Loughborough U12s v Rugby Town U12s Lionesses
Sunday 24th April 2022
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical.
Squad:
Alice, Beth, El, Elisa, Emmie, Jess, Katie, Lena, Lola, Maddie, Matilda, Ruby
Rugby Town u12 Lionesses travelled to top of the league Loughborough today. However, on the back of some strong recent performances, Rugby were determined to show their improvement since the last Loughborough game early in the season.
Knowing how free scoring Loughborough have been this season, Rugby started with a back four instead of the normal back three. This consisted of Alice, Beth, Lena and Maddie, with Ruby also coming into the game and slotting in effortlessly. With Emmi in goal and Katie playing holding midfield Rugby kept Loughborough restricted to a few half chances.
Matilda, Elisa and El with Lola and Jess rotating in, did a good job to give Rugby several attacking opportunities despite having one less girl in midfield. All the girls showed some great teamwork and discipline to play deep and manage the first half really well.
Half time 0-0
The second half started brightly, and Rugby switched back to their usual formation with three at the back. This gave Rugby more opportunity for attack, and the game was a much more open affair.
Loughborough did finally break the stalemate when they managed to score following a corner, but until then Rugby had been matching Loughborough well. It was great to see the Rugby defenders working well as a unit, and the more consistent passing and movement from the Rugby midfield.
The level of improvement in these recent return fixtures compared to earlier in the season is amazing to see.
Loughborough clearly felt some relief at getting the goal, and this opened the game up further, with goals for both teams. Jess took advantage of this more open play to score 2 great goals 1v1 with the keeper.
Final score 5-2 to Loughborough.
However, when you consider that this was only the second time in their last eleven games, that Loughborough have conceded more than one goal in a game. I believe the girls can be genuinely proud of their performance today.
Parents player: Jess for a strong performance, she really held her position well, and was ready to pounce on every opportunity, she was justly rewarded with 2 goals.
Managers player: Emmi for a solid game in goal and commanded her area well.
Thank you to Pete for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.