Sunday 29th September
Squad: Norah, Ellen (C) Henrietta, Kara, Poppy, Libbie, Izzy, Holly, Evie, Darcie, Ivy
Rugby Town travelled to Burbage for this week’s league game, thoroughly over excited to have a squad of 11 for the first time this season.
First Half
Burbage set their stall from the whistle and were a strong attacking team, keeping Rugby pinned in their own defensive half for much of the game.
Darcie and Kara had a good opening spell, sticking close to their marks and running the attacking players out wide to reduce threat down the middle of the pitch.
Rugby were forced to play a very defensive game, but generally held themselves very well, keeping the ball away from the Rugby goal for the majority of the half. Norah was called into action a couple of times, only one shot really caused any worry, but Norah delivered a calm save under significant pressure.
There were a lot of throw in for both team and naturally play was quite wide for a lot of the game, which suited Rugby quite well.
Ellen provided some nice defensive headers to cleat the ball and Holly and Libbie were working to try and find a break they could use to push on the Burbage goal.
Second Half
Poppy and Holly swapped position in the seco9nf half with Poppy now up front and Holly in centre back, the idea was to create some more opportunities for distance shooting. However, Burbage neutralized the threat well, so position changes were switched back, and the team handled the additional pressure of positional changes very well.
Ivy was now on the left wing, and using her speed, had some really nice speculative runs down the left wing. The Burgage defense were adept at stopping crosses which prevented any clear-cut opportunities for Rugby.
Izzy, in central midfield was having a great game, using her head to press players and push forward when needed, and having superb game awareness and dropping to provide defensive support to the back four when needed.
Rugby got more opportunities in the second half and played higher but were still missing that last little bit of luck, which would allow forward movement and an attacked on goal.
The was an absolute melee in front of the Rugby goal, and how Burbage did not managed to convert, is anyone’s guess.
Burbage really upped the pressure in the final 10 mins and looked certain to score with numerous attack waves on the Rugby goal. Evie dropped deep to support the team and make some clearances, and Norah kept the team in the game with a fantastic diving save to the left-hand side of the goal.
Burbage were very much in change of the game, and will no doubt be disappointed not to collect all 3 points. Rugby’s defense remained strong and discussed to see out the game.
FC Burbage 0– 0 Rugby Town U14
Not a classic game of football, but a great display of resilience and grinding out the result. A 0-0 draw represents the best results against Burbage for a couple of seasons and earns Rugby Town another league point.
Captain Player of Match – Hetty, a very brave performance under difficult circumstances
Player of Match – Izzy – a top-drawer performance. Read the game well, worked hard against a bigger opposition and was 100% committed to the game
Thank you to FC Burbage coaches and players for hosting. We wish them well for the rest of the season.
Thank you to assistant ref Jed and parents for your support; it is much appreciated.