Sunday 1st December
West Midlands Regional Womens League – D1N
Team Sponsors: Jamesway Traval, Melbros, LH Services Ltd, Gripper Differentials, ASG Precision, Keller
Squad: Amber, Ellie, Katie, Bonnie, Robyn, Izzy, Kelsey, Nicole, Laura, Amy, Milly, Caitlin, Leah,
1st Half
Rugby Town Women welcomed Leek Town Ladies (Res) to Butlin Road for the first game of December. Playing on the astro pitch, the home side were relieved to have mild weather and sunshine after last weeks incessant rain.
Rugby won 2 corners in the opening minutes of the game. Both corners worked by Nicole and Kelsey, the first ball going wide the second collected by the keeper.
Katie plays a nice ball up field to Nicole who was utilising the width of the pitch, Nicole thunders a ball across the mouth of the goal but it was just a tad too quick for Bonnie who was centimetres away for a tap in.
Katie continued to play useful balls into the Rugby front 3 as Rugby maintain the pressure on the visitors.
16’ Leah <-> Laura
18’ Ellie <-> Leah
Leek win a free kick in a useful position and Rugby need to organise their defence. Amber collects with a very safe pair of hands.
Rugby push again and some sharp footwork by Nicole gains the space forward the hosts needs, Nicole plays on Caitlin who takes her change, shooting just wide of the target.
A few minutes later, back down the other end of the pitch, Leek win a corner. The ball is rocketed across the front of the Rugby goal, but there are no Leek players placed to take advantage.
Rugby are still working to secure the opening goal, and Kelsey, Nicole and Caitlin team up for a decent push on the Leek goal. Caitlin takes the shot, just wide.
33’ Bonnie <-> Izzy
Rugby win a corner, Nicole delivers, Caitlin looks for the shot, just wide. Another corner and another opportunity to score, again Nicole delivers, Kelsey rises but just lacks the high and ball is cleared. Kelsey is involved again shortly afterwards as she plays a great through ball to Izzy who has an open goal with the keeper out of position. A Leek defender does a great job of getting in the way and stopping a promising opportunity for the hosts.
44’ Amy <-> Ellie
2nd Half
An early chance for Kelsey who shoots wide. Ellie has a good spell in midfield, providing balls to the attacking midfielders and forwards. Both teams have a couple of soft chances in the opening minutes but none causing any specific threats to the goalkeepers.
50’ Izzy <-> Bonnie
Rugby Town win another corner. Nicole, Katie and Kelsey are all involved, but the final shot sails over the crossbar. Another corner for Rugby, with a very clear intent by several Rugby players. The ball is played between Nicole, Kelsey and Katie, and finally Rugby open the score line
52’ GOAL – Rugby Katie (Nicole)
Rugby are now displaying some very strong play with Katie, Caitlin and Kelsey involved in the press, Kelsey’s shot wide of the post.
Caitlin and Bonnie are keeping the pressure on as the ball in won back in midfield and Caitlin does a great job of feeding through to Bonnie who works a tricky turn whilst Leek defenders try to stop a clean shot. Bonnie managed to find the space, but the very proficient Leek keeper spots the danger and is in position to stop the strong shot.
Rugby continue with their unrelenting pressure, testing the Leek Town midfield and defence. Milly spots Nicoles run, plays the perfect ball and releases Nicole to attack the Leek goal, just wide.
Rugby win the ball back and Leah spots the space and takes her turn to deliver a great ball to Nicole who, after working herself around the defenders, extends Rugby’s lead to 2.
47’ GOAL – Rugby Nicole (Leah)
47’ Ellie <-> Amy
Rugby are now creating a lot of chances, but the final touch seems to be a little elusive. Nicole, Kelsey and Bonnie press together, some nice passing allows Bonnie a shot, just over the bar.
73’ Amy <-> Ellie
Rugby retain the majority of possession.
75 Kelsey <-> Izzy
Rugby win a free kick on the 18 yard box, Katie’s powerful shot just wide. Rugby keep pressing with Leek working hard to clear.
85’ Izzy <-> Kelsey
FULL TIME
Despite a few missed chances, Rugby provided a strong display and take the 3 points and clean sheet taking them up a couple of places to 4th in the Division 1 North League
Thank you to referee Alison, assistant referee James and today’s supporters