Sunday 15th December
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
An early morning kick off for Rugby Town at home to Nuneaton Borough this week. After storm Darragh causing last week’s game to be called off, Rugby were raring to go to make amends after their cup exit the previous week against a very strong Hinckley side. The weather conditions were perfect for football, both playing and watching (which the parents always appreciate)
Shouty Dave gave his instructions for the game, Kevin Keegan would have been proud of his rallying call to “get in their business from the kick off”. After the reverse fixture last month Rugby were confident that if they worked hard that this game was winnable and it would be a real achievement to do the double over their opponents.
Rugby kicked off and went on the attack, Poppy putting a good cross in as an early test for the Nuneaton goalkeeper. Rugby then had two corners in quick succession but failed to capitalise on their early pressure. In the middle of the park Rugby were showing their determination to win the ball back with a number of big tackles being won. Daisy May in defence was as composed as normal and after a good pass out to Poppy another good cross was defended well by Nuneaton.
The Nuneaton goalkeeper was the busier of the two so far and then saved well after Leila had a shot. In training we have been practising first time shooting so it was good to see that being translated into a match situation. After an innocuous shot the ball was spilled by the Nuneaton goalkeeper, Ioana had done well to follow the shot in and was rewarded with an open goal..
**Score Update:** Nuneaton Borough 0 – 1 Rugby Town
Rugby were playing well and deserved to be ahead, Izzy then had a shot that was well saved by the Nuneaton goalkeeper, from the corner Nuneaton cleared well and ended up with a good counter attack and shot just wide of Jasmine’s goal. It was a wake up call for Rugby and Leila then came close to the goal of the season, a long range effort hitting the post with the goalkeeper well beaten. Nuneaton were still in the game so Rugby had to continue to work hard at winning the ball back. Each time Nuneaton attacked down the right wing Delia was there to clear the danger with her no-nonsense attitude to tackling and defending.
**Half-time:** Rugby Town 1 – 0 Nuneaton Borough
Nuneaton kicked off the second half with renewed vigour after their half time team talk, they had a series of corners and then equalised after a scramble in the area. Jasmine was unable to keep out a close range shot although she came close to getting a hand to it.
**Score Update:** – Rugby Town 1 – 1 Nuneaton Borough
Rugby were being put under more pressure by a resurgent Nuneaton. It was now time to find out what the girls were made of, would they hit back or would Nuneaton go on to find a winner. Leila then chased the ball down and managed to get a good cross in which Rugby failed to capitalise on. The impact of playing on a full size pitch was starting to show for both teams, the energy levels from the first half were starting to drop so Rugby made use of their substitutes to try and get going again. Caitlin and Daisy-May in defence were winning their battles against the Nuneaton forwards, clearing everything that was coming their way.
Ioana came close to getting a second for Rugby after a twisting run resulted in a shot that hit the post. Nuneaton then had a shot that was saved easily by Jasmine, two more corners for Nuneaton were well defended. Rugby then attacked twice with Ioana and then Ronniee having crosses that were well held by the Nuneaton goalkeeper.
Rugby were still looking for the winner and were rewarded when Sophie unleashed her inner EMC and followed up a shot that was spilled by the goalkeeper to make it 2-1, smashing the ball into the unguarded goal. The Rugby linesman was absolutely delighted with this after all his encouragement during the first and second half of the game.
**Score Update:** Rugby Town 2 – 1 Nuneaton Borough
The game was still not won as Nuneaton attacked again, Rugby had to reshuffle with Megan dropping into central defence and Mollie coming on in midfield after Caitlin had to come off injured. Rugby continued to keep Nuneaton at bay, all of the girls battling hard for the ball each time they were not in possession.
When the final whistle went Rugby were delighted with the result which was well deserved. . A draw would not have been a fair reflection on the game at all, particularly after the effort that the girls had put in to win their individual battles all over the pitch.
**Full-time:** Rugby Town 2 – 1 Nuneaton Borough
Good performance from Rugby Town today, especially after being pegged back at 1-1, the determination to go for a winner against a strong Nuneaton side was really pleasing for all of the coaches. The defensive effort in the last 10 minutes was also very impressive to ensure that the hard work during the rest of the game was not wasted. It was also great to see some of the things we have been working on in training such as chasing the ball down and first time shooting being implemented in the game.
Coaches player Delia
Delia is new to our team but has slotted in well after being thrown in at the deep end the last few weeks. She is growing into her position at left back and her Stuart Pearce no messing style makes her very difficult to play against. The Nuneaton right winger definitely didn’t enjoy the game
Thanks to all the coaches and parents. Thanks to Nuneaton Borough for a good game, thanks to the referee and a special thanks to the very excitable linesman. His encouragement during the second half was appreciated by all, especially by Sophie playing on the left wing.