Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical.
Sunday 4th September 2022
Squad: Beth, El, Elisa, Emmie, Jess, Katie, Lola, Macy, Maddie, Matilda, Poppy, Ruby.
Rugby Town U13 Lionesses travelled to Kibworth today, for the opening game of the season.
Rugby travelled in confident spirits having played Kibworth in a pre season match over the summer, and won 4-2.
Rugby started brightly, and it was clear from the moving and passing that their hard work in training had paid off. Rugby had Kibworth on the back foot from the off and were always looking for the forward pass.
Emmi was in goal behind a back 3 of Ruby, Beth and Maddie and maintained a strong and disciplined defence throughout the game, dealing well with any Kibworth attacks. They limited Kibworth to only a few half chances, the best of which hit the upright.
The defence and Keeper had a great understanding and kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
A midfield of Katie, El, Elisa and Matilda began the match in the well-practiced diamond formation. Katie being very strong in the holding role, and not only dealing with early danger, but distributing well. On either side of the diamond, El and Elisa worked the flanks well, and the opposition were struggling to contain them from getting the ball forward into dangerous positions. Both El and Elisa have developed into very consistent and skilled players with the ball at their feet.
At the top of the diamond Matilda was a constant danger to the opposition. Both with her passing and link up play with both the striker, and wingers. Her strength on the ball caused Kibworth a lot of trouble throughout the game. Her work rate, being crucial for the opening goal, a fantastic corner leading to another goal when El was well placed in the box for a lovely calm tap in. She was unlucky not to get a fantastic goal in the first half but was well rewarded with her a goal of her own in the second half.
Also, in midfield we had some new players and some girls returning to the side.
Macy making her debut and showing us what she could do. She was really strong on the ball, and nice control. She had shown this during the summer since joining the team. Likewise, Lola having returned to the team this season following a short gap, clearly slotted back in well, and was also very strong on the wing, making some nice passes and tackles.
Another girl returning to the club was Poppy, who has slotted straight in, and will be another great asset to the team. Some fantastic skill on the ball, and movement off the ball during the game, often had Kibworth struggling to keep up. Poppy could easily have grabbed a goal on her debut, but with the goal in her sights, selflessly laid the ball out wide to Matilda. Matilda, who had been getting into some great positions was then able to power the shot home.
Jess played the striker role really well today and was clearly thriving on the creativity of the midfield. Jess with her power and speed, had the Kibworth defence on its heels all day. She had several great chances, and ended the day with two goals, one being a well taken penalty.
Final score 0-4
Parents player: Macy, for a great debut and some great runs on the wing, often beating more than one player.
Managers player: Matilda for an incredible work rate, and both creating goals and scoring today.
Thank you to Pete for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.