Sunday 4th October
Squad
Norah, Ellen (C) Henrietta, Kara, Poppy, Libbie, Izzy, Holly, Evie, Darcie, Ivy, Harper, Isla
We welcomed players Harper and Isla, from one of our U13 teams, who have dual signed to help us with numbers. .
First Half
A good start from Rugby, full of energy and decisive play. A good push saw Rugby come into the Barwell goal from the right, with Libbie finishing the play with a little flick into goal.
Rugby Town 1 (Libbie) – 0 AFC Barwell
Rugby kept a good tempo up and were pressing Barwell hard whenever they were in position, leaving them limited decision-making time. Some nice passing provided Ellen with the opportunity to slot a nice ball forward to Holly who took a shot, saved by the keeper.
Sub Evie <-> Darcie
Sub Ivy <-> Hetty
Rugby were keeping Barwell pretty much in their own defensive half as the midfield of Darcie, Libbie, Izzy and Isla were working well to absorb any pressure, clean up the stray balls, and play up into Hetty and Holly up front.
Darcie was an engine in midfield and was, as usual, causing lots of trouble for her opposition counterparts in the center of the pitch. Izzy was displaying her usual energy, speed and tenaciousness and Kara was doing well to spot danger and clear the ball from the Rugby back line.
Ivy, despite being a bit under the weather, was enjoying her chance to play up front and was clearly concentrating on finding space, using her speed and getting balls into the box.
The right wing proved fruitful for Rugby, this time with a great solo effort from Holly as she cut past the Barwell defense and finished her move for her second of the season.
Rugby Town 2 (Holly) – 0 AFC Barwell
Rugby kept the pressure high, and Hetty, working hard to find space, got her chance, unleashing a cracking shot, unlucky to be just over the crossbar.
Sub Isla <-> Evie
Sub Kara <-> Ivy
Barwell found some rhythm and some vert good defending allowed them to break and test the Rugby defence. Rugby could only clear for a corner. Barwell took the corner, well cleared by Rugby and up to the other end to win a corner, which they couldn’t covert, this action seeing out the 1st half.
Second Half
Barwell had a much better half and were starting to challenge Rugby. Kara, Ellen, Poppy and Harper were working well as a defensive 4. With Harper finding lots of opportunity to move forward up the right wing. Ellen was cool and calm, playing some lovely forward balls to release the Rugby wingers and forwards.
Barwell won another corner and Norah, having had a quiet game up until then, had to be aware and collect to neutralize any risk on the Rugby goal.
Evie had a good game today and seems much more comfortable in getting stuck in to the tackles – great to see,
Hetty was still moving well up front, biding her time and a excellent ball in from the left wing from Holly, found Hetty, who turned, skipped by the Barwell CB and slotted her ball very neatly into the Barwell goal.
Rugby Town 3 (Hetty, a. Holly) – 0 AFC Barwell.
Rugby were getting few chances to attach now as Barwell were really digging deep, defending well and getting the ball back into the center of the pitch. The quick Barwell number 12 also kept the Rugby defense on their toes.
Isla, working hard deep in the Barwell half, showed some great skill and determination and took a shot herself, although on target, it lacked a little power and the Barwell keeper collected well.
Barwell kept searching for their opening goal and really started to push on the Rugby defense, at the end of an energetic game, Rugby were flagging and the final few minutes became a little disorganized and scrappy, but Rugby saw out the game for their 2nd win and 1st clean sheet of the season.
Captains Player of the Match – Harper. A fantastic debut for the U14! Great game reading, fantastic athleticism and commitment to her role in RB. Well done Harper!
Player of the Match – Ellen. A standout performance from Ellen, offering a top tier performance in CB. Ellen read the game exceptionally well, was aware for any break from the opposition and was calm and collected in all her play. Fab work Ellen!
Thank Yous
Thank you to Coach Gary and the Barwell team for a really nice game.
Thank you to Referee Ellie – who kindly stepped in when our league appointed ref didn’t show up
Thank you to assistant ref Mark
Thank you to the parents for your support, it is much appreciated.