Rubery 2 -0 Dosthills
Having lost 3-1 and 4-2 in previous games against Dosthills the girls were looking for an improvement on that. The day had not started too well with three last minute absences (Emily, Sam, Click) through injury or illness, Rubery down to the bare bones of a 7 girl squad.
The girls chose the same cautious tactics they had employed with some success against Glebe the previous week, setting out to keep a clean sheet. Emma filled in at right back and Alison left midfield. The girls made a bright start and Nicky scored from her first attempt on goal from wide and deep on the right, her hard low shot to the far post catching the keeper unawares. Dosthill found it difficult to find their usual rhythm. Unlike the previous week our fresher legs were holding them more comfortably. Within a couple of minutes Nicky delighted our fans with a superb turn and powerful strike from 15 yards out to make it 2-0. All we had to do now was keep our defensive shape and discipline. For the rest of the half Dosthills had the better possession but seemed to lack the conviction or quality they had shown the previous week and could not make it count. Our girls defended superbly and Katie handled and kicked well.
Half time: Dosthills 0 -2 Rubery

The girls were now only 15 minutes away from their first league victory. They knew that Dosthills would come back strongly and the first two minutes were critical. And so they did and so they were. Meryl was magnificent at the heart of the defence, resisting her natural urge to tackle and simply blocking the route to goal, booting away the ball when she was shown enough of it. Emma, in unfamiliar territory, was doing the same and playing dangerous balls forward. Coral was playing her trademark long passes up to Nicky to gain much needed respite. Jo, captain for this game, worked tirelessly up and down the pitch to deny Dosthills or force them into errors. Alison, improving all the time now, closed down well and showed composure in getting short passes on to Nicky. Katie who was solid between the sticks was producing good quality kicks out of hand to put Dosthill’s defenders under pressure and finding themselves having to concede throw-ins in dangerous areas. A reminder to them that we were still looking to get a third. Dosthills piled on the pressure in a desperate attempt to get back in the game but were frustrated time and again by Rubery’s determination and sheer refusal to give way. As the clock wore down there were some jittery moments as the girls tired and began to make mistakes but the ball ran kindly for us in the end and it was no more than the girls deserved for a disciplined, hard working performance, punctuated by Nicky’s little bits of magic. The girls came off at the end exhausted, physically and a perhaps little emotionally too as they appeared to make no particular fuss over what they had just incredibly achieved.

Full time: Dosthills 0 -2 Rubery

03/02/07 Game Two

Rubery 1 - 3 Holy Souls Foxes

After a short break of a few minutes our tired girls now faced a fresh Holy Souls who had previously beaten us on numerous occasions. Another severe test. The Foxes started the brighter and threatened with speculative strikes on goal. Ironically that allowed Coral to put in long goal kicks to put the Foxes back in their own half. But they soon came back and a miscued clearance set up a chance for Foxes which they put away clinically with a powerful strike. It looked then as though tiredness would cost us this game. But then Nicky got hold of the ball just inside the halfway line, swept past three defenders and struck one of her right footed curlers off the outside of the boot and in off the near post. A brilliant solo goal that stunned the Foxes and lifted our girls. From then Rubery defended with better discipline. A harmless looking shot then deceived Katie as, unusually for her, she palmed it into her own net when she seemed to have the situation under control. Half time: Holy Souls 2-1 Rubery

The girls still believed they could win or at least draw this game but knew they could n’t afford to concede again. Much of the half saw the two teams cancelling each other out, the main strikers effectively marked out of it. The Foxes won corners and got in shots but they were mostly well wide of the mark. Anything more threatening was dealt competently by Meryl in her quiet authoritive manner. Nicky went closest for us with a long range effort that just failed to hit the right hand post, on this occasion putting a little bit too much swerve on it. Alison continued to grow in confidence as she controlled the ball well before trying to thread balls through to Nicky.
Nicky was being mass marked and so Emma and Jo took good advantage to get space on the right from long passes out from Coral but their first time strikes or passes lacked the power or accuracy they intended. Surprisingly Rubery applied more pressure as the girls got more tired and a second goal looked to be achievable, despite some solid defending from the Foxes.
Then a terrible lapse at the back gave it all away. Just a simple clearance was needed but we failed to get the ball to safety. The Foxes gratefully accepted the gift to make it 3-1. Rubery then enjoyed a good spell of pressure with numerous throw ins and corners but the Foxes were getting their bodies in the way of everything. It was admirable defending. Coral blasted in a couple of hard low corners and had two chances to score from rebounds that she would normally expect to put away but her tired feet failed to get a clean connection. The final whistle came too soon in one respect but the girls were relieved to hear it in another. Disappointing to lose on elementary mistakes after the good work shown against Glebe and Dosthills. A stronger defensive performance from the Foxes gave them a deserved victory.

