THIS WEEKEND - SAT 2 JANUARY

Hi All

There is no training on Friday night.

This Saturdays fixture will now take place on the Christleton 4G at 10am KO (so 09:40 arrival). I have left them a message to book the pitch due to all this wet weather! Just in case we get there and it's not available can the lads bring their boots as well as trainers, as the Waverton pitches will be free but muddy. 

We will take the whole squad and rotate as we did last night as this is just a friendly match against Tarvin, and the league doesn't start again until next weekend.

Next weekend we will pick up with the team that was postponed V Nomads before Xmas unless anyone isn't available.

Happy new year!

Rob 

MATCH REPORT - WEDS 30 DECEMBER

ROCKETS 2 : 1 TARVIN ATHLETIC

A really solid performance and super result against a good Tarvin side with a few talented lads. 

We played 7-side for only the second time and this suited us as we were able to rotate a few positions with both Charlie and William going into midfield for periods. 

The game was very even but we got ahead from a set piece when George whipped in a left footed cross which Zac got onto at the back stick. A nice goal against his old club!

In the second period Tarvin moved up a gear with one of their academy lads in particular starting to dominate. We defended really well, got our tackles and blocks in but were undone by a great corner and point blank header which Hugo got hands to and nearly kept out. 

Before the final period we talked about getting closer more quickly to their better players and not diving into tackles and this really paid off. We defended brilliantly and going forward we always looked a threat on the break. We scored a deserved goal when Harry broke up the play on the left side before beating a couple of players and firing into the bottom corner. Another great goal. 

The low scoreline, bearing in mind we played 45 minutes, showed that this was a high quality encounter with both teams trying to play and do the right thing. 

Hugo kept us in the game on a number of occasions, not least an unbelievable save in the final minutes which meant we took the victory. Hugo was named MOTM. 

Well done to everyone. We are now unbeaten in two months!

Thanks
Rob

MATCH - WEDS 30TH DECEMBER

Hi all

The match tomorrow is confirmed V Tarvin.  

18:30 KO (so 18:15 arrival) at Christleton High School 4G – so trainers please.

Team as follows:

Hugo
William
Harry
Alex
Rory
Charlie
George
Zac
Will B

Bailey – if you feel like playing after the flight back from USA then just turn up.

Fin - I think you are away but again if free just turn up.

Thanks

Rob

XMAS & NEW YEAR SCHEDULE

Hi all

Training is on this Friday 18th December at County offices, pitch 3. This will be the last training session of the year!

Thanks for the response for the Wednesday 30th December friendly V Tarvin. This game is now confirmed at 18:30pm KO at Christleton High School 4G - so trainers please.

The first match of 2016 will be Saturday 2nd January against Tarvin at 9am HOME at the Waverton Pitches. We won't train on New Years day (Friday night). Please let me know if anyone is not available.

See you Friday...

Thanks
Rob

TRAINING & MATCHES CANCELLED - SAT 12 DEC

Both training and matches are cancelled this weekend.


Message from Club Chairman:

Dear all

Due to the bereavement of a senior club representative we have decided to cancel games involving Waverton this weekend as a mark of respect.

This decision has been made following discussion with the Chester and District Junior Football league committee. I am advised that the league will write to clubs but, given the timing, I felt it important to share this with you as soon as I possibly could.

Regards, Julian

(Tel. 07561577609)

THIS WEEKEND - SAT 12 DEC

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45 on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. We can talk on Friday but we CAN train on Friday 19th Dec if we want to - perhaps get some mini games going V Arrows if they are up for it...

We have a match as follows:

SATURDAY 12 DEC at 09:00 KO (so 08:30 arrival) V CHESTER NOMADS at HOME at Waverton Pitches.

Team 

Hugo (g)

Bailey (c)

Zac

Rory

Harry

George

William

Finlay

Rested

Will B

Alex

Thanks

Rob

MATCH CANCELLED - SAT 5 DEC

Hi all

*MATCH CANCELLED*

Unfortunately Ellesmere Port just cried off saying their pitch is waterlogged! – I asked to switch to our place but they didn’t want to, so it’s probably something else! Maybe they heard we were unbeaten in November?!

