Football: after elimination from the Coupe de France, the Ruthénoises want to bounce back in the league

“Beyond taking the three points, we have to redeem ourselves for the poor performance against Yzeure. For us, for those who follow us, for the image we have given.” The tone for the pre-match is set by the Rafettes coach, Mathieu Rufié, before the reception of Nîmes, Sunday March 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Paul-Lignon.

After sharing the points on the lawn of Thonon-Evian (2-2), the Ruthénoises saw their adventure in the Coupe de France come to an end last week, being beaten on their land by the Yzeuréennes (1-0), who deprived them of a place in the last four. Can this defeat, against another Division 2 team, have an impact on the morale of Cance and her teammates, ideally placed in the race for the elite when approaching the last third of the season? Or on the contrary, would it be a blessing in disguise, between a booster shot for a team undefeated in the league for 11 games and the opportunity to now focus on a single objective?

“Don’t care about others”

A beginning of response is provided by the coach: “I don’t think it left any traces. The girls quickly switched to Nîmes. We have to start moving forward again this Sunday. The content was largely insufficient against Yzeure on all counts.”

Despite everything, this day did not bring only bad news to the Aveyronnaises, since, at the same time, their runner-up, Nice, lost to Albi-Marssac (2-1) in a late match. Result, the blood and gold still have their five points ahead of the Niçoises, six days from the end. Or at least a joker for the partners of Sofia Guellati, who still have to go to Montauban (3rd) and Nice. “We must not take care of the others, we are in front and we have six games left”tempers Rufié.

Lamontagne still absent for several weeks

When approaching the home straight, the reception of the 9th must not give way to waste. It is imperative to take the three points, especially at home. The Nîmes had given a hard time in the first leg by forcing the leader to share the points (1-1) in the heart of a month of October which had been delicate for the Aveyronnaises. The local coach expects a difficult game with the ambition to attack hard to undermine the opponent who is just above the relegation zone. “At home, it was complicated. The Nîmes took most of their points at home. They will hang on, it’s up to us to get off to a good start”he warns.

Mathieu Rufié will not be able to count on the services of his top scorer, Alexandria Lamontagne, still absent due to injury and away from the field for several more weeks. Flavie Grocq and Louise Cid are also missing for the reception of the Nîmes. For the rest, the entire workforce is operational, at a time when the Rafettes approach the end of a season which could see them regain their place in the elite.

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