Final score: Holy Souls 3 – 1 Rubery

Team: Morris, Wood E, Thomas, Smith, Price, Rush, Wood N

Overview
Another good day for Rubery. The girls built on their improvement in the previous week, achieving their first league victory. It came sooner than their manager expected and was achieved with a weakened squad. All the girls are improving but Alison in particular benefited from 60 minutes of continuous intense football. As well as defensive progress we have also put in another two goal performance. Other teams are now starting to take notice of how much the girls have improved. The downside again – not coping well with the second game when it comes immediately after the first. The physical effort put in and emotional effects of securing the first win probably took their toll but the fact remains the girls need to get physically and mentally stronger, which they no doubt will do as they get more experience.

Finally – a special mention for Katie. After 12 months of picking lots of balls out of the back of lots of nets and at the same time keeping our scores respectable she has finally got a clean sheet. Well done Katie!
 

Saturday 27 January 2007 at Glebe Farm FC
First game
Glebe Farm 1 (0) – 0 (0) Rubery

Having been thrashed 6-0 and 8-0 previously by the runaway champions (who have still not conceded a goal all season) it might have been sensible to expect another heavy defeat. But that was not the game plan for Rubery. With an eight 8 girl squad and so opportunity for substitutions, as well as Nicky returning from a lay off, we set out to defend in depth and hit Glebe on the break. Glebe soon got into their stride but were surprised by Rubery’s tactics and were finding it difficult to put together clean forward passes. They were further surprised by Nicky’s quality as she latched onto a defensive clearance to fire in a first time volley that was only just wide of the right hand post. Meryl in her deep central defensive position followed her orders to the letter to keep the defence sound. Sam at right back was like a terrier and bulldog combined as she won the physical battle as well as the ball. Coral on the left flank got in her share of tackles as well. Emma, Jo, Click and Nicky worked hard and were rotated every 5 minutes or so to keep them fresh with the back three unchanged. Glebe were gradually confined to shooting from bad angles or positions that led to a string of goal kicks. Coral hit long and accurate balls deep into Glebe’s half that Nicky, attended by two or three defenders, brought down skilfully or got on the end of to force corners and throw ins. Some of it was so called “Wimbledon” football but it was very effective. Glebe cottoned on to what we were doing but were failing to deal with it. At the same time Click, Emma and Jo produced excellent movement and support play, running deep and wide to take defenders out of the action to leave Nicky to weave her magic, so we could say a bit of “Italy” to go with it.
Half time came with the girls feeling comfortable and sensing a shock could be on the cards. Half time: Glebe Farm 0-0 Rubery

The second half saw Glebe step up their work rate as well as make a better effort of containing Nicky. That changed the complexion of the game and Rubery now came under intense pressure. The girls showed great belief and weathered the early storm. Glebe’s quality began to come through but they were not finishing with their usual aplomb, perhaps unsettled by Rubery’s tremendous discipline in closing down quickly and generally getting bodies in the way. Glebe almost got through when the ball hit the post only to run along the goal line to the opposite post before being scrambled away. At that moment Rubery sensed this could be their day. More great balls from Coral to Nicky put Glebe on the back foot but their defenders did their job well. A most unfortunate decision then went against Rubery. A ball was struck fiercely into the top of Coral’s arm from no more than two feet away. The whole crowd (much to Glebe’s credit) were astonished by the penalty decision. Katie almost produced a fantastic save as she pushed away a fiercely struck shot to her left only to see it go in off the post. The penalty stirred our girls into action. In the last minute Nicky picked up the ball 20 yards out, shook off and went past two strong defenders and got in a shot that looked to be bound for the far post but a desperate tackle from a quick thinking Glebe player just got a toe on it to send it spinning away off the near post for a corner. So close to pulling off a remarkable result. The Glebe girls and their supporters sportingly gave our girls a big round of applause at the end - that tells the story for Rubery and tells us a lot also about Matt and his u14 girls at Glebe Farm FC. Without doubt our best performance so far and the girls were rightly proud. Although Glebe thought themselves lucky to win it we do have to be honest – they did produce more quality and still might have got a goal at some point if the penalty had not been awarded.
Final score: Glebe Farm 1 – 0 Rubery
Team: Morris, Singleton, Thomas, Smith, Price, Steward, Wood E, Wood N

