8th September 2024 KO 11:30
Squad: Norah, Izzy C, Poppy, Izzy O, Holly, Maggie, Henrietta, Amy, Emilia, Esme, Lottie, Sienna M, Eve
Sponsors: Hamilton Medical and Life Investments Estate Agency
Second match for the newly formed Rugby Town U12’s team. A home fixture on the lower pitches to face Asfordby U12 Diamonds in the Silver league. With a full squad and 5 subs Rugby had plenty of options and fresh legs to cover the large pitch for both halves.
As the match kicked off Asfordby made an immediate impression and took an early lead from a corner with a well taken goal. Despite the early away team possession and goal, Rugby slowly started to gain confidence and strength. Building several effective attacks throughout the half. Just before the half came to an end, Asfordby conceded a penalty, which was confidently taken by Eve, who managed to convert under pressure from the spot to level the scores.
HT: 1-1
As the second half started and the sun came out, Rugby Town girls managed to carry on pushing the ball forward time after time with some good efforts on goal. Despite this the impressive Asfordby goalkeeper and the post kept the fixture evenly balanced at 1-1.
Despite the pressure and hardwork Asfordby started to threaten the Rugby goal and it was our turn to show an equally effective defensive and goalkeeping display. As the game progressed it looked an even affair until Eve managed to break free from the defensive line and deliver a well taken finish to make the game 2-1. As a result of this Rugby Town girls managed to record the team’s first win and move up the table with a solid, and at times comfortable, display of football.
Overall it was a well earned 3 points and every player put in a hardworking shift, despite hot conditions and still learning to play together. As the season evolves, the team still intend to work on passing more effectively and using the space opened up on the wider and bigger 9 aside pitches. This will happen as it’s still early days and blending two existing teams and new players will take time. This was also the first time a squad of 14 had to be selected out of 16 available players, and the coaches want to acknowledge the hard work from every player, including those that did not receive game time this week.
FT: Rugby Town 2 – Asfordby 1
Eve ⚽️⚽️
POM: Holly, for a strong first half performance, and non-stop effort working the length of the pitch on the wing.
PPOM: The Team (based on first win with the new team)