Sunday 18th September 2022
Harborough Town Juniors U12 Girls Wildcats v Rugby Town U12 Tigresses
Squad
Megan, Poppy, Daisy-May, Louise, Bianca, Jasmine, Sophie F, Erin K, Amelia, Macey, Caitlin
Sponsor: Big Wave Campers
The second game of the new season and another trip to Leicestershire for a match against Harborough Town. The grass pitch was in excellent condition but it was a bit windy out on pitch 3 which was a challenge for both goalkeepers. Before the game started both teams and supporters observed an impeccable minute’s silence.
Harborough kicked off and immediately had a chance after being awarded a free kick just outside the area. It was a wake up call for Rugby who responded with 2 good attacking moves but after a good run from a Harborough forward Rugby found themselves 1 down. Harborough continued to press and had 2 corners that were well defended by Rugby.
Rugby then had a shot that was well saved by the Harborough keeper but shortly after a cross came in that was handled by a Harborough defender and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty. Jasmine stepped up and put the ball into the top corner to make it 1-1.
Both teams went looking for more goals and the game opened up, resulting in good saves from both goalkeepers. After a good pass from Macey to Jasmine and then a good finish Rugby took the lead to make it 2-1. Macey then came close to making it 3-1 with a shot that went just wide. Rugby had worked hard in the first half with all the team running hard to close the ball down with Poppy and Sophie both chasing the ball to make it difficult for Harborough.
Into the second half and a couple of substitutions for Rugby with Bianca coming on to add some support in midfield. Harborough had a couple more chances early on with good crosses and a couple of corners. The Rugby defence started to get stretched but Daisy-May was excellent at the back covering a lot of ground to keep Harborough away each time they broke through.
Harborough attacked again and it was only a brave save from Megan coming off her line well that kept the score at 2-1. Louise and Amelia did a great job in the second half with some big tackles to break up the Harborough attacks and to clear the ball away. Sophie then had a chance that went just wide after a good attacking move.
Rugby finally got the third goal after a goalmouth scramble, Erin battling hard to get the ball over the line to make it 3-1. Right at the end of the game Macey had another chance after being put through by Caitlin with a shot that just went to the right of the post.
Final score 3-1 to Rugby Town, a great performance from the team today, they all worked so hard for each other.
Coaches player of the match – Sophie
Thanks to Dave and Dave for all their guidance and support during the match, to Harborough for a great game and excellent pitch, to the referee and the two linesmen, and to all the parents for their vocal and enthusiastic support today.