West Midlands Regional Women Division 1 South – League Game
Sunday 28th January
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Caitlin, Kelly, Grace, Amber, Ava, Milly, Ellie, Kelsey, Kirsty
Substitutes: Robyn, Laura C, Laura M, Amy
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
Kelsey and Ellie created early pressure to test the home sides keeper. Just 4 minutes into the game, there was a short pause in the game to deal with a ball induced nosebleed on one of the Rugby players.
Caitlin provides a perfectly positioned ball in to Kelsey to allow a slot in for the first goal of the game in the visitor’s favour.
Ellie, Kirsty and Kelsey link up some clever play to attack the Leamington goal, but a slightly mistimed run sees Kelsey flagged offside. Caitlin is then again on hand to provide a promising through ball for Kelsey which unfortunately had slightly too much pace on and the Leamington keeper collects without much incident.
Rugby maintain the pressure and Caitlin, who is having a great game, is causing the home side significant issues in midfield. Leamington turns the tables with some nice play of their own, making a great run right into the box and are only stopped by an impressive defensive run by Grace, culminating in a well-time tackle, seeing the ball out for a corner which is subsequently dealt with well by Rugby.
Leamington soon win a corner but Rugby again deal with it well and push downfield well. However, Leamington are ready and win back possession, drive at Rugby and achieve their equaliser.
Amt <-> Robyn
Rugby win a free kick, unlucky for Katie and her shot goes wide.
Leamington are having a strong period of football and their efficient run down the right sees the ball fired into the Rugby net as they take the lead.
Ellie <-> Ava
Caitlin is still battling hard and finds herself some space, striking the ball from distance as it flies like a rocket, looking certain to beat the keeper, only to graze the crossbar to go behind for a goal kick. Leamington are straight back on the attack, and only a fine save by Leah, keeps the scoreline at 2-1.
Rugby move to a 4-4-2 formation to try and control the midfield better and use the wings for more attacking potential.
Second Half
Laura C <-> Milly
Leah is put under early pressure but is alert and provides a strong collect. Rugby push for the equaliser and Kelsey pushes forward on another potential goal scoring position, only to have her shirt tugged which off balances her and allows the Leamington defence to stop the attack. Leamington break fast and again Leah is strong in goal. Rugby need to work to find some momentum in the game and Leamington are continually quick to exploit any Rugby errors. Leah again is forced into a save, the ball is kept out of the next but rebounds to a Leamington attacker, who somehow missed an open goal and shoots wide from only a few feet out.
Rugby work the ball downfield, Kelly collects in midfield and has a nice little one two with Katie who is charging up the left wing. Katie unleashes her shot and despite a very difficult angle, the ball cannons into the right-hand side of the goal to level the scoreline.
Rugby have a lapse in concentration, perhaps happy they have drawn level, only for Leamington to split the Rugby defence down the middle, meeting little resistance, they tuck the ball into the Rugby goal and once again extend their lead.
Laura M <-> Robyn
Leamington win a free kick in a risky area, but their shot flies over the Rugby bar. Rugby seems to be struggling to find the space and pace they want to control the game, as Leamington are proving to be a well disciplined team. Another break by the hosted is thwarted by Amber, who clears for a corner. The ball is cleared as far as the middle third where Leamington collect, push forward and strike a long range shot which is only stopped by Leah who gets her fingertip to the ball to tip it over the bar.
Kelly <-> Ellie
Laura C <-> Amy
A very heavy body check on Katie results in a free kick for Rugby. Taken by Amy but Rugby cannot convert. Play continues, and Caitlin again has the opportunity for another long shot. Although its just wide, it is fantastic to see these long shot attempts by the visitors getting closer all the time.
Both teams were tiring and some tackles on both sides were getting a little haphazard. Rugby call for a penalty as Kelsey was brought down in the box, waved away by the referee. A couple of Rugby free kicks and a Leamington corner – none of which were converted, saw out the last few minutes of the game.
Summary
Leamington Ladies 3 – 2 Rugby Town Women
Goals from Kelsey (a. Caitlin) and Katie (a. Kelly)
A frustrating ending to the game for Rugby, who didn’t really get into the flow fully. Back to the training ground to prepare for next weeks away fixture at Bewdley.
Thank you to the supporters, Linesman James and Referee Ellie.