Sunday 6th September
Squad: Norah, Ellen (C), Henrietta, Kara, Poppy, Darcie, Libbie, Izzy, Holly
A lovely warm and sunny Butlin Road welcomed the RTGWFC U14s and visitors Asfordby Amateurs. With only 9 players available, it was going to be an energetic morning for everyone.
First Half
Using an adapted formation, the girls had to use their heads as well as their feet. Asfordby came out with intent and broke through the lines early, scoring within the opening 2 minutes. Rather than denting spirits, it spurred Rugby on.
Darcie, Holly and Izzy enjoyed a good spell of possession and forward play, but a gap in defence allowed Asfordby a second goal at the 10-minute mark—a well-taken finish. This seemed to frustrate the girls into action. Kara was fantastic in midfield, buzzing around the attackers and disrupting their rhythm. Poppy swept up effectively in centre back whilst Henrietta provided calm, confident defending on the right, delivering big clearances to protect the goal. Norah was assured in goal, collecting the ball neatly and distributing thoughtfully.
Half-time: Rugby Town 0–2 Asfordby
Second Half
The girls listened well to their coaches and took control by requesting position changes. Izzy dropped to left back, Kara moved to left wing, Ellen shifted to striker with Holly moving to centre back.
The second half saw Rugby grow in confidence. Poppy charged forward from centre back with a shot on target; Holly pressed well going forward; Darcie was tireless in midfield, giving everything; and Libbie showed intelligent positioning and decision-making throughout. Izzy and Holly settled quickly into their new positions, playing solidly and confidently. Ellen delivered a strong performance in both roles—a difficult central defender and a powerful striker unafraid to run at the defence, with only exceptional Asfordby defending keeping her from goal.
Norah made several excellent saves, including a memorable scramble in the 6-yard box to snuff out an Asfordby threat.
Final Score: Rugby Town 0–2 Asfordby
The second half was goalless—an excellent response from Rugby. Overall, a fun, hardworking morning of football with clear green shoots of quality play emerging. The girls should be proud of their performance.
Awards
Coaches’ Player of the Match: Kara
In her first game for the U14s, Kara delivered an energetic, committed performance.
Captains’ Player of the Match: Holly
She ran her socks off, playing two positions (striker and centre back) with distinction.
Thanks
Huge thanks to Asfordby Coach Lee and the team for an excellent, competitive game.
Thank you to Mark for stepping into the assistant referee role and Ellie for refereeing after the league-appointed official couldn’t attend.
Thank you to the parents for your continued support—it makes a real difference.