The u11s came up against a very determined Allexton on Sunday morning, this was the team we defeated in the Cup Final and the Leicester tournament last season so revenge was very much on the their minds.
The game started off at a very even pace with both teams playing good passing football but whenever Rugby got near the Allexton goal the final pass was missing or the shot was off target. In midfield Lila, Madi, Holly and Jasmine were made to work hard as Allexton put most of their players behind their solitary forward, whilst Melissa found little space up front to make darting runs into their defence. Allexton on the other hand, were happy to sit back and carry out their football on the break and when they did breach the back line of Rosie, Katie and Marley, Jenna was called upon to prevent them scoring. However she could do nothing about the one chance just before half time which lifted the spirits of the visiting club. Rugby tried to get back in to the game but the Allexton defence stood firm until the halftime whistle.
The second half began much like the first with Rugby battling away in midfield but getting little in creating chances around the Allexton goal for anyone to take advantage of. With players committed forward they again left themselves open to attacks on the break and Jenna once more excelled in keeping shots out.
Rugby were now the dominant of the two sides but still could not get their shots on target. However they did manage to create one very clear chance close to the final whistle but the shot went just wide of the post.
Overall, although some individuals gave good performances, this was not one of the girl’s best team efforts. Perhaps, we as coaches would have expected more from the girls but Allexton showed a real desire to get something out of the game and gave Rugby a lesson in how to battle for the ball and make things count when you get your chances.