Sunday 9th March 2025
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
A very early start for Rugby this week for a 09:20 kick off away at Haunchwood. This was the reverse fixture of the last league game that both Rugby and Haunchwood had played with no games the previous week. Rugby had made use of the free Sunday to have a review session of the game that was recorded by the excellent Veo software. We are lucky to have this equipment as a team as it provided a number of useful insights to how we play. It was a nice sunny day for the game this week, something that all parents appreciate, the pitch was somewhat bobbly with a definite slope, Haunchwood opted to kick downhill in the first half.
The game got going and Sophie put a cross in that Poppy was not able to convert, putting the ball wide. Rugby were working hard and were trying to implement the changes that as a team they had looked at when revieing the Veo footage. Haunchwood were again robust in their challenges and soon after Ioana had a free kick that forced a save from the goalkeeper. We had been working on shooting in training as well some defensive tactics and it was good to see that the girls were implementing both during the game.
Haunchwood were second to the ball most of the time but they did get a corner that was then well defended by Daisy-May, shortly after they made 3 subs to try and change how the game was going. It didn’t make much difference in the first half with Ioana having another shot from distance.
After a big kick from the Haunchwood goalkeeper, their striker ran through on goal but Jasmine was equal to the challenge and saved bravely to keep the score 0 – 0. Macey then went on a good run that almost resulted in a chance for Rugby, quickly followed by another shot from Ioana. Haunchwood were starting to get more into the game, but the Rugby defence of Daisy-May, Caitlin and Delia stood firm with some excellent tackles and headers.
**Half-time:** Haunchwood 0 – 0 Rugby Town
At half-time Sophie suggested a change in formation might help and Shouty Dave decided to switch to four at the back with Astrid coming on to provide more cover in the centre of defence.
Haunchwood were starting to find more space on the pitch and a better cross would have given them a golden opportunity for a midfielder who had made a good run into the box. Poppy then produced a good cross that the Rugby forwards failed to capitalise on with the ball going across the danger area.
It was a tight game with both teams looking for the opening goal. A Haunchwood cross resulted in a chance that was well saved by Jasmine. Rugby then had a fantastic chance to get the opening goal, a well worked move that resulted in Izzy running through on goal but unfortunately her shot went wide. It was starting to feel that this game would be settled by either one mistake or one piece of skill.
Sophie was starting to get more success down her wing and shot just wide after a great run where she left her defender for dust. Haunchwood then a great corner that would have resulted in a goal if one of their players could get on the end of it. Leila, with lots of encouragement from the Rugby coaching staff was chasing down the ball. We had seen in the Veo recording that the Haunchwood goalkeeper was likely to get a pass back and there would be a chance to nick the ball off her. That chance then came but the Rugby forwards were able to capitalise on it.
Then the moment that decided the game, the ball was bouncing around just outside the area and hadn’t been cleared so Jasmine decided to take control and pick it up. What she had not realised was how far out she was, and it was a clear handball. From the resulting free kick Haunchwood score with a great kick that went over the wall into the top corner. Jasmine nor Poppy who had been positioned on the line were able to keep it up. It was a real body blow for Rugby after all of the effort the team had put in during the match.
**Score Update:** Haunchwood 1-0 Rugby Town
With only a few minutes left of the game after the goal had been scored Rugby tried to find an equaliser. Sophie went off on another run but was unable to find a way through. Leila then took a good corner that caused a slight scramble in the Haunchwood area, but it was not to be.
**Full-time:** Haunchwood 1 – 0 Rugby Town
All the girls put in a big effort and did everything that we asked of them after we had gone through the video of the previous game. The difference between the two teams in both matches was that Haunchwood converted their chances and Rugby didn’t. There is plenty to work on and in this league, it is such a fine margin, between winning and losing. There is no question that Rugby aren’t putting in the effort in either matches or training.
Coaches’ player Daisy-May, all of the defenders worked so hard during the match, but Daisy just shaded it this week as she made her first header of her football career.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents for making sure the girls could get to the game so early this Sunday. Thanks to Haunchwood for hosting the game at a nice little ground with good facilities (the bacon sandwich was just what Dave needed after enjoying himself a little bit too much at the CBS on Saturday ). Thanks to the referee, , and thank you to both linesmen.
Also, a special mention to both teams for observing a minute’s silence for Poppy Atkinson who tragically died attending a football training session in Cumbria.