Rugby Town u11s vs Mountsorrel Panthers u11s

Sponsors: Lisa Collins Hair Design and Caring Help at Home Ltd

The U11s welcomed Mountsorrel Panthers to a gloriously sunny, but freezing Kilsby Lane this morning. The pitch was very hard to start with but softened up during the match.
With a squad of 10 to choose from we had the luxury of trying players in a few different positions today.

Rugby started off slow with the players winning possession well but struggling with pass/play decision making. Earlier releasing of the ball would have proved more fruitful in a few situations.

Issy had a go in the defensive midfield position today, a new position for her. Issy gave a good account of herself and moved around the pitch well. I was impressed with her positivity and acceptance at trying a new position.

Ella and Hannah started in defence and were kept busy. Ella ensured she tracked back with players well and Hannah getting right in the middle of any action. They make a good team at the back and work well with goalkeeper, Sophia.

Evie and Ava on the wing and Kelsey up front had a slow start to the first half with few opportunities to play forward, which most of the play in Rugby’s half and limited counter attacks. They all worked hard for position, especially during Rugby throw ins.

The second half was much more positive from Rugby, who seemed happier to push forward. Amy moved into defence and was a strong presence. Ella spent further time in defence and was very committed today, making good clearance.

Evie played in her usual solid style, constantly giving her all and chasing the ball down to regain possession. Ellie made some strong clearances from defence and worked hard today to chase the quicker Panthers players.

Rugby were caught a few times by the Panthers when releasing the ball earlier would have allowed us to push forward. The Panthers were marking Kelsey and Tasha heavily and stopped them having as much freedom as they have been used to in previous games.
Hannah moved into the Defensive Midfield position and was everywhere she needed to be. A strong performance by Hannah today. Tasha had some good runs up the wing and is clearly enjoying playing in that position, which is great to see.

The team had limited opportunities to feed Kelsey the ball today, so Kelsey did not have a much forward play as we have seen from her in recent games. Kelsey refused to sit and wait for the ball though and was dropping back in support to try and regain position.

Rugby were awarded a penalty in the second half from a hand ball by a Panthers player. Amy confidently stepped up and took an impressive shot. Tasha had a speculative 40 yard lob over the Panthers keeper which, possible aided by a little gust of wind (and the coaches blowing from the touchline) proved very fruitful, much to the supports delight.

Rugby had to defend a good number of corners today, and I was very impressed with how well Sophia directed her defenders and rest of the team, resulting in positive defending. I was also very pleased with how positively all of the players responded to position changes both before and during the game.

Overall, a positive game. Rugby did not allow themselves to drop their heads when things weren’t going their way. Commitment and effort was high and positioning was generally good. We will be spending some time in training working on our decision making under pressure to ensure the girls are all gaining confidence in this area.

Thank you to Lisa Collins who provided two shiny new trophies to award to players of the match.

Captain: Ella
Coaches Player of the Match: for effort and a great penalty – Amy
Parents Player of the Match: for an inspirational piece of football – Tasha

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