Rugby Town Women
Player of the Match – Amber, for an excellent performance in goal today.
Many thanks to referee Jason, linesman James and the supporters who travelled to Walsall today.
Rugby Town Women host Long Itchington next Sunday in the 2nd Round of the BCFA Challenge Vase