Rugby Town Girls FC Vs Epworth Forest Girls FC

Starting line-up of Olivia in Goal, Poppy in defence, Jasmin in a defensive midfield role, Millie in centre midfield and Ellie as a striker. The game began tightly with both sides battling away. A break came from the right as Millie surged forward along the line. An excessive shoulder barge to Millie to break her run led to a free-kick. Millie was subbed for Bella and Ellie stepped up to take the free-kick. A high lopping ball hit the back of the net (0:1). The hosts started their attack, Poppy continued to make the vital tackles, with quick knock forwards. Rugby played some good counter-attacking football with interceptions from Jasmin as she took a high counter attacking line in defence. As Epworth continued to push forward they equalised (1:1). Olivia, solid in goal made some smart decision making. Notable with her varied goal kicks which took the ball deep into the opposition half on numerous occasions. Ellie in open play received the ball ran forward and quickly scored another (1:2). With Epworth pushing forward their quick passing lead to an equaliser. All square again! Millie was subbed back on, received the ball on the left, and pushed forward with pace before a push in the back saw a second free-kick. Ellie stepped forward again. A wall was made. Ellie hit a curling ball which struck the top corner. Ellie’s arms as well as many of the supporter’s arms went up in the air!! Definitely a contender for the goal of the season. (2:3). It was then time for Bella who striding forward struck a great goal. (2:4) The last minutes were full of Epwood pressure. A last strike saw a goal-line decision go in the visitor’s favour as Olivia made a vital save which rolled and saw Olivia scramble and dive on the ball as it teetered on the line.

Half time could not come soon enough for a well-earnt rest and team talk. The second half saw a starting lineup of Norah in goal, Rishi, Poppy, Millie, and Sophie. The end to end action continued and the physicality of the game increased. Rishi pushed forward, again and again, she was successful with 121 challenges. Sophie’s positioning in the midfield role was excellent, keeping a close eye on a leading opposition player, and preventing her from having too much space. A goalmouth scramble saw Norah stand her ground and repeatedly keep the ball out. With end to end action, Epworth got a goal back (3:4). Then in the final minutes an equaliser (4:4). Some frantic back and forth action did not lead to a winner and a penalty shot out resulted.

With three penalties each and Olivia in goal. The penalty shot out began. Some excellent shots from the Epworth which left very little for Olivia to work with resulted in a 2 goal to 1 conclusion. Epworth’s elation showed how the game could have ended either way. Although disappointed Rugby Town showed great resilience and it was clear to all that luck was just not on their side today!

Both parents and managers player went to all the girls today for their amazing efforts.