The U11 Wildcats were in Cup Quarter Final action this morning and they put on another fantastic performance to comfortably progress to the next round. It was a glorious day for it and two short bursts at the start of each half ensured the girls’ victory was never in doubt. It has to be said that Market Bosworth were valiant opponents who try to play football in the right way and in the right spirit; their coaches, girls and supporters are a credit to themselves and Junior football (which is rare to be able to say sometimes).
Sofia was determined leading the Rugby attack today, hounding the away defence and putting in some intelligent touches with excellent movement off the ball – she was justly rewarded with a well-deserved hat trick and the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Poppy was lively on the Rugby wing; always looking for space to receive the ball in and driving forward, she was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet and put some fantastic crosses into the box to put her teammates in scoring positions.
Market Bosworth looked dangerous on the counter-attack as they sprung forward at speed but two Rugby goals in the first five minutes settled the girls and the game as they never looked back. Izzy was confident in the Rugby defence, making some vital interceptions and looking to put the girls back on the front foot with some calm clearances under pressure. The heat started to play a part towards half-time and the girls did well to keep their concentration and come in 3-0 up at the break.
With no substitutes there’d be no respite for the girls so they had a well deserved rest and water break before heading out for the second half. I’d like to say there was a rousing team talk which inspired an electric start but that wouldn’t strictly be accurate! Nonetheless Rugby scored three goals in quick succession to firmly put the game beyond their opposition.
Aurora was in fine form on the other Rugby wing, using her natural determination and competitive spirit combined with some clinical finishing to round off her hat-trick in the second half. Lexie was instrumental in central midfield, breaking up play effectively whilst showing great creativity going forward – she was rewarded for her efforts with a finely taken goal from outside the box which gave the keeper no chance.
In the absence of our regular goalkeeper Ria bravely volunteered to go between the posts and looked assured throughout; always calm and composed, she bravely collected the ball and showed excellent distribution. Isobel was strong and resolute in the Rugby defence, determined not to let the speedy Market Bosworth attack get the better of her with some courageous tackles. She was also a threat with some fantastic corners put right into the box for her teammates.
As the girls tired, Market Bosworth were well rewarded for their persistence with a consolation goal in the second half; and a lapse in concentration meant they got a second with the last kick of the game to end the match 7-2. Another comprehensive performance from the girls and we look forward to the semi-final next week; they are a hugely talented bunch and a pleasure to watch.
Thank you to Simon for refereeing and to Market Bosworth for being such wonderful opposition; they are mainly an Under 10 team playing an age group up and clearly have a fantastic future in female football. Player of the Match went to Sofia who put in her best performance this year; scored three goals for the team and was relentless in her energy and determination going forward. Huge well done to all of the girls!