At this late stage I’ve been unable to get another game as everyone else is sorted – so enjoy your lie ins.

Training is ON tonight as usual.

Thanks

Rob

THIS WEEKEND - SAT 5 DECEMBER

AMENDMENT TO KO TIME - NOW 10:30am

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45 on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3.

I am away with work but Paul is there for training & the match. 

We have a match as follows:

SATURDAY 5 DEC at 10:30 KO (so 10:00 arrival) V ELLESMERE PORT, AWAY at:

Whitby Sports and Social Club

Dunkirk Lane

Chester Road

Ellesmere Port

CH65 6QF

Team (7 v 7)

Hugo (g)

Bailey (c) (MOTM saved a rest week!!)

Rory

Alex

Will B

Charlie

Harry

George

William

Finlay

Rested

Zac

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP so we can offer up the places to those rested.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 28 NOV

ROCKETS 2 : 1 GROVES FC

A well deserved win and a fine comeback this morning which keeps our great run going. The boys played well throughout and we looked pretty comfortable and in control of the game, other than a couple of moments when Groves broke through with individual runs.

The first quarter we went in at 0:0. When we did pass the ball we were able to create chances and we had a lot more attempts than Groves.

In the second quarter Groves introduced a big lad who was pretty keen in his tackling. He managed to score courtesy of a push in the back on Alex which the referree failed to spot! 

The final two quarters we played really well and we got the ball moving much quicker. Our pressure told with a good move which found Rory 15 yards out who smashed it into the top left corner. 

We knew the game was there for the taking and we started to dominate the match. As we pressed for the winner our defenders were able to step up further and find the midfield with really composed passing. 

A brilliant passing move involving Zac, Harry and Bailey resulted in Bailey hitting the winner. Bailey then came back into defence as we "parked the bus" and held on for the victory.

Bailey was MOTM this week for his non-stop running, tackling, skills and intensity. It was a display Jurgen Klopp would have enjoyed! 

Thanks to all.

TRAINING & MATCH - SAT 28 NOV

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45 on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3.

We have a match as follows:

SATURDAY 28 NOV at 09:00 KO (so 08:30 arrival) V Groves at HOME at Waverton Pitches;

Team

Hugo (g)
Zac (c)
Rory
Alex
Will B
Bailey
Charlie
Harry
William

Rested

Finlay
George 

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP so we can offer up the places to those rested.

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***

For the final two games before Xmas those to be rested are as follows – so if others can’t play please let me know and we can switch things around….

5^th December (Ellesmere Port away) - due to be rested are Bailey and Zac

12^th December (Nomads home) - due to be rested are Alex and Will B

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 21 NOV

ROCKETS 1 : 1 ELTON YOUTH

In September we played Elton Youth and it was one-way traffic in a tough 1 : 4 defeat. 

Today we completely dominated the game and took a positive result in a game which we deserved to win. 

Its not an understatement to say that we won every battle, attacked the ball and were aggressive but fair. The Elton coach said we were one of the best teams they had played, which just shows how far we've come in a very short space of time. Something has clicked in terms of passing and movement but added to that is the confidence which has come from our recent results and form. 

We started the game very well but went behind to an unstoppable shot from Elton's talented forward (ex Man U academy). 

From there on we really dominated and started to move Elton around with our play. In the third quarter the ball broke from a great move and Harry put us level with a cool finish. 

The Elton keeper somehow clawed a screamer around the post late on and stopped one on the line by sitting on the ball!

Today one player just edged the MOTM award for his desire, tackling and getting his head up to try and find the right pass. Zac is MOTM but honestly all the lads played their parts today.

It's really good to see the trust the lads now have in each other and the spirit in the squad is great. If we can keep progressing we could have a great second half to the season and going into tournaments in May. 

