AFC Leicester arrived to be greeted by the Kilsby Lane weather and a Rugby Town team high on confidence. The game was played from the start in the Leicester half with Rugby using their tactics to attack down the wings. The pressure told and the first goal was scored by Kayla after a run from defence through half the Leicester team and a 2nd followed quickly afterwards when Cesca put away a rebound.
Every time Leicester tried to counter Kayla and Erin were strong in defence and the ball would be worked back into the Leicester half with some nice passing and awareness stretching Leicester all across the pitch and creating chances. A 3rd goal came from a dribble and finish from a tight angle from Molly and the rest of the first half followed the same pattern of creative attacking combined with strong and resolute defending when required.
A couple of position switches at half time but the same emphasis on pressing high and using width to stretch the opposition and create chances and the players went out confident but knowing that Leicester had not given up and they would still need to play well, especially as they were now facing the strong Kilsby Lane wind. Jodie had more to do in the 2nd half in goal as Leicester found it easier to clear the ball with the wind but the Rugby players continued to play good football despite the conditions and Ella, who had spent the first half charging up and down the right hand side, slotted straight into the defence and competed strongly with the Leicester forwards, winning battles and moving the ball forwards.
Charlotte and Cesca consistently threatened from out wide with Molly terrorising up front and Kayla dominating midfield and driving forwards. The variety of ways that the team threatened Leicester with positive passing and dangerous runs with the ball as well as constant pressure if they did gain the ball meant that there were plenty of chances and effective finishing lead to more goals.
The 4th goal of the game came from Molly pressing and finishing before Kayla scored from long range and Molly won the ball in the Leicester penalty area and scored to complete her hat trick. Kayla scored from a corner to complete her own hat trick before Molly passed to Charlotte on the edge of the penalty area to wrap up the scoring for the day.
A great team performance full of brilliant individual performances all over the pitch. Especially pleasing to see the team play so well in the conditions and the excellent decision-making and support for each other.
Rugby Town 8-0 AFC Leicester
Player of the match: Kayla
Goals: Kayla x3, Cesca, Molly x3, Charlotte
