Sunday 30th October
Squad: Ellie, Ava, Izzy, Kelsey (Captain), Sophia W, Sophia K, Robyn, Millie, Rosie, Lucy, Zoe, Hannah P, Tasha
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
Rugby Town U16 travelled to Kibworth looking to maintain their top of the league position and unbeaten run
First Half
Rugby struggled a bit with the slopy and heavy pitch and took some time to find their feet and familiarise themselves with the pace of the ball. They generally maintained good pressure on the home sides midfield and defence but had to keep an eye on a couple of pacy Kibworth forwards in the opening 10/15 minutes.
Rosie (right wing) was finding some good space and working to win possession and nicely timed forward run to play the ball through to Kelsey to open the scoring.
Hannah P, in her debut game for the U16s, was tasked with playing a holding midfield role. This certainly kept her busy, but Hannah worked hard to execute positional requirements and was starting to provide some nice balls forward.
A Kibworth attack was thwarted by centre backs Sophia K and Ellie, with the ball coming across to Izzy (right back) who travelled and delivered a sound through ball to Kelsey who had dropped to receive. Kelsey spotted the forward run of central midfielder, Tasha, who played an early shot, held well by the Kibworth keeper.
Millie was partners up with Kelsey up front and was working hard to put some strong runs in as practiced on the training field. Lucy and Robyn (left wing and left back) were working well, with some well-timed tackles generally keeping most play our of the Rugby defensive third.
Kibworth pressed high and caught the Rugby defence a little unorganised, allowing them to level the score line.
Rosie <-> Zoe
Hannah <-> Ava
The visitors were heard a few times mumbling their discontent about playing on grass, and this was translating to a slower, less energetic game than they can usually be seen playing on Astro. Ava was leading by example and was getting some great, generally unchallenged, runs in down the left wing. One of these long-range solo runs ending in a great cut in, individual ball skills and Rugby’s second goal.
Sophia K <-> Rosie
Robyn, Ava and Tasha combined well, using space, pace and passing, worked the ball up field with Tasha again forcing the Kibworth keeper to save her shot.
Corners were few and far between for both sides. The 2 that Rugby had to defend in the first half were well managed and cleared without too much drama.
In the final 10 mins, Zoe won the ball from a Kibworth defensive clearance, juggling past and using her speed to move to an area to link in with Kelsey in full flow to finish the move, and providing a 2 goal lead to the Rugby side.
Shortly after, Kibworth again utilised their quick forward to beat, maybe a little too easily, the Rugby defence and reduce their deficit just before half time.
Second Half
Zoe <-> Rosie
Ava <-> Sophia K
Rugby came out for the second half with a more positive attitude which showed in their determination to win more of the ball and focus on their passing game. This retained more possession and were playing higher on the pitch, forcing Kibworth to defend.
As Rugby settled into the second half, they were starting to dominate again, winning a corner which Kibworth had to work hard to clear to midfield where the Rugby Town defenders were waiting to win back position and send the ball forward. Kelsey finishing the phase of play with a shot that just kissed the crossbar as it sailed over.
Rosie <-> Zoe
Lucy <-> Ava
Ava back into the game, as was clearly seen as a bit of a threat by the Kibworth defenders who were beginning some heavy marking and robust challenges as Ava tried to use her pace down the left wing. Kelsey, again dropping deeper to collect the ball and develop an attack against the home side, made a sensible decision to play through to Ava to score her second and extend the cushion to 2 goals.
Lucy <-> Hannah P
Rugby were still pressing and Tasha was creating some nice opportunities for Rugby. One opportunity timed well to place in front of a marauding Millie, again forcing the keeper into action to stop Millie from scoring.
Sophia K was playing a very strong game in centre back, and with support from the other 3 defenders, when in possession, Sophia K was driving forward hard and trying to create play with the Rugby forwards.
Unfortunately, as in the first half, a quick counter attack was not managed well by the visitors and the home side were again able to reduce the Rugby lead to 1 goal, ramping up the pressure for the final minutes of the game.
Rugby decided to fall back on the “attack is the best form of defence” method and worked to keep a high press and possession. Pretty much the final action of the game saw another shot by Kelsey just wide of the post.
Summary
Kibworth 3 – 4 Rugby Town
Not the prettiest football played by the Rugby U16s today, but they did the job and came away with the 3 points. They continue to progress through the season unbeaten and maintain position 1 in the table.
Captains’ player of the match: Ava. Great athletic performance, positive attitude and resilience resulting in a brace of goals.
Managers player of the match: Millie. Fully committed to working as hard as she could in a newer roll. Trusting her managers confidence in here and executing well.
Thank you to Paul for running the line and all the U16 parents for your support.