Sunday 2nd October
A Cup Classic saw the U14s get through to the League Cup last 8 following a drama filled game against Sporting Markfield on Sunday.
The half term saw 2 absentees from the team, and saw Rugby Town start the game with only 10 players.
The fine football of Markfield saw them take a 2-0 lead, before Rugby Town’s 11th player came on just before half time to even numbers out.
The girls came out in the 2nd half with new resolve, and scored 2 goals in quick succession to level proceedings. A typical fine finish from Soph and a superb goal from Willow put Rugby Town back into the game.
Jess then put Town into a 3-2 lead.
Markfield pushed hard for an equaliser, but were held out by heroic defending from Iz, Abbey, Nancy and Emily. A last minute penalty for Markfield then added to the tension.
The penalty hit the post before being scrambled out for a corner.
To Rugby Town’s heartache, the resulting corner was forced in by Markfield, leading to the dreaded penalties.
Markfield went 1st and calmly slotted home. Maddie stepped up for Rugby Towns 1st penalty and slammed her spot kick in to equalize proceedings. However with Rugby Town’s next 2 penalties being saved, Markfield were 3-1 up after 3 penalties each.
Markfield just needed 1 more from their next 2 penalties to win. The Rugby Town Girls now had to score their next 2.
Up stepped Amber.
She saved the next 2, whilst Abbey and Liss slotted home superbly. So to sudden death.
Each side had their next penalty saved, before Amber again showed her incredible penalty prowess by saving once again from Markfield. Rugby Town were one kick away.
Maia stepped up and calmly slotted her spot kick into the corner for the winner.
To play nearly a half a player down, be 2-0 down at half time, then be 3-1 down with 2 penalties to go in the shootout, and still win, again showed the incredible team spirit and never give up attitude of these wonderful girls.
Nerves were on edge, but the girls did us all proud.