Rugby u9s stepped up to u10s again, and travelled to Coalville today, on the back of a great result last week.
Rugby started very well and looked the most threatening. An upfront partnership of Aurora and Sofia were really complementing each other. This was finally rewarded by a great through ball by Aurora to Sofia.
Izzy a recent addition to the squad, started in midfield and did really well to break down the Coalsville attacking moves showing great promise for the future.
Connie and Bethany started in defence and were looking strong and composed. They were working well with Hav in goal who had a really strong performance between the sticks.
Coalville did pull one back, but Rugby still looked good for it, and their heads didn’t drop.
Unfortunately later, a referee decision went against the Rugby keeper, when a ball that looked to have been held on the line was said to be over.
Rugby had the benefit of 2 substitutes today, and Hev and Poppy came on to allow for a rest of legs. Poppy slotted into the attack nicely and made some great runs from midfield always a threat to the opposition. She was unfortunate on a couple of occasions, not to be able to get the final ball through, but didn’t give up. Aurora Sofia and Poppy showed great work rate to drop back when defending as we were now pushing for another goal and this meant leaving our defence a bit more exposed.
Hev made some great long passes forward and some good tackles.
The rotation continued and Izzy had a spell in defence and Bethany in midfield. Both showed great work rate. And I was pleased that Izzy was willing to drop out of midfield, a role new to her. Bethany made a few strong tackles and did pick up a knock that meant she needed some time off the pitch. However she also made a good stop, when she went in strongly on a 50/50 ball to break up an attack and cleared the ball into touch. Both players ended up sprawled on the floor.
I asked the girls to continue to push forward to try and get a second goal to equalise. This unfortunately meant our defence was beaten again. But during our attacks we had some great opportunities which would have meant the gamble paying off on another day.
So as the manager I’ll take the 3 goal on my shoulders.
Another great performance by the girls and another result that doesn’t tell the true story. Also another tough decision for girl of the game this week!
Manager’s girls of the match. Jointly awarded to Hev and Hav for their efforts in goal, midfield and defence!
Parents girl of the match. Poppy again another great effort.