Team Sponsors: Jamesway Traval, Melbros, LH Services Ltd, Gripper Differentials, ASG Precision, Keller
Squad: Amber, Katie, Bonnie, Robyn, Izzy, Kelsey, Nicole, Laura B, Amy, Caitlin, Leah, Ava
A foul weather Butlin Road and the match moved to the Astro with a 3 pm kick-off as Rugby Town Women hosted Hednesford Town Ladies in the WMRWL Division 1 North
1st Half
Hednesford shown their intent from the whistle by winning a corner in the opening 20 seconds, fortunately, it is cleared by Rugby. Hednesford are using the wings well and are straight back on the attack to win a corner within 2 minutes. Within 3 minutes Hednesford win a 3rd corner which this time is collected by Amber
Most of the action is being seen in midfield with Hednesford always looking to break. On 9 minutes, Hednesford create a chance, the shot wide of the mark. Rugby are defending deeply to absorb the pressure, Hednesford pass round Rugby well and on 9 minutes have another shot, again wide.
Rugby win a couple of throw ins, one after another and made up some ground on the pitch. Hednesford are determined to win back possession and their pressure pays off as they play a good through ball, their attacked 1v1 with the Rugby keeper, and open the scoreline.
9’ GOAL – Hednesford Town
Back into play and Rugby give away a free kick on the edge of the 18 year box on the far side of the pitch. Cleared with no bother. Kelsey and Nicole are trying to drive play forward but a thwarted by a very capable Hednesford defence. Leah puts in a great sliding tackle to stop a promising Hednesford cross to the Rugby goal.
Hednesford win a couple more penalties over the next few minutes as they maintain relentless pressure in the Rugby defensive 3rd
.
Katie, Kelsey and Bonnie link up and some promising play develops, Bonnnie’s resulting shot collected by the Hednesford keeper. Nicole wins the ball in the Rugby defensive half and make a good, committed run forward, beating a couple of the Hednesford midfield. She plays the ball through to Kelsey who also moves forward positively, Kelsey delivers a great cross from a deep position, but no Rugby players are there to capitalise on the ball and the play stops.
32’ Kelsey <-> Izzy
Hednesford continue to try and dominate the game, another good run, this time Amy is on hand with a great defensive track to narrow the angle on goal, when the shot is take, Amber displays good awareness and make a strong save out to the left.
Katie and Nicole now look to create a chance leaving Hednesford no option but to clear out for a throw in. Leah has now dropped to CB and Katie steps forward to try to get more penetration up field.
2nd Half
40 seconds into the 2nd half and Rugby concede a corner. The ball is first pushed away from danger by Amber, but the ball falls to a Hednesford player who slots it home for their second.
46’ GOAL – Hednesford Town
Rugby are starting to pass more effectively but are struggling to retain possession for long enough to trouble to opposition. Katie works well and plays a very useful ball to Nicole, ultimately the ball is a little pacey and despite Nicole’s efforts, the Hednesford keeper reaches it a split second before.
Bonnie in involved in some nice link up play with Nicole and they play a couple of nice 1,2s but can’t find the chink in the Hednesford defensive armour that they need. Now it is the turn of Ava and Bonnie to link up and work the ball up the right wing, winning 3 consecutive throw ins. The 3rd is intercepted by Hednesford who blaze back down pitch , Amber collecting the stray ball from the final Hednesford touch.
57’ Izzy <-> Kelsey
Hednesford are again on the attack and their pacey number 9 has a solid run, their resulting shot wide of the Rugby goal. Rugby win a free kick, Leah steps up to take and the goalkeeper collects. Hednesford again attack, this time Rugby get a pass as the ball ricochets off the upright.
The Hednesford number 9 is back to cause problems again, she strike hard from the right hand side, this time making no mistake as the visitors extend their lead to 3.
63’ GOAL – Hednesford Town
Leah plays a high floating ball into the Hednesford 18 yard box and Katie is there, sandwiched between the keeper and a defender, but bravely rises and nods the ball into the net.
64’ GOAL – Rugby Town (Katie, a Leah)
Katie now moves up front to become Rugby’starget player with Nicole supporting from midfield and Caitlin dropping into CB to cover for Katie.
Hednesford win a free kick on the very edge of the 18 yard box after a heavy Rugby tackle. The free kick goes wide. The players are tiring and getting wetter and colder as the game progresses, and fouls are starting to become a bit more frequent.
Hednesford win a corner and Rugby concede from a set piece.
70’ GOAL – Hednesford Town
Katie , Nicole, Bonnie, Kelsey and all passing the ball around the Hednesford 18 yard box, with all credit to the Hednesford defence, they just cant find the cap they need.
73’ Yellow Card – Rugby Town Robyn
77’ Laura B <-> Izzy
Hednesford aren’t done with Rugby yet, and another good run find Rugby pretty open at the back, Hednesford take their chance and extend their lead.
80’ GOAL – Hednesford Town
Izzy wins the ball well, moves forward and take a shot, the Hednesford keeper collecting with no issues. In the closing stages of the game Rugby win another free kick in a good position. Leah delivers, Katie meets the ball with her head, but the ball goes wide.
Summary
Rugby Town Women – 1 (Katie. A Leah)
Hednesford Town Ladies – 5
Rugby played a good game and credit to them for continuing to the end against a good team. Next game in a fortnight when they host Lichfield City Ladies at Butlin Road on December 22nd
Thank you to referee Michael, assistant referee James and the soggy supporters