Saturday 27 January 2007 at Glebe Farm FC
Second game
Dosthills 4 (1) – 2 (1) Rubery

Encouraged by the Glebe game, the girls asked if we could keep the same shape in this game. We did and for 5 minutes or so were having to defend against Dosthills who were playing some neat passing football. With better finishing they might have gone 1-0 up. The girls were looking tired. Against the run of play we went 1-0 up as Nicky latched onto a loose ball and struck a first time shot that was going just wide but was fortuitously deflected into the net by Dosthills keeper. Dosthills responded immediately and Rubery found themselves penned in for much of the half. A speculative shot fooled Katie as the strong wind took it just away from her hands. Nicky gave Dosthills a sharp reminder that she was still a major threat with a run on goal but miscued her shot straight at the keeper. Half time: Dosthills 1- 1 Rubery

The girls were tired but went out after the break thinking they could win it by keeping it tight at the back and thinking Nicky was bound to get through at some point. Unfortunately it was not to be. Tired legs led to lapses in concentration and Dosthills took good advantage to go 2-1 and then 3-1 up, albeit one of the goals a little fortunate via the gathering force of the wind.
Time again to show what the girls were made of. Nicky produced another moment of magic, striking a 25 yard half volleyed curler with the outside of her right foot that started out straight towards the keeper and ended up just inside the right hand post. The girls then put Dosthills under pressure to get the equaliser but as often happens it was the opposition who got the benefit from a neat counter attack to make it 4-2.
Dosthills deserved their victory but the girls realised they had competed on level terms with very tired legs. Final score: Dosthills 4-2 Rubery

Overview
A good day for Rubery. First, the girls have achieved the season’s prime objective – to be able to get onto a pitch knowing they can compete on level terms against good teams and good players. Second, they scored two goals in one day for the first time.
Still a long way to go in terms of technical skills but the girls continue to improve across all fronts.
The downside – we have not coped well with the second game when it comes immediately after the first, although being short on numbers and quality of opposition were big factors.

Saturday 9 December 2006 at Glebe Farm FC
First game
Kingshurst 4 (3) – 0 (0) Rubery

The day started badly for Rubery with traffic problems causing late arrivals, no time for a warm up and fielding only 6 girls in unfamiliar positions. Not surprisingly the girls were caught cold, going 1-0 down within a minute and 2-0 shortly after. It was a case of damage limitation as a good Kingshurst side, who had previously beaten us 7-1 with our full squad, used the extra girl cleverly to put Rubery under sustained pressure. Katie made good saves to keep the score respectable. It was a relief to go in at half time only 3-0 down. Half time: Kingshurst 3-0 Rubery

The second half saw an outstanding performance from the girls who now stepped up their work rate and stuck to simple defensive disciplines. They weathered the early onslaught from Kingshurst and started to look comfortable. Katie came to the rescue occasionally when the opposition broke through. As the game wore on Rubery grew in confidence and put more attacking moves together. Meryl who had moved into midfield had a great run down the left, surprising herself as much as the crowd. Click and Jo got shots in to put a doubt in Kingshurst’s mind and take away their momentum. As Rubery became more adventurous it left gaps to be exploited and inevitably Kingshurst took advantage to make it 4-0.
The girls came off to warm applause from appreciative parents who realised they had just witnessed a magnificent effort.
Final score: Kingshurst 4 – 0 Rubery
Team: Morris, Ball, Thomas, Smith, Price, Steward

Saturday 9 December 2006 at Glebe Farm FC
Second game
Glebe Farm 8 (3) – 0 (0) Rubery

