League Cup.
Sunday 26th February 2023
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical,
Trade Centre UK,
Life Investment estate agency
Squad:
Agga, Alice, Amelia, El, Elisa, Jess, Katie, Lena, Lola, Macy, Maddie, Matilda, Poppy, Tanisha
Rugby Town u13s Lionesses travelled to Syston, for the second time this season, but this time in the League Cup. Both teams had beaten each other 1-0 in the two league games.
Both teams got off to a high tempo start, with both teams making some good forward play and having to work hard defending.
Tanisha continued in goal behind a back three of Alice, Lena and Maddie who all had to work hard, but were clearly having a difficult time.
A midfield of El, Poppy, Matilda and Elisa began the game, and rotated with Katie, Macy, Lola and Amelia during this tough first half. All the midfield made some nice linked passes and tackles.
Jess and Aga rotated in the striker role, and were working hard putting the opposition under pressure.
However it was clear that Rugby were not playing their best football of the season, and Syston took advantage of this when a well struck goal kick was carried by the wind, deep into the Rugby half. Unfortunately this was not dealt with and was finished by Syston to put the home side 1-0 up.
Rugby were still struggling to settle into the game, when this time a well taken chance from a Syston made it 2-0.
Rugby finished the half with great effort and had a chance to pull one back stopped on the line, both Jess and Lola thought they had it over the line.
Half time 2-0 Syston.
Rugby collected themselves at halftime and came out to get back into it. Rugby started the half with Elisa and Amelia on the two wings, supporting Jess up front and Matilda and El in the middle.
The speed on the wings, shocked Syston who must have thought the game won…and Rugby with the momentum pulled one back from a close range finish by Amelia.
With this goal, Rugby now believed they could come back.
Rugby were now a different side. The defence were looking more composed and clearing the danger much better, and limiting Syston to long range shots.
However as the half went on, Rugby were now playing the better football. This was rewarded with a fantastic goal by El.
El took a throw in, and immediately received a short pass back. Moving to the edge of the Syston box, she took a lovely shot which sailed over the Syston keeper and tooked into the far top corner of the goal.
Rugby having come back from what appeared an impossible position, based on how Syston have played this season. Were now looking to go on to win the game. Unfortunately the final whistle ended the game, and without extra time Rugby were unable to capitalise on their momentum.
The match went to the lottery of penalties, and unfortunately Syston won the shoot out.
Final full-time score 2-2
Syston won 3-1 (on penalties)
Parents player: El for a strong performance in midfield, and for a great goal.
Managers player: Maddie for a strong performance in defence.
Thank you to Pete for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.