An overcast Sunday saw Rugby Town Ladies FC playing their first competitive game of the new season in the FA Cup for the first time in 10 years against a highly rated Worcester United Ladies FC.
Rugby Town Ladies FC welcomed their sponsors Jamesway Travel who were in attendance.
Rugby knew this would be a tough fixture being the first game of the season and Worcester United playing their football in the league above them. Rugby started off well and only grew into the game as it progressed but were unlucky to concede from a shot that skidded past the defence & the keeper into the corner of the goal. The introduction of Jen Johnston half way through the first half lifted the game in midfield, allowing for Rugby to start to create some opportunities but unfortunately none on target. 1-0 to Worcester heading into the break.
The second half kicked off & Rugby worked hard and stringed together some great passes, linking play well, but still no rewards at the end. For the first 70 minutes Rugby were very much fighting to get into the game trying to pull the goal back but Worcester were closing down everything. Following a defensive error Worcester won a penalty & had no problems converting into the goal. Within minutes, Worcester were able to take another chance when Rugby Town failed to close down a shot from outside of the area. 3-0 to Worcester but Rugby did not give up, tireless work from Kelly Worthington on the left wing finally saw her win a penalty when she was stopped in the box by a hand ball. Kelly managed to secure a goal for Rugby bringing the score to 3-1 but it was a consolation goal as the game ended 4-1 to Worcester following a last minute effort.
It may not have been the result that Rugby had wanted but it was a well fought performance against a good Worcester United team, with many positives to be taken from the game that they hope to build on moving into the league match next week.
Jamesway Travel Player of The Match was awarded to Kelly Worthington.