Again, thanks for the support from our parents and thanks also to Elton players and coaches for a terrific match.

THIS WEEKEND - SAT 21 NOV

Hi all

Please note training will be slightly earlier and shorter this week. 5:30 to 6:15 on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. Sorry about that! 

We have a match as follows:

SATURDAY 21 NOV at 10:30 KO (so 10:00 arrival) V Elton Youth at HOME at Waverton Pitches;

Team

Rory

Alex

Will B

Bailey

Charlie

Finlay

Zac

George (c)

Harry

Rested

Hugo
William 

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP so we can offer up the places to those rested.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 14 NOV

ROCKETS 5 : 3 UPTON

A decent and hard fought victory against an improving Upton side that took our last four results to two wins, one draw and one defeat. To be honest we have played better in tougher games we've taken nothing from...so we'll gladly take the result and look to improve our performance! 

At times our play was good and going forward we did look a threat and quite often we were one pass away from opening Upton up. Quite often though we didn't pass as fluently as in previous weeks, possibly due to the ankle high grass. That said, some moves when we did pass were excellent. 

After a fantastic performance last week George again was a top performer and has now added tackling back and getting stuck-in to his passing, movement and undoubted finishing. Another hat-trick and deserved MOTM award. Will B got our final goal to settle the nerves at the end. 

If we can keep working on our positions, passing and space then I'm sure we can keep this good run going up to the Christmas break. We've a few tough games coming up so we will really need to "mean" our tackles over the coming weeks!

Thanks again to parents for help and support. 

TRAINING & MATCH - SAT 14 NOV

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. As many players as possible please as these are important team sessions.

We have a match as follows.

SATURDAY 14th NOV at 09:00 KO (so 8:40 arrival) V UPTON PANTHERS at HOME at Waverton Pitches;

Team

Hugo (g)

Alex
Will B
Bailey
William
Finlay (c)
Zac
George 
Harry

Rested

Charlie

Rory

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP so we can offer up the places to those rested.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 7 NOV

ROCKETS 4 : 4 ELLESMERE PORT

A brilliant result against a strong and robust Ellesmere Port team. 

In the first quarter we started a little tentatively and Hugo kept us in the match with four or five stunning saves. The Ellesmere Port pressure meant we went in after 10 minutes 0:1 down. 

From there on all the lads played brilliantly. They all put in a lot of effort and really tried to pass the ball and find space which is encouraging. 

Our fightback came from a nice finish by George after Charlie had won the ball on the right and fired it into the box.

The game in the final 20 minutes was end to end and really enjoyable to watch. Some of the tackling and individual battles were ferocious...although slightly worrying at times. In particular Bailey and Charlie did very well to keep Ellesmere Ports' talented winger under control. 

Up front George put us ahead at 3:2 and 4:3 with composed finishes and Bailey scored a screamer from a really nice short corner move. Ellesmere Port responded with a wicked free-kick and some hard shots which there wasn't much we could do about.

At 4:3 up we looked quite in control but a short corner routine led to a thunderbolt goal which was impossible to save.

Everyone played their part in this positive result. At times our play was really fluid and we can see the progress we are making. 

Finn was named MOTM this week as he put absolutely everything into the game and didn't stop running and battling away. George scored a hat-trick and will be writing to the FA to question the MOTM award! Bailey and Charlie had their best games for Waverton as well.

Thanks to both sets of parents for huge support in a game that was played in a tremendous spirit by both teams. 

TODAY'S GAME

Todays game is now at HOME at our Waverton Pitches, as EP pitch is waterlogged.

Same time, 11:30 KO.

Can parents please help Paul set up as I'll get there about 11:20ish...

TRAINING & MATCH - SAT 7 NOV

Hi all

Training (again with Robbie Mills helping) is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. As many players as possible please as these are important team sessions.

We have a match as follows (enjoy the lie-in!)

