West Midlands Regional Women Division 1 South – League Game
Squad: Katie (Captain) Leah, Caitlin, Kelly, Amber, Kelsey, Bex, Robyn, Nicole, Grace, Kirsty
Substitutes: Ellie, Laura M, Zoe
Sponsor: Melbros, Jamesway Travel, Keller, ASG Precision, Gripper Differentials, LH Services Ltd
First Half
After a long run of away game, we were finally back on home turf, literally, as the stadium passed the morning pitch inspection.
A bright start from the hosts with some nice attacking play, allowing Kelsey a shot within the opening 5 minutes, just wide of the post. Rugby kept up the pressure and Nicole had a very promising run, chipping the keeper, and was unlucky to see the ball drop just the wrong side of the crossbar and stick in the top of the net.
15 minutes in and totally against the run of play, Hereford’s left winger took the ball down the line and struck the ball into the right-hand side of the Rugby net to open the scoreline.
A galvanised Rugby did the right thing and upped the tempo of the game. A great cross from Nicole towards Kelsey who scuffed her shot. Shortly afterwards Rugby won 2 corners in quick succession as the play continued to be focussed in the Hereford defensive third. Both corners were cleared by Hereford.
Just shy of the half hour mark, Bex unleashed a great shot, forcing the Hereford keeper to parry the shot, which fell to Kelsey who made sure to level the scoreline. From the re-start, Rugby were flying and barely 3 minutes later a great ball from Grace up to Nicole to finish the move and take the lead.
Rugby were playing great football and leaving little wriggle room for Hereford, two minutes from Rugby’s second goal and Caitlin went for a long range shot, saved by the Hereford keeper.
35’ Grace <-> Laura M
Rugby continued to drive at the Hereford goal and came close another couple of times. In the closing minute of the half, some fantastic team build up play provided Bex with the opportunity to release Nicole who finished the move with her second of the game.
Rugby went into half time 3-1 up.
Second Half
Just over a minute into the second half, Hereford found the Rugby defence napping, and they ran through uncontested to reduce the deficit to one goal.
Back up to the attacking third and Rugby won two corners in quick succession, again both cleared by Hereford. Rugby continued to build the pressure and 6 minutes in to the second half, Nicole was brought down in the box. Rugby were awarded the penalty, and Nicole stepped up to take, and convert.
Hereford had a decent spell and were awarded two corners in quick succession, neither bothering the home side much.
64’ Kelsey <-> Ellie
67’ Kirsty <-> Grace
70 minutes in and Rugby are awarded a free kick, the ball is played upfield, picked up by Hereford and won back by Nicole who provided a great individual effort for her 4th goal of the game.
Rugby were pretty much camped in the Hereford half and were maintaining possession well and looking to create opportunities with some great play from the whole team Rugby win a corner, delivered by Bex, cleared only as far as Kelly who brings the ball back, delivers and excellent ball into Ellie who works hard for some space in a very congested Hereford box, turns and provides Rugby’s 6th goal of the game.
79’ Bex <-> Zoe
Hereford do well to win a corner, unfortunately for them it is delivered into the side netting of the Rugby goal and the brief threat is over.
83’ Caitlin <-> Bex
Rugby continue to press in the final minutes, still searching for goals which makes it an exciting watch for the spectators. Rugby win a free kick for a Hereford handball, Nicole delivers, cleared back out, Nicole picks it back up, drives at the defence and scores her 5th of the game.
90’ Nicole <-> Kelsey
Summary
Rugby Town Women 7 – 2 Hereford Pegasus
Ø Kelsey (a. Bex)
Ø Nicole (a. Grace)
Ø Nicole (a. Bex)
Ø Nicole (Pen)
Ø Nicole
Ø Ellie (a. Kelly)
Ø Nicole
A thrilling game with some fantastic football on display from Rugby with Nicole scoring for fun.
At the final whistle we had no less than 5 players between 16 – 18 on the pitch, a great testament to the club and the pathway from junior to senior football.
Huge congratulations to Zoe on her debut for the women’s team. Wonderful to see you playing Zoe!
Thank you to all the supporters, we heard you! Thanks also to referee Chris and Linesman James.
