Rugby Town U12 vs Harborough Town Juniors U12

Sunday 19th January, 2024 KO 11:30

Squad: Norah, Emilia, Sienna M, Poppy, Bella, Izzy C, Lottie (C), Holly, Maggie, Hettie, Esme, Amy, Emy-Mae

Sponsors: Hamilton Medical and Life Investments Estate Agency

The first game after the festive break and it was nice to return as a home game on the Astro of Butlin Road. With the visiting team of Harborough Town playing in bright yellow against the sky blue backdrop of Rugby Town girls. Despite some key players missing the Rugby girls started in great spirits with some excellent positional play and passing whilst using the wings well, building from defence and midfield positions. This soon resulted in our first clear opportunity with a great through ball to the front allowing Emilia to beat the last defender with strong pace and awareness and with still a good distance out from goal she managed to fire a super accurate shot into the corner for an excellent crisp goal. Building on this, Rugby kept pressing and pushing forward until Lottie made a good chance for herself with some strong play and a goal giving us a two goal cushion. All looked good at this point, at which point Harborough found a moment of strong link up play and pulled a goal back as both teams headed off for half time.

Half time score 2-1

As the second half started the game was a much more even match with both teams finding moments and opportunities. Harborough had the best of play for the second half opening period, and after a foul in the penalty area, they managed to pull the match back to a draw and an all even status. From this the Rugby girls responded with a push to get in front again and after a good shot from Lottie, Izzy C. scored with a nicely taken finish, a result of following in Lottie’s attempt and being in the perfect position to guide the ball into the goal. As part of this topsy-turvy game Harborough raced up the pitch within seconds and scored another equaliser making it 3-3 despite some excellent defending and goal keeping. The clock was ticking and as the end of the game was in sight. Sienna M. then found space wide on the left and shot well from a tight angle after a nice cross from Holly who was playing very well on the right side. This shot was blocked by the goalkeepers outstretched foot and landing for Lottie to make it her second and push Rugby’s nose ahead for the 3rd time in this exciting end to end game. Even after this point Harborough didn’t give up and had one last chance but again through excellent defensive play from Poppy, Emy-Mae and others plus a fantastic last second save from Norah the Rugby Town girls finished as winners in this excellent evenly matched battle of two hardworking teams. What a game and well done to both sides!

Final score 4-3

POM: Izzy C and Emilia for playing in the striker position, out of their normal defensive and midfield roles, demonstrating some intelligent positioning and skilful play that resulted in some first goals for the girls.

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