SATURDAY 7th NOV at 11:30 KO (so 11:00 arrival) AWAY at Ellesmere Port Jets

Whitby Sports & Social Club

Dunkirk Lane

Ellesmere Port

CH65 6QF

Team

Hugo (g)

Alex 

Charlie

Bailey

William

Finlay 

Rory (c) 

Zac

George 

Rested

Will B

Harry

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 31 OCT

ROCKETS 3 - 7 VICARS CROSS

A frustrating morning for the lads as we started the game where we left off in training over the last few weeks with good positions, passing and moving. This led to us completely dominating the first quarter scoring excellent goals through George, Rory and Zac. Defensively we were solid and William didn't have a save to make...

Its fair to say that after the first quarter Vicars Cross improved their tackling and passing but at the same time we perhaps thought the game was won. Our positional play went wrong, tackles became 'hanging legs' and diving in rather than real 100% tackles and our passing game deteriorated to individual running into Vicars Cross players - so its fair to say the wheels came off!

At 3-3 at half time we were still in the game but our heads had dropped and Vicars Cross sensed this and took advantage very well by moving the ball quickly and very often to their outstanding no.10 who caused us problems.

Going into the final quarter at 3-6 we did well to keep the score line down and were unlucky not to score ourselves. Harry hit a screamer which the Vicars Cross goalie saved brilliantly. Zac did well in goal making a couple of very brave saves.

MOTM was Rory who was our most effective player in terms of effort and desire.  

The manner of the loss really highlighted the need for us to pass and move so we will keep working with Robbie from this Friday at training. The fixture was always going to be tough but we proved we can match any team if we stick to what we do in training.

Its vital now that we can get as many of the lads to training as possible please.

TRAINING & MATCHES - SAT 31 OCTOBER

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. Robbie cannot make this Friday so we will work on the same drills as last week.

Match as follows:

SATURDAY 31st October at 09:00 KO (so 08:30 arrival) HOME at Waverton pitches

Rockets v Vicars Cross

Team

Zac (c)
George 
Alex
Bailey
William
Charlie
Harry
Rory

With Hugo and Will B both away we will need volunteers to play 10 mins each in goal. William will start in goal!

Rested

Hugo
Finlay
Will B

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 24 OCT

UPTON 1 : 4 ROCKETS

Our second win of the campaign after a couple of unlucky results was well deserved.

I think we all knew some good results were coming after another fantastic training session with Robbie Mills where all the lads put in a tremendous effort on a complicated drill which got the boys passing, moving and understanding space. I'm sure everyone will agree that the lads looked really sharp last Friday.

I am still awaiting the final match report from Paul but I'm told we played really well, with a strong defensive base and lots of creativity going forward. Paul commented that every one of the lads played their part and we looked really committed from the start.

We have a tough match versus Vicars Cross this weekend but following that we have some games which could result in us putting together a positive run if we can keep up the momentum.

The boys should be really pleased with our progress.

TRAINING & MATCHES - SAT 24 OCTOBER

Hi all 

Training (again with Robbie Mills helping) is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. All players please as these are important team sessions.

We have a friendly match as follows:

SATURDAY 24^th October at 09:30am KO (so 09:00 arrival) AWAY at Upton Panthers

Acresfield Primary School

Acres Lane
Upton
CH2 1LJ

Team

Hugo (g)
Alex
Will B
Bailey
William
Charlie
Harry
Finlay
Rory

Rested

Zac (MOTM last week and will captain our match on 31/10^th)
George

If anyone cannot play please let me know me know ASAP.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 17 OCT

Rockets 2 : 3 Blacon Youth

After a good training session with Robbie Mills we could see some signs this morning that we were not chasing the ball as much and we are trusting our team mates more. We will continue to work on this over the coming weeks. 

We started the game very quickly and went two up with goals scored by Zac and Bailey. At two up we looked pretty comfortable but as Blacon settled and started to move the ball we missed a few key tackles and chances to clear the ball to concede a goal which in fairness Blacon deserved. 

The game was very evenly balanced and on many occasions we looked as though we could break through the Blacon defence to get in on their goal. The huge pitch made for lots of space for both teams.

