ROSES BACK TO WINNING WAYS

After some challenging games against Nuneaton Borough, Rugby Town and Epworth Forest we had near a full squad available against GNG with Lily and Beth the only absentees. A rare afternoon kick off with the Roses wearing their new Fuchsia Away Shirts sponsored by One Communication Solutions Ltd.

U15 Roses Away Kit

The ask from the Coaches was to try and pass the ball, in recent games when under pressure we have been clearing the ball without any plan on keeping possession. It has to be said, the girls took it onboard and especially in the first half, everyone was trying to keep possession and finding a team mate in bright pink.

Katie and Evie played some lovely through balls for Ellie and Chloe G, we had the ball in the net once through Ellie but she was flagged offside which was a real shame following a good move.

The Roses defence was strong with Caris aggressively stepping up and winning the ball whilst she was well covered by Lenna who did not let anything get past her. Although Lyla had no major saves to make, she did the basics very well and took onboard us looking at different options from goal kicks and when she had the ball in her hands, she mixed it up at times throwing it wide to Kayleigh to get us higher up the pitch.

Kiri was working hard on the left defensively and did get a few breakaway moments going forward and later swapped sides with Lauren before being replaced by Poppy who worked hard on the right wing. Chloe B replaced Ellie and she put in amazing work rate chasing down the player in possession and at one point forcing a mistake from the goalkeeper, this was Chloes' best performance based on effort and work rate.

The first half ended 0-0 in what was a fairly even contest.

It was really an ask for more of the same in the second half, we were confident the goals would come. We reintroduced Ellie upfront after a brief stint in midfield and whilst a few chances came to the edge of our box, firstly to Tilly who was unable to strike cleanly from the edge and then to Evie who was crowded out we eventually got our first goal through Ellie, a ball was won and played forward by Caris and the next pass put Ellie in a footrace with the defender and she burst through on goal and finished past the onrushing keeper.

A second goal came which was of similar fashion however this time the goalkeeper stayed on her line, Ellie missed the first chance but the second she managed to lift the ball and despite the goalkeepers best effort the ball ended up in the back of the net.

GNG got a lifeline when a penalty was given following an accidental trip in the box, unlucky Esme found herself running back to goal as the opposition tangled with her and the foul was given. An excellent penalty from the GNG number 10 who is a great technical player and caused problems in the game.

The score at 2-1 and the Roses needed to reset back to default to try and see the game out. Ellie returned back to the field again and could have made it 3-1 when put through on goal but her finish was straight at the keeper unfortunately however the Roses saw out the game to finish 2-1.

Player of the Match - Sophie

After an all action display defensively, making blocks, tackles and interceptions to being positive on the ball and trying to find a team mate, Player of the Match this week was awarded to Sophie.