With just a short break the girls now had to face mission impossible against champions elect Glebe Farm who had previously beaten us 6-0. We now had a full 7 girl team with Emma arriving late. Meryl played midfield in an attempt to cut off the supply to Glebe’s prolific strikers and was generally successful. Emily and Coral got in important tackles and played good passes forward. Emma used her fresh legs to get back quickly to prevent runs on goal. But Glebe had too much quality up front and scored more or less at will against our girls who were feeling the effects of the first game and lack of substitutes. That was despite more good saves from Katie who was desperately unlucky with two parries as Glebe’s quick thinking strikers followed in. Attacking wise, it was difficult for Click and Jo against a team who had not conceded a goal all season and were defending resolutely. Nevertheless they stuck at it. The final whistle came as a relief to a set of exhausted players who had simply been outplayed.
Team: Morris, Ball, Thomas, Smith, Price, Steward, Wood E.
Overview
Despite the heavy defeats the watching parents knew we saw something special here today. The first 5 minutes against Kingshurst were woeful and in the difficult circumstances they found themselves in it would have been easy for the girls to have caved in. The word “character” is over used and often misused. It definitely applied here. We saw courage, determination and pride which at some point in the not too distant future will bring its rewards.

Saturday 2 December 2006 11am at Baytree Farm
Rubery Girls      4         Bournville Pumas (U12)     2   ( Wood E. 2, Smith C., Wood N. )
This was a 11 a side friendly played on the minor pitch over 2 x 25 minute periods ( shortened due to delayed kick off) . Meryl and Sam were missing through illness and Kirsty and Click were unable to play due to other commitments. Rubery fielded three new players (u-12) – Zoe Gregory and twins Georgia and Sian Peal. Bournville had requested the game to get more experience against our older and stronger girls and to try out new players. Previous games in September and October had ended 2-2 and then 6-2 in Rubery’s favour but with so many changes in personnel on both sides the outcome was unpredictable.
First half
The Pumas had the better of the early exchanges, driving Rubery back towards their own goal. Rubery’s makeshift back four of Emily, Coral, Zoe and Laura cleared their lines well. Sian and Georgia in their wide midfield positions got back well to help our full backs and generally unsettled the Pumas. Gradually Nicki and Emma in central midfield started to get to balls first and then played quick passes forward to Alison wide on the left and Jo at centre forward. Jo won a corner on the right which Coral stuck powerfully across the six yard box. Nicki controlled it on her chest and her volley brought a good save from the ‘keeper. Emma was alert to the rebound and finished calmly and firmly to score her first of the season.
Bournville came back strongly but Rubery were now looking more comfortable and were able to outmuscle the Pumas. They occasionally got through into striking range but Katie was again in good form. She pulled off a great save with her feet, just edging the ball wide of the post after a fine sequence of play from Bournville. Nicki was now controlling the play in midfield, switching play quickly from right to left with 30 yard passes out to Alison who was again showing good progress, using her pace to get to balls first and playing simple effective passes to supporting players. Emily and Laura were also getting good passes forward down the flanks. Georgia and Sian diligently held back to secure the defence unless they were encouraged by Coral to get forward. Nicki cleverly put one ball beyond the central defenders, begging Emma to run into the space. Emma produced one of her “turbo drive” bursts of pace to get there first and drove towards goal, lobbing the goalie for a fine second goal. Half time Rubery 2-0 Bournville
Second half
With one eye on next season’s u-14, Rubery made changes at half time, putting Sian and Georgia in the back four with Zoe and Emily. That put four youngsters ( all from the same school) in the back four. Coral and Laura moved into midfield and they both soon got into the attack. Coral soon dribbled her way into the 18 yard box but she was unable to get in a telling cross to the maraudering band of players who had hoped to get on the end of it. The gamble backfired as Bournville countered quickly and soon got the ball and five players on the edge of Rubery’s penalty box. Clever passing and use of the “girl over” produced an opening that was taken well to put Bournville back in the game.
At this point young Lindsay came on for Emma (to the light hearted relief of her dad who apparently before kick off had recklessly promised a hefty reward in the event of a hat trick – she had not scored since May so he thought he was safe).
Rubery responded positively and soon got forward to put Bournville under pressure. Coral latched on to a through ball about 25 yards out, dribbled on to goal and coolly slotted home Rubery’s third. Bournville tried hard to get back in the game but were thwarted time and again by solid defensive work from Emily, Sian, Georgia and Zoe. Not just sound defending but good passing out from the back as well, a very mature performance by the youngsters. On one occasion a sequence of six neat passes saw the ball carried from Zoe as last girl to Alison on the half way line and then to Coral to set up a typical dribbling run and cross.  Rubery were building up a head of steam and creating chances to score. Alison started to see more of the ball on the left and was unlucky with one attempt that was stopped on the goal line. Lindsay fired in a shot but too near to the keeper. Laura was enjoying the freedom of the attacking momentum and got in a rare shot that just could not find a way past the number of bodies that were in the way. It was a spirited effort from the the Pumas who themselves also were getting players forward quickly and were dangerous at all times in possession. They were often frustrated by the offside trap but there was always a serious threat. They were unlucky on a couple of occasions, hitting the post and sending a shot just wide, but as with Bournville’s keeper, great credit to Katie who showed great presence to make life difficult for the oncoming forwards. Eventually Rubery’s extra pace told as Nicky burst into the penalty area with her familiar look of intent and hit a fine shot across the keeper just inside the left hand post. Shortly afterwards Jo produced a great piece of skill on the half way line. A ball was played to her at good pace from the back – she controlled it with her heel through her legs, turning quickly at the same time and accelerated towards goal, leaving defenders in her wake. She drove into the box but was unlucky to pull her shot just wide of the right hand post. That would have capped a fine overall performance in which her link play was excellent. Bournville again came back at Rubery. Another flowing move saw the ball switched from right to left and back again and onto the edge of the box. A fine piece of composure and clinical finish just inside the far post was warmly appreciated by the whole crowd. That was effectively the last action as the final whistle sounded just after the restart.

