Rugby Town Under 8 Lionesses hosted Barrow Town at Butlin Road in pleasant conditions but with ominous clouds beyond the railway line.
Squad: Sophie, Norah, Molly, Millie, Esme, Olivia, Bella, Ellie.
Rugby started with Sophie in goal, Molly in defense, Millie and Bella in midfield and Olivia upfront. Coach Kerri had challenged the girls to shoot early and from further out and this was evident early on with Olivia and Millie both testing the goalkeeper. Rugby were playing a high pressing style, which paid off midway through the first half as Olivia intercepted a ball from the back which was a success.Ā As the half progressed Ellie came on to maintain the high energy in midfield and Norah replaced Molly and continued to snuff out any attacks of the opposition.
At halftime a number of players made kit adjustments to avoid overheating. This of course inevitably lead to overcast conditions and drizzle in the second half. Norah replaced Sophie in goal as she went up front with Millie and Bella returning to midfield and Molly marshalling the defence. Rugby pressed for a second chance with Sophie forcing some good saves from the goalkeeper and Millie whipping in some excellent corners. Ellie once again moved into midfield to keep the energy high and to maintain possession for the Lionesses.
Olivia’s no-nonsense style defending was deployed to maintain the clean sheet and Esme moved up front; her tricky movement and pace posing a new threat upfront. Rugby continued to attack to the final whistle but Barrow were able to hold out and protect their goal. An excellent performance from the Lionesses where they clearly showed a number of the techniques and skills they have been working on in training.
Managers player: Ellie
Parents player: Sophie
Thank you to Alice for reffing and to Daniel for the fab match report.
