This week saw Solihull United Ladies visit Kilsby Lane. With Rugby Town picking up injuries in their first couple of games this season, it was important for the ladies to put this behind them and play the way they are capable of.
The game opened with Rugby Town getting the better opportunities putting the pressure on Solihull in their own half. A ball played through from Kat Watkins fell perfect for Loren Bliss to take a touch to turn a player putting her in on goal. Loren took it round the keeper to finish from an angle, 1-0 to Rugby. Solihull reacted and began to pile the pressure on the Rugby defence but hard work from the Rugby centre backs Caitlin Revan and Hannah Parker kept them at bay. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Solihull to capitalize 1-1.
With some end to end football, Rugby played the ball well and started to create some good opportunities through Andie Coupland and Emma Atkinson in the middle. Hard work on the wings from Kerri Young and Kelly Worthington paid off when the ball was played to Kelly in space. She shot from outside of the box for it to loft the keeper, 2-1 to Rugby.
Steph Bird, stand in keeper for the first half was able to clear up at the back, making some excellent saves but the ladies conceded from a well taken free kick in the top corner equalizing for 2-2. Rugby battled right until half time but were unfortunate to concede another for 2-3 before the whistle.
The second half saw the ladies start well, however were unlucky to concede a quick goal to make it 2-4 but heads did not go down and the ladies continued to battle hard. Courtney Hewison, who played in goal for the latter part of the game took a great kick that went over the Solihull defence for Emma Atkinson to gamble on, her pace and a great touch saw a fantastic goal hit the back of the net for 3-4.
For the remaining 15 minutes, the ladies just kept pushing forward with Kayleigh Oseman and Andie Coupland supporting and joining in the attack, Daiga Greisle contributing towards the end with some strong tackles in midfield. Rugby were unlucky not to score in the last few minutes, however no one can fault the commitment and determination to keep playing until the end. A great game and display of football where on another day some more decisions may have gone Rugby’s way.
Match Result: Rugby Town Ladies FC 3 – 4 Solihull United Ladies FC
Jamesway Travel Player of the Match awarded to Kelly Worthington.