Overview
Once again it was a fascinating contest between the strength of Rubery and the better quality of Bournville that made for an entertaining game. Missed opportunities at both ends and still plenty of goals tells the story. On this occasion the extra yard of pace from Rubery tipped the scales in our favour but the most pleasing outcome is that both teams have benefited from the “trilogy” of games so far.
The positives for Rubery: (i) excellent debuts by Zoe, Georgia and Sian who together with Emily, Laura and Nicki are six players who are eligible for u-14 next season as the older girls move up an age band (ii) we were missing key players in key positions and the girls adapted remarkably well (iii) more players are now threatening to score.

Thanks to
Gary, Graham and all from Bournville for another good game. Let’s hope we can play again in 2007.
James Busk for refereeing and Peter Wood for fetching the keys!
Team: Morris, Ball, Eaton, Smith C, Gregory, Wood N, Wood E, Peal S., Peal G., Price, Rush. Sub. Smith L.

Saturday 18 November 2006  11.45am at Gorse Farm Park, Marston Green

Marston Green  4 – 1 Rubery     (Wood N)

This was an 11 a side friendly played over 2 x 30 minute periods. Jo was unable to play due to other commitments. Marston had requested the game to give their younger u-12 girls experience against older and physically stronger opponents whilst Rubery looked to get more experience against a good quality side.

First half

Rubery were playing against a strong wind and a slope and soon came under pressure, spending most of the first 10 minutes camped in or around their own box. Marston could not make their possession count as Rubery surprised them with timely tackles and clearances and generally kept their defensive discipline with Meryl at the heart of it. Emily and Coral were kept busy at full back. Sam was enjoying herself at centre back and got in several decisive tackles. Fortune smiled on Rubery when a cross shot hit the post and somehow stayed out and then was kept out in the frantic scramble that followed. Katie was ever alert and made a good save. It was great defending but the constant pressure eventually told and Marston took a deserved lead. Rubery then got more into the game. Emma, a late arrival, was now on the pitch and made her presence felt. Kirsty used her pace to get to balls first to relieve the pressure. Laura got in her customary tackles. Paige showed her usual quality when they she got on the ball. Nicky had a great run down the left flank and looked certain to score as she closed in on goal but shot just wide of the near post. Click found herself in a good position to score but the ball bobbled away to deny a clean strike. By half time Marston had enjoyed most of the play and were probably disappointed with the scoreline but Rubery were looking relatively comfortable at only 1-0 down and looking forward to playing the second half down the slope and with the wind. Half time Marston Green 1 -0  Rubery

