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Rugby Town Squad: Ellie A, Ella, Erin, Kelsey, Sophia, Ava, Elle J, Mia, Izzy , Evie, Tash, Hannah (C)
The U12s travelled away to second in the league, Mountsorrel, to play the rescheduled away fixture after a cancellation earlier in the season.
A bitter wind blowing caused a little dissension in the squad, who were clearly displeased to be playing in anything less than 20 degree heat. (Please excuse some of their faces in the pictures – they were freezing)
This was arguably, one of the most important games of the season, as a win would see Rugby mathematically secure the league title with 3 games still coming up.
1st Half
Mountsorrel came charging out of the blocks from the start, forcing an early, but spectacular save from Sophia, who displayed some excellent reflexes. Sophia had a very strong game today with some excellent goal kicks and very confident saves.
Rugby were not going to be brow beaten and Sophia delivered and excellent goal kick to Kelsey, who provided a great run, with some excellent dribbling skills, beating the Mountsorrel defence, and slotted the ball neatly into the net for Rugby’s early opening goal.
Mountsorrel 0 – Rugby 1
From the restart, Rugby remained a threat to Mountsorrel, pushing up into the final third and winning a corner, which was well delivered by Hannah, and cleared by Mountsorrel, only as far a midfield. Tash collected and again, another well timed and skilful run saw Tash beat the Mountsorrel defence, shooting from just left of centre and unfortunately just seeing the ball scrape past the right goal post.
Hannah sensibly played quite deep in midfield today, as Mountsorrel had several strong attacking players ready to take advantage of any space given to them by Rugby on the wings. Hannah made some strong runs back, not allowing the Mountsorrel players to get any crossed in.
Kelsey had a strong game and was a constant threat whenever she got the ball. Mountsorrel were clearly frustrated and struggled to control a very quick and determined Kelsey and marked her heavily. Kelsey managed to break their lines, forcing a save from a somewhat under pressure Mountsorrel keeper.
Our defence of Ella and Izzy gave a very good account of themselves today. Ella had to clear a good number of balls from right back, as Mountsorrel were very quick on the counter attack. Izzy had a calm game and made some very sensible defensive decisions today.
Kelsey, Ava and Tash were formulating some good play up front, with both Ava an Tash having to cover quite a bit of ground on the wings to keep the quick Mountsorrel players from mounting any counter attacks. Both Ava and Task did very well defending from the front.
Rugby were denied a very obviously penalty after Kelsey was brought down in the area by the most blatant shirt pulling you are ever likely to see. On the plus side, that shirt is no longer a small, and we are short on larger sizes, so every cloud…..
Rugby had a couple of corners, but generally didn’t connect as well as they could, so we saw balls hitting the site netting instead of capitalising on any pressure we could generate in the goal mouth.
In the final minutes of the half, Sophia again provided her team with a great goal kick, finding Ava in a perfect position to drive forward and delivery an excellent ball to Kelsey running to the left side of the Mountsorrel goal, and sticking a screamer into the top right corner of the net.
Mountsorrel 0 – 2 Rugby
2nd Half
Our usual 5 player swap out, which has worked so well for us this season, came into effect for the second half. The new players were quick to settle into the game, working hard to counter any pressure a very determined Mountsorrel side put them under.
Kelsey again broke through the Mountsorrel defence for an early shot on goal, the ball just going wide. It was very positive to see Rugby not content to settle for a 2-0 lead and holding their attacking and scoring attitude.
Ellie A had a confident half in left back, making some massively strong clearances and intimidating the Mountsorrel forward players, forcing some errors which helped Rugby no end. One clearance by Ellie A was perfectly placed for Kelsey to run on to and force and excellent save by the Mountsorrel keeper.
A stiff wind blowing towards the Mountsorrel end saw Rugby struggle a bit with the pace of their passes, seeing a number of balls just run away from them for a Mountsorrel goal kick. Our opposition were very keen to counter attack as they drove forward, determined to open their scoring.
Mia, who can always be counted upon to be tenacious in midfield, was always in the thick of the action, attempting to peg back any Mountsorrel interlopers in the Rugby half. Mia also delivered some excellent throws in today, her technique really coming on.
Rugby certainly had to defend more this half, with Erin having a very confident game, stopping and clearing the ball from a now, very heavy, Mountsorrel push, in her right back position. Elle J, had a good period on the left wing, looking comfortable on the ball and working well with Kelsey and Evie to push forward and seize any moments of hesitation from Mountsorrel.
Mountsorrel were really upping the ante now, and the tackles were getting heavier. Finding a gap in the Rugby defence, the generated a massive goalmouth scramble, which seemed to go on for eternity, and a flustered Rugby failed to clear, conceding a soft goal, and allowing Mountsorrel to open their scoring.
Mountsorrel 1 –2 Rugby
The looks on their faces showed that Rugby were not happy bunnies at conceding, so now was the time to step things up a gear.
Evie, as always a delightful player to watch, Elle J and Kelsey were putting together some great play up front with excellent combination play. From past experience, whenever these three really turn it on, I know a goal is not far away. Sure enough, a few very smooth passes between them ultimately saw Elle J find the space she needed to stick a well delivered shot passed the Mountsorrel keeper.
Mountsorrel 1 – 3 Rugby
With the lead now comfortable, Rugby needed to defend sensibly, to ensure a well-deserved win. Formation and position play remained strong with each player confident in the roll they had to play.
In the final minutes Rugby held fast, and gave Mountsorrel limited opportunities to run with the ball, breaking play up well and showing great determination in wining and retaining the ball. One particular tackle, between Mia and a Mountsorrel player could be heard all around the ground. Well done Mia on your determination and bravery.
Summary
Mountsorrel Panthers 1 – 3 Rugby Town
Not one of the team’s standout performances from a skills point of view, but they dug deep and withheld significant pressure at times to secure the all-important win.
With the league title all but theirs, the team should all be very proud of their attitude, teamwork and friendship this season. A few league games left to play and also the start of the league cup, present more opportunities for the girls to develop their play further and to continue enjoying their football.
Coaches Player of the Match – for a commanding performance in midfield in the second half: Mia
Parents Player of the Match – for a very strong and controlled display, including two excellent saves: Sophia