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A not as early start this week for Rugby for a 10:15 kick off away at Chess Lightnings. Quiet Dave arrived at the pitch after having to stop twice because he thought he was going the wrong way and Shouty Dave arrived..
Rugby started the game against the slope, almost immediately Chess showed what they were about and won an early corner. Soon after the striker was through on goal with Jasmine having to make a smart save. Another corner for Chess and it was a sign of how the game was going to go, each Chess attack causing problems for the Rugby defence.
Ioana then had a good run forward forcing a save from the Chess keeper, another run from Ioana with the final shot going wide. Rugby had started to find their feet in the game and played some nice football, Macey going on a good run forward and then Sophie putting in a cross that caused problems for the Chess defence. It was a close game with good battling from both sides.
**Score Update:** Chess 1-0 Rugby Town
Another Chess corner then resulted in the opening goal. Jasmine couldn’t hold the cross and Chess had a simple finish to take the lead.
The goal inspired Chess to start to play better football, they were passing the ball around looking for the second goal.
**Score Update:** Chess 2-0 Rugby Town
After a dog incident Chess then made it 2-0. A goal kick that went out to the defenders wasn’t cleared properly and the Chess striker was able to finish well to make it 2.
**Score Update:** Chess 3-0 Rugby Town
Soon after a bizarre goal to make it 3 for Chess. With the Chess striker in a clear offside position the ball found its way through to her and she put in the net. The referee could clearly see it was offside as could both sets of coaches but unfortunately he decided that the goal should stand because the linesman had not flagged. A bit of common sense might have been useful here from the referee who had seen that it was offside, other than this incident the referee was excellent allowing play to flow and clearly communicating decisions. It does seem that the referee is able to give offside even if the linesman doesn’t flag. Where is VAR when you need it?
Chess, went looking for more goals. The striker again through on goal put it wide after being put off by the oncoming Jasmine. The slope was really not helping Rugby in the first half. It was difficult to get distance on clearances and the ball coming back each time going much further down the pitch.
**Half-time:** Chess 3 – 0 Rugby Town
Three down at halftime for Rugby which was a bit disappointing when it had been a reasonably close game. The difference in the first half was the very impressive Chess striker who had caused all sorts of problems for the Rugby defence with her power and pace.
Rugby started the second half brightly after being inspired by Shouty Dave at half-time. With the slope now in their favour goal kicks were getting much further into the Chess half which was helping the Rugby attack.
It was Chess though that had the first chance of the second half, a shot going over the bar. Chess were half a second quicker to the ball and it was difficult for Rugby to get any attacks going.
**Score Update:** Chess 3-1 Rugby Town
Macey then pulled one back for Rugby, a good run through and an easy finish with the Chess keeper unable to keep the ball out. Unfortunately it wasn’t the start of a Coventry FA Cup semi final 2024 style comeback (Haji was definitely not offside, just saying I am not bitter about VAR at all).
**Score Update:** Chess 4-1 Rugby Town
Chess then carved the Rugby defence wide open with a good passing move that left Jasmine with no chance. Rugby did keep battling though, Caitlin, Delia, Astrid and Leila working hard in defence, they all knew they had been in a game today. Rugby kept going in the second half and despite being 4-1 down they didn’t give up.
Poppy had a good run down the wing and her cross was well saved by the Chess keeper, Sophie also had a shot that was charged down by the Chess keeper. Rugby were creating chances but were just unable to make them count.
**Full-time:** Chess 4 – 1 Rugby Town
A disappointing game for Rugby this week against a strong Chess side. The difference was that Chess were just that bit more composed when they got into dangerous positions and took their chances. There was no lack of effort from Rugby this week and it was pleasing to see a reaction from the previous game and also trying to implement some of the things that Ellie had gone through in training on Friday. A thank you to Ellie for her help with training, it is good for the girls to get another perspective and different drills to work through.
Coaches’ player Poppy, excellent long throws that caused problems for the Chess defence and for another consistent and hard working performance.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents for travelling to the back of beyond on a Sunday morning. Thanks to Chess for hosting and for a competitive game. Thanks to the referee who was very communicative and showed genuine concern for player welfare and thank you to both linesmen