The wind and slope gave the girls an immediate lift. Passes and clearances forward now became longer and more threatening. Too long sometimes as the ball ran on to the ‘keeper, frustrating Paige and Emma who were on the prowl for the through ball. Nicky started to get a lot of possession, either from passes out from Coral on the left or from Emily on the right. Click showed aggression on the left to win balls or close down. Alison was having her best game so far, generally making a nuisance of herself and trying to pass the ball on. Laura produced one of her specials, winning three tackles in the space of five seconds to keep up the momentum. At the same time the game was opening up for Marston who were now putting together good passing sequences. Despite their fine approach play Marston at this point still seemed to lack the final quality ball or strike, many of their attacks ending up harmlessly in Katie’s safe hands. Katie herself kicked out well to set attacks in motion. A breakaway goal always looked on the cards for Rubery so it was no real surprise when Paige finally found enough time and space to deliver one of her quality through balls. Nicky timed her run to perfection to beat the offside trap and slipped the ball neatly past the advancing goalkeeper. Up to this point Marston had enjoyed more possession but had not really produced many clear cut chances. Rubery now had the chance to make their physical advantage count. However it all went quickly wrong as Marston got back in front almost immediately. Rubery now committed more girls forward.  Coral delivered a couple of useful corners that produced goal scoring chances for Nicki and Click but they could not get enough power or direction into it. Rubery were leaving big gaps between defence and midfield and so were constantly vulnerable to a quick counter. Marston were quick to see it and attacked with some variety, down both flanks and through the middle. Emily found herself up against two players most of the time and Coral, now struggling with the effects of her illness, was beginning to tread water at left back. Rubery suddenly looked vulnerable but even so it was disappointing when the third goal went in, effectively killing the game at that point. Nevertheless Paige and Nicky now stepped up the pace and took turns to run at the Marston defence. Nicky got in a couple of useful crosses but the incoming players were too far behind the play. Paige was unlucky after dribbling in to the right hand edge of the six yard box but miscued her cross shot tamely and straight to the keeper. By now the gaps were getting bigger as our midfield girls left themselves stranded when the attacking moves broke down. The back four were up against it and eventually conceded a fourth. Marston were good enough to take advantage of Rubery’s naïve generosity.

Overview

The girls have again made progress. They withstood an onslaught fairly well in the first half and created chances to score that on another day could have surprised their opponents. The girls gave it away in the latter stages by abandoning basic disciplines in a brave attempt to get a second goal, but full credit to Marston whose extra quality and experience told in the end.

Thanks to: Tony, Janice and all at Marston for a good learning experience for our girls, and to Haydn for taking the flag.

Team:  Morris, Ball, Thomas, Singleton, Smith C, Smith K, Ferguson, Eaton, Wood N, Wood E, Rush, Steward.  Roll on / off applied and young Smith L was also a late sub.

11/11/06
Dosthills 3 – 1 Rubery ( C Smith)

This game was part of a cup competition on a league table format with Dosthills looking to secure their passage into the final. Rubery soon came under pressure as Dosthills peppered the Rubery goal area but Meryl and Emily (back in action after her toe operation) defended resolutely, keeping their discipline well. Nicky and Emma in midfield worked hard as usual. Click and Alison up front made a nuisance of themselves to prevent Dosthills getting their defenders into play. Coral and Jo came on for Meryl and Emma and also worked hard, Emma producing a brave header that caught the crowd’s eye. Coral kicked good balls forward and Jo made her presence felt in attack and defence. Nicky had a surging run forward on the right but could not get in a clean shot. Shortly afterwards a similar run on the left produced a cross shot from a wide angle.
Despite the pressure from Dosthills, Rubery were looking comfortable so it was disappointing to concede a goal from a relatively safe position, a failure to clear lines at the first opportunity being punished by Dosthills with a neat finish. Half time: Dosthills 1-0 Rubery

Rubery started the second half in good spirits expecting to put Dosthills under pressure with a strong wind slightly in their favour. However it was Dosthills who benefited from the elements when a fine shot on goal from distance that would normally have carried over the bar just held back and dropped under the bar, taking Katie by surprise. A great goal from Dosthills point of view but a little unfortunate for Rubery. Nevertheless Rubery were still playing well and got good balls forward. Meryl and Emma came back on, replacing Alison and Click and trying their luck up front. Meryl produced a great cross for Jo who had got forward quickly from midfield but was just denied by the advancing keeper who was alert to the danger. Nicky and Jo won a lot of ball in midfield and got forward in search of a breakthrough goal. That left spaces to counter which Dosthills constantly did skilfully with threatening attacks with 3 on 2 or 2 on 1 situations. Emily and Coral got great tackles in at the back and quickly set up counter attacks. When they failed Katie was there to tidy things up. Eventually Dosthills got through, this time Rubery failing to close down the advancing forward and allowing a clear shot on goal. Once again a lapse in discipline costing them dearly, but again a fine goal from Dosthills viewpoint. Rubery now showed their character and stepped up their game. From an ordinary looking position wide on the left Meryl threw the ball back to Coral who had come up to join the attack. Controlling the ball on her chest she invited a tackle before sidestepping the advancing defender and hitting a powerful left footed shot over the heads of several players and into the roof of the net, a contender for goal of the season. That stunned Dosthills and encouraged Rubery but it came too late to make a difference.

