Sunday 26th January 2025
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
A 12 o’clock kick off for Rugby town this week, away at Asfordby, originally scheduled for 09:30, 12 was better for everybody considering how far away Melton Mowbray is from civilization. The welcome to Melton sign proudly claimed it was the home of Stilton cheese and Brocklesby pies (pies that were sadly lacking at half time). Just to reinforce how far away it is, Shouty Dave announced he had travelled down some farm tracks when he arrived at the car park.
The 3G pitch at John Ferneley College was in good condition although it seemed to be wider than the pitch at Butlin Road so it was going to be a tough game for the girls to cover so much ground during the game. A short note about the weather conditions, it was very windy which in turn meant it was very cold. The reason this report is a bit later than normal is because my hands have only just warmed up enough to type.
Rugby, in purple, started the game brightly with Leila putting in a dangerous cross to test the Asfordby goalkeeper. Rugby tried to find an opening but were struggling with the physicality of Asfordby, some big tackles going in and Rugby being outfought in the middle of the pitch. Ioana then went on a mazy run and put in another cross but Rugby failed to convert the chance.
Asfordby started to get into the game through their wide players who were both very skilful and strong on the ball. Asfordbythen had a shot that hit the side netting after a good run through from the winger. With the wind assisting in the first half it was easier for Rugby to make progress up the pitch. After a good ball through Leila was able to run through the defence and calmly finish to open the scoring for Rugby.
**Score Update:** Asfordby Amateurs 0 – 1 Rugby Town
After the goal it was still an even game, Ioana having a shot that went wide followed by a corner for Asfordby that resulted in a scramble that was eventually cleared. We had been working on corners from both the attacking and defending perspective in training so it was good to see that the defenders were applying it in the game. Asfordby then had a good shot that was just wide, all three coaches shouting “well left Jas” as it went past the post. Another scramble at a corner was cleared by Rugby but Asfordby kept working hard and were making opportunities by going out wide each time they attacked. Poppy then had a good run forward which resulted in a shot going wide.
**Half-time:** Asfordby Amateurs 0 – 1 Rugby Town
After an inspirational team talk at half time Rugby started the second half brightly with Megan and Macey both having shots that went wide. Rugby were now attacking against the wind and it made a big difference, it was tough going for all the girls who were struggling to get good distance on clearances. Asfordby had changed their goalkeeper at half time and with the wind helping her goal kicks were going easily over the halfway line each time. This was causing a problem for the Rugby defence as they were continually on the back foot, Daisy-May, reliable as ever, was making sure that each attack was thwarted. Ably assisted by Amelia, Caitlin and Astrid. All of the defence made good tackles to stop Asfordby getting close enough to shoot. With the wind helping them, anything just outside the area was easily in shooting range for the home team.
Injuries started to come for Rugby which meant regular substitutions, with Quiet Dave at one point having to do a double count to make sure there were the right number of players on the pitch. Asfordby then had a good shot from outside the area that Jasmine was able to tip over the bar to keep the score at 1-0. Asfordby then had a series of corners but were unable to capitalise on their possession, the Rugby defensive unit marshalled by Daisy-May keeping them out.
Sophie then went on a great run down the left wing, clearly taking notice of the improvement in the Cov wingers at the Ricoh. She went round multiple players and was only stopped by a bad tackle that resulted in a free kick, unfortunately Sophie had to come off injured a few minutes after and it was another enforced change for Rugby. After a 50/50 challenge Amelia injured herself and had to come off. Thank you for the help of the Asfordby coaches to ensure that she was able to get off the pitch safely.
After the injury delay the game restarted and Rugby had 4 minutes to hold onto their slender lead. Leila had a chance to finish the game off but shot just wide.Asfordby were going for it and attacked again, this time the ball hitting the post and going out for a goal kick. The game was still very much in the balance, Asfordby had yet another attack, with the striker in on goal Jasmine came rushing off her line to make another good save. On the touchline we thought the referee had given a penalty but he had just blown the whistle because the Asfordby striker was down injured.
At the final whistle Rugby were pleased to get the three points from a tough game against hard working and physical opponents. Despite Asfordby being bottom of the league they had skilful players, played decent football and it should only be a matter of time before they win a game. It was a hard fought win and showed the value of having 3 subs on the bench with the constant rotation required from players coming off injured.
**Full-time:** Asfordby Amateurs 0 – 1 Rugby Town
Good performance from Rugby Town today in horrendous weather conditions. The second half was particularly tough playing into the wind making it difficult for the girls to clear their lines. With lots of injuries during the game the girls need to rest to make sure that they recover properly. We will be practising shooting in training as it is something we need to work on after being reluctant to take shots during the game.
Coaches player Jasmine
Jas was on it today with some unbelievable saves, tipping one over the bar and charging off her line to block another shot right at the end of the game to keep a clean sheet. Even the referee commented on what a good game she had when we saw him in the car park after the game had finished.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents. Thanks to Asfordby for a hard fought game and for their support with Amelia’s injury, thanks to the referee and a special thanks to Michael the linesman. Get well soon Amelia from all of the coaches and parents.