Sunday 27th September
Squad: Ellie, Tasha, Evie, Ava (Captain), Sophia K, Hannah, Izzy, Lucy, Cara, Kelsey Priya, Robyn, Sophie
Sponsor: Lisa Collins Hair Design
After a somewhat hit and miss pre-season, Rugby Town travelled to Hinckley to play Greentowers for their first game of the 2020/21 Season in their new league and their first competitive game since March. A bright and blustery day greeted the players, who with without two members of the regular squad
1st Half
Rugby’s aim was to come out of the starting blocks strong, powerful and determined. Unfortunately, Greentowers were of the same mind and it was quickly clear this was going to be a tough game
Ellie was tested in goal early on but remained calm and collective and absorbed the early pressure. Hannah and Ava started well on the wings, providing support and finding the space they needed. Hannah, in particular, showing good early promise with insightful football.
Greentowers had several really quick players, that, as they settled into the game, started to cause all sorts of issue for our defence. Their speed, and on ball skills soon overwhelmed the Rugby back three as Greentowers opened their tally.
Rugby restarted the game and pushed forward but were struggling to retain possession in midfield. Greentowers were keen to capitalise on any mistakes and find opportunities to push back Rugby. Good linked play by Greentowers and a very useful shot in from the right provided their second goal.
Sophia K was working hard in midfield and was trying to manage a triangle of 3 Greentowers midfield players who were very quick to each and every ball. Ava was flying around the left wing and was winning some good balls but Greentowers were very quick to shut down any whisper of a Rugby Town attack.
Greentowers attacked again and the pace they provided was proving a little shocking to Rugby who were struggling to control them in the final third. Greentowers found the net for a first time but the goal was ruled offside.
The half continued with Rugby unable to mount a threat to the Greentowers goal. The attacking Greentowers side made it clear they would punish any Rugby errors. A Greentowers throw in, clean passing and a strong push rewarded them with their 3rdgoal.
Rugby Town won a corner and were really trying to create some chances to get back in the game. A great delivery by Hannah cleared the Greentower defence but Rugby missed a chance to capitalise on this and Greehtowers cleared out to safety.
Rugby Town heads were dropping and Greentowers continued to pile the pressure on the beleaguered Rugby defenders which saw Rugby concede a further 2 goals in quick succession.
2nd Half
With a few pairs of fresh legs and a slightly different formation, Rugby started the second half with the desire to take the game to Greentowers and even the score line a little bit. However, Rugby were still finding it a struggle in midfield with the Greentowers players playing some very strong and skilful football which proved too strong and Rugby conceded their first goal of the half.
GT went on to win a corner which Rugby defended well and cleared, only to find a marauding Greentowers player swooping on at pace from midfield and letting rip a powerful shot, forcing an excellent save by Ellie.
Greentowers impressive number 11 on their right wing provided huge amount of both defensive skill and attacking crosses which really set Greentowers on the relentless waves of attack and Rugby, unable to clear their lines well enough, conceded a further two goal in the next 10 minutes.
Priya was 100% energy and effort on the Rugby left wing, and managed to get into some good space, Rugby found it hard to release Priya due to the unrelenting pressure they were trying to absorb in midfield.
The Rugby team kept trying to move the ball, but passes were not connecting as well as we know they can, so they struggled to make much meaningful movement forward. Finally, a combination of work from Priya, Tash and Kelsey paid off and Rugby won a corner. The corner was well delivered by Hannah, and after a bit of a scramble, Kelsey and Tash combined to allow Tash to score and open Rugby’s score line.
The Rugby goal seem to upset Greentowers who were not agreeable to conceding goals, to highlight their displeasure and with the play again dictated by their excellent number 11, they scored from an excellent cross very quickly from the restart.
Greentowers were slicing through the Rugby squad now so it was disappointing, but unsurprising to see the 10th and final Greentowers goal scored a few minutes before the final whistle.
Summary
Greentowers Hinckley 10 – 1 Rugby Town
A tough day at the office for the Rugby Town team, who were generally outplayed and outclassed by a very impressive Greentowers side. Plenty of actions to take back and work on at the training ground ready for when we go again next Sunday at our first home game of the season.
Coaches player: Ava, for a very positive and determined performance on the left wing.
Parents player: Ellie, for stepping up in place of our regular goalkeeper and despite the score line indicating otherwise, made some very strong saves and provided some fantastic goal kicks.
Thank you to all of the U14 parents for your support, Dave for refereeing and Darren for running the line.