Overview
A good game with good goals, Dosthills ( who have now reached the final of this competition) having the extra bit of experience and quality to win it. A good performance by our girls with big plus points. Every player made a good contribution. Concentration and skill levels still improving, attacking the ball beginning to appear more frequently. Most significantly, the ability to get on top of a decent team for more than short spells.

04/11/06

U-14 friendly at Fox Hollies Leisure Centre
Holy Souls Foxes 2- 1 Rubery (N Wood)
Another close game between these two sides. Rubery scored in the first minute but Foxes took their subsequent chances better than Rubery.

30/09/2006

Sutton B 1 – 1 Rubery Girls (C Steward)

Rubery played well and got their first league goal and point. Might have nicked it at the end but we failed to take our chances.

Rubery 0 -6 Sutton A

An injury to our goalie at 1-0 down more or less sealed our fate against strong opposition. The girls finished strongly and despite being 6-0 down had three chances to score in the closing minutes.

Saturday 16 September 2006 at Glebe Farm, Stechford

The girls made their league debut, playing two games on the day as per the regular format. Rubery fielded a nine girl squad, roll on / roll off applying.

Kingshurst (2) 5 -0 Rubery

Having been beaten 9-1 earlier in season by Kingshurst u-12’s, this was never going to be easy for Rubery. Kingshurst pressed immediately but Rubery withstood the pressure well. An unfortunate misunderstanding at the back led to the first goal and a simple mistake led to the second. Otherwise Rubery defended in a disciplined manner. On the attacking side Click made positive runs down the left and Rubery won their fair share of throw ins but could not make them count. All in all a decent first half. Half time score: Kingshurst 2-0 Rubery

The second half was disappointing. Rubery were punished for lapses in concentration. The good news is that all three goals were easily avoidable by basic disciplines that were not followed but should be capable of being put right. Full time score: Kingshurst 5-0 Rubery

Rubery 0 -2 (2) Holy Souls Foxes

Rubery approached this game in a positive frame of mind, sensing a chance of victory but at least aiming for a clean sheet. It soon went wrong with some sloppy defensive marking, the Foxes taking their chance well. Despite some promising play from Rubery, there was a general failure to attack good balls played into the danger zone. A bad choice of pass (15 yards across the middle of the park to an opponent instead of a simple 5 yard pass back to the thrower) gifted the opportunity to Foxes to punish Rubery again. Jo came closest to scoring with a right footer. Half time score: Rubery 2-0 HS Foxes

Despite being 2-0 down the girls sensed they could get back into it. The second half saw some good end to end attacking football from both sides. Coral seemed to be everywhere in the thick of the action. Emily made threatening runs down the right. Meryl, Emma and Laura got tackles in. Click fired in a series of dangerous corners that begged for a strike on goal. Jo chased back to prevent a goal. Alison was warming to the task, seeing much more of the ball than she had in her debut during the week. There were some scary moments for both teams as Rubery pressed and Foxes countered. Katie pushed a powerful shot over the bar. The final whistle came too soon for Rubery.

Overview

The girls have again made further progress. The injuries sustained to Emma, Click and Laura hampered them – but that is something they have to get used to. The roll on / roll off policy did affect our balance and cost us goals but we will stick with it for long term benefit. Overall we got what we expected and wanted from this experience – harsh lessons. On the plus side the occasional defensive lapses do show that the girls are getting nearer to the point where conceding goals is optional – all that is required is the will to maintain discipline for the whole 15 or 30 minutes – 13 or 26 is not good enough.

Highlights

Katie – more good saves and kicking, and clever rolls out.

Emily – powerful runs down the right.

Coral – all action display, good headers and passing

Meryl – solid tackles and clearances

Emma – neat touches, brave play despite her injury

Alison – got more involved this time

Laura – harassed the opposition into errors

Click – positive runs, powerful corners

Jo – improved movement, great chase back to prevent goal