Sunday 7th May 2023
Sponsor: FORD Bros building & Electrical.
The Trade Centre UK
Life Investments estate agency.
Squad:
Aga, Alice, Amelia, Beth, Elisa, Lola, Macy, Maddie, Matilda, Poppy, Ruby.D, Ruby.H.
Rugby Town u13s travelled to Coalville for their final game of the season.
With a few girls missing, Beth had to play in goal today. This was behind a back three of Ruby.D, Alice and Maddie. Beth had a good game, coming off her line quickly on a number of occasions to take the ball early. She also saved a penalty, and made some good goal kicks one which led directly to Rugby scoring.
Ruby.D, Alice and Maddie all had strong games, and dealt with the Coalville attack well. They have all been important members of a Rugby defence, which have conceded very few goals this season. They worked well as a unit today to protect their stand in keeper. The Rugby defenders have really developed a good understanding to work as a unit, who support and cover for each other.
Ruby.H played in the holding midfield role today, and continued her great performances since joining the team. She made a number of good tackles, and made some lovely passes out to the wingers to start a number of Rugby attacks.
Elisa, Poppy and Macy all had strong games on the wing, and have throughout the season been very creative. We as a team we are blessed to have so many creative wide players, and they delivered a number of nice balls in the Rugby attack. This ability to play the ball wide, and have the talented wingers to deliver the ball back in has been a great asset.
Matilda, Aga, Amelia and Lola all rotated in attack, and in the second half were all linking up well to support each other, and by the end of the game the Coalville defence were unable to hold them, and all the Rugby forwards played important parts of the Rugby goals.
Their ability to play in different combinations, has shown how their understanding of the game has developed. We have been able to bring on fresh legs during games, without any adverse effects on team performance. This I’m sure has resulted in a number of goals against tired opposition defenders.
Rugby got off to a very scrappy start, and it was clear the girls were rusty from a number of weeks without a league game.
The opposition were given a head start when some miss understanding in clearing the ball, ended up with a Rugby own goal. This did shock the girls a little as they were already struggling to settle into the game. However as the first half developed, Rugby did start to get into their stride and started to have a few half chances on the Coalville goal. However Rugby were not playing to the level we’ve been used to.
It was from a corner that Rugby levelled the game, when Aga came on to the pitch, and finished with a well timed shot from a well taken corner.
This clearly helped settle the nerves and Rugby were now starting to play the quality of football they have played this season. Rugby were now getting stronger and stronger as the half wore on, and were in a deserved lead by half time.
The second half started and Rugby were now fully in their stride, however Coalville were not finished, and had a couple of dangerous free kicks. However the Rugby defence held their nerve behind a confident defensive wall, and the free kicks were well defended.
Coalville were also awarded a penalty for an unfortunate hand ball. The Coalville player stepped up and hit the ball very well. However Beth was able to get her left leg to it, and deflected the ball out well.
Rugby had grown in confidence from these, and now, Aga, Lola, Matilda and Amelia were now having a great game, supported by Poppy, Elisa and Macy.
Rugby finished the game with 4 goals from Aga and 1 each from Poppy and Amelia. But Matilda and Lola can be pleased with their creative play leading to the goals.
Final score Coalville 2 Rugby 6
Managers players:
Beth for a strong performance in goal.
Aga for some lovely finishing in both halves.
Thank you to Russ for assisting and running the line, and thanks to the parents for their fantastic support of the girls.