The two goals that put Blacon level and then ahead were simple errors that we can work on and eradicate in training. We know we must tackle and clear our lines from corners and goal kicks and it's fair to say both goals were very, very soft. Enough said! 

At the other end Blacon's goalie saved from Zac who was through on goal, William hit the post and Bailey just slipped as he was about to tap in. We were very unlucky not to equalise and after the errors in the third quarter we defended much better in the final 10 minutes.

The boys fought right until the end as Blacon "got stuck in" desperately breaking up our play with some boisterous tackles. The lads were disappointed but can be proud of a good performance against a team who until this week were playing a league above us. 

Thanks for great support and encouragement from parents and to Antonio for coaching support. 

TRAINING & MATCHES - SAT 17 OCTOBER

Hi all

Training (per email with Robbie Mills) is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, pitch 3. All players please as these are important sessions.

Match as follows:

SATURDAY 17^th October at 09:00am KO (so 08:30 arrival) AWAY at Blacon Youth

Dee Point Primary School
Blacon Point Road
Blacon
Chester
CH1 5NF

One match V Blacon Youth ‘A’ (recently come down from Blue division)

Team

Hugo (g)
Bailey
William (c)
Charlie
Harry
Finlay
Rory
Zac
George

Rested

Alex
Will B
*Lewis – will continue to play for Jets

If anyone cannot play either game please let me know me know ASAP.

Thanks
Rob

TRAINING WITH ROBBIE MILLS

Hi all

For the next few weeks I’m pleased to let you know that Robbie Mills of Tranmere Rovers will be helping the team and coaches at training.  This will be normal time on Fridays, 17:45 at pitch 3, County offices.

Most of the boys know Robbie from reception and u6s sessions at the Duck Pond. Robbie is a UEFA ‘A’ licence coach who works with Tranmere, local schools and clubs.

I’ve spoken to Robbie to explain we’ve some really talented and keen players and we now need to progress as a team. The focus of Robbie’s sessions will be team play, space and positions, passing and retention of the ball. The drills we learn we can take forward and continue to practise.

To make the most of these sessions we really want all the teams attendance and the boys to be focused and keen to get the most out of them. 

 

Please refer to earlier blog on practise and attitude.

 

Thanks

Rob & Paul

PRACTISE & ATTITUDE

PRACTISE

As we discussed, some of the lads struggled a little on Friday with basic ball control and passing, which makes it hard to progress the training drills to something more complex.  

I'll talk to each player individually about where we feel they can improve and what practise outside of training will help. I know most of the lads are playing football pretty much constantly at home, at school, and after matches at the weekend and this is great practise.

I have heard some great stories of lads practising at home (a good example is Hugo's work on his kicking from hands which is now brilliant).

We'd also encourage the boys to watch football - for example, Match of the Day is repeated Sunday morning or can be recorded.  

ATTITUDE

More important than performance and results is the boys attitude and behaviour at training and matches and unfortunately this fell below what we'd expect last week with a few of the boys. Silly childish behaviour makes life hard for coaches and helpers and is disrespectful to the vast majority of boys who come to training to listen, learn and progress so that we can succeed as a team.

We spoke to the boys after the Elton Youth game, and we collectively agreed that starting this coming weekend one of the main criteria for match selection will be behaviour and attitude in training sessions and at the previous weeks match.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 10 OCT

ROCKETS 1 - 4 ELTON YOUTH

The spirit, enthusiasm and desire shown by most of the lads was really good this week. Again, the score line looks very harsh in what was a very even game for long periods.

Elton came into the game having won all their games so far this season. The first quarter ended 0-0 and we looked very organised and were competitive in all positions. In the second quarter we conceded to a couple of good goals from one of Elton's better players who was allowed to run at us without us tackling him. We managed to score from a great corner kick which Elton couldn't deal with so went in after the second quarter at 1-2.

