Cup action for the Ladies Development team this weekend with a trip to 4th placed Redditch Borough, who at the start of the season scored 12 passed Rugby with no reply at Kilsby Lane, therefore it was a good game to benchmark the progress of the Ladies Development side.
With players returning from injury & the u16s now beginning to filter through into the squad Rugby coped well against Redditch, with Rugby playing uphill in the first half on a pitch that was heavy in places. Rugby’s defence was far more organised than in past weeks, keeping their line, which did catch the Redditch centre forwards offside on a couple of occasions & any real goal bound shot was handled by Tash easily.
Redditch did finally beat Tash, with a cross come shot that dipped in just under the cross bar, which no keeper would ever save, however Rugby could have been level soon after when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Redditch penalty area, but unfortunately Rachel’s shot was blocked by the wall. Half time score 1-0.
With Rugby playing downhill in the second half Chloe was put up front to try & utilise her pace & keep up with the inevitable extra pace on the ball. A controversial goal saw Redditch grab a 2nd goal at the start of the second half, with the ball looking to be taken out of Tash’s hands, this seemed to knock Rugby’s confidence a bit. An absolute pile driver of a header & no doubt goal of the game from a Redditch corner saw them go 3 up, again it was a goal no keeper would’ve saved. Redditch grabbed a further 2 goals to take the game out of Rugby’s reach.
As with past weeks though Rugby kept going and did create further chances through Rachel, Megan and Charlie all of whom could have scored a consolation for Rugby. This was by far the best performance from the team and hopefully we have turned the corner now and we will begin to see the rewards for all our hard work and commitment.
Player of the Match awarded to Charlie Foran – instrumental in midfield.