Our Under 11 Wildcats were in League Cup action yesterday with an early away game against Mountsorrel. Facing lower League opposition it was difficult to know what to expect but important that the girls weren’t complacent and started with high intensity to take control of the game. With no substitutes there’d be no respite and they proved more than up to the task.
Rugby started brightly and had the better of the chances but a capable Mountsorrel team proved to be quick and effective on the counter-attack. Rugby upped the pressure and were always in the ascendancy as they carved out a number of goalscoring opportunities. Aurora showed great energy on the wing, using her speed and determination to pass players with ease; she was rewarded with the opening goal following a period of intense pressure, despite Rugby only having six players on the pitch.
On the opposite wing Poppy was creative and determined; always finding space to make herself available to her teammates. She was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet, particularly with a great volley that went just wide and was a danger throughout showing great confidence on the ball. Ria put in a player-of-the-match performance in the Rugby defence, she was determined throughout, quickest to react and put in a huge contribution towards a Rugby clean sheet with some brave headers.
Despite picking up a bad injury early in the match Lexie showed fantastic spirit to soldier on and was hugely creative in central midfield whilst also chasing back effectively to thwart the Mountsorrel attack; she was deservedly rewarded with two goals, showing great composure and confidence with some clinical finishing. Rugby came in at half-time with a three-goal advantage and could count themselves unlucky not to be further in front as the home goalkeeper made some fantastic saves.
Rugby were organized and dangerous from set pieces, with all of the girls knowing their jobs and performing them brilliantly. Layla looked assured in the Rugby goal and never in danger of conceding; her handling was fantastic as always and she showed excellent distribution with some huge kicks to quickly put Rugby on the front foot. One superb save with an outstretched foot ensured Rugby kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
In the absence of regular striker Sofia, captain Isobel led the line for Rugby. Despite never having played there before she used her strength and determination to pressure the Mountsorrel defence and was justly rewarded for her persistence with a well taken goal in the second half. Izzy was a stalwart in the Rugby defence as ever, using her intelligence and positioning to ensure she was one step ahead of the opposition; always a calm head under pressure she never puts the team at risk and put in another committed performance today.
A special mention has to go to Aurora with two further well taken goals to round off her hat-trick but Player of the Match was awarded to Ria for a fine defensive performance; she showed great bravery and determination, always alert when called upon and was instrumental in a fine clean sheet for the whole team.
Another fantastic performance from all of the girls and we progress confidently to the next round.