The final quarters were pretty even. We hit the post and had chances cleared off the line before Elton again scored through one of their two academy lads. Hugo was also in fine form with some good saves and excellent distribution and kicking.  

The Elton coaches felt we were one of the best organised teams they had played and also praised our set pieces from Harry and George which they struggled to deal with. With a few more shots on target from the good positions we got into then maybe we could have taken more from the game.

William was named MOTM for his attitude, tough tackling and passing from the back.

All in all this was a decent performance against a strong and competitive team. If we continue to play like this, and how we did against Blacon, then results will start to come to us.

TRAINING & MATCH - SAT 10 OCT

Hi all

Training is on as usual at 5:45pm on Friday at County Offices, Pitch 3.

Match as follows:

SATURDAY 10^th October at 09:00am (so 08:30 arrival) at HOME, Waverton Pitches

Rockets V Elton Youth

Team

Hugo (g)
Charlie
Harry (c)
Finlay
Will B
Alex
Rory
Zac
George

Rested

Bailey
William
* Lewis – will continue to play for Jets

If anyone cannot play or train please let me know ASAP.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 3 OCT

ROCKETS 4 : 2 BLACON YOUTH

Our first win of the season was richly deserved, coming after two training ground wins the night before which set us up for a great victory in the game that counts. 

The coaches and parents all agreed this was the best we have ever played. Our tackling was fair but aggressive, our passing and movement was brilliant. For the first time we had one player going to the ball and others trying to find space, calling for the ball or holding a good position. 

The goals came from Harry (2) and George (2) and really it could have been a lot more. The best goal came from a passing move from defence which released Harry down the right wing who then played a square cross to George who coolly finished.

All our players could have been MOTM but this week it went to Harry who was a constant threat playing both up front and then into midfield.

With some good players rested and ready to come back next week, this result and the style of the play really bodes well going forward. Hopefully (!!!) something has clicked regarding the positions and space.

Thanks to parents for great support again.

MATCHES - FRI 2nd and SAT 3rd OCTOBER

Hi all

Three matches this coming weekend as follows:

FRIDAY 2^rd October at 17:45 at Training Pitches (Pitch 3 County offices)

Two matches V Waverton Arrows

Team                                     Team

Hugo                                     Will B
Alex                                       William
Charlie                                  Finlay
Lewis                                     Bailey
Rory                                       Harry
George                                  Zac

SATURDAY 3^rd October at 09:00am (so 08:30 arrival) at HOME, Waverton Pitches

One match V Blacon Youth

Team

Hugo
Harry
Finlay
Will B
Alex
Bailey
Zac
George
William

Rested

Rory
Lewis
Charlie

If anyone cannot play either game please let me know me know ASAP.

Thanks

Rob

MATCH REPORT - SAT 26 SEPT

Rockets 0 : 4 Chester Nomads

A score line which in no way reflected the game.

The boys went into the second quarter all square after a really solid and organised first 10 minutes. 

In the second quarter, Nomads scored following a very lucky break after our clearance hit their striker in the chest who went on to finish. 

In the third quarter we were the better team and we hit the post and the crossbar from a dipping effort from Rory which the Nomads keeper did well to tip onto the bar. We also had shots cleared off the line. Unfortunately in a rare attack down our left a tame shot just crossed the line to put us two down.

Our heads dropped a little in the last two minutes and we conceded a couple of sloppy goals as we pushed forward and left space in midfield. 

There are plenty of positives to be taken from the game. Our organisation in the first quarter and our attacking play and intent in the third quarter was encouraging. 

MOTM was Bailey who listened to us in training and worked very hard to pressurise Nomads and tried to win the ball for us. 

At times we still have two or three players going to the same ball which we need to eradicate and we will keep trying to improve this at training. We will also keep working on our re-starts from goal kicks....as while we didn't concede from this today we sometimes still go down the middle of the pitch which is dangerous.

All the boys put in good shifts and we did try to tackle hard. 

Thanks for good support from the touchline and to those who helped with setting up and taking down the goals. 


Rob