ROCKETS 2 - 1 TARVIN WHITES
The boys came up against the only other unbeaten team in our league and to be fair we did a great job overall in challenging conditions. The match was affected by the mud and bobbles and our boys coped with that better and we created three or four times more chances than Tarvin.
We had asked the boys to make tackles count and even if it was hard to play passing football on the poor pitch they showed they listened as the commitment to get to the Tarvin players, close down, track back and tackle hard was excellent. Bailey, William, Zac and Fin all did a great job in the tackling department.
Goals win games and even though Rory was up against a dogged, physical and determined defence he came away with two more goals (20 for season) and William tells us that Jamie Vardy's consecutive match record is now in real danger!
We conceded our clean sheet with the final play of the game after some decent wing play from Tarvins best player and some Mignolet and Lovrenesque defending which ended with Fin smashing it into William for a contender of own goal of the season! Nothing William could do and he wasn't (and still isn't) best pleased ha ha!
MOTM match was awarded to Fin for his athleticism and speed to get about a bad pitch which reminded us how good he is in cross country conditions! William also deserves praise for a super solid display and quick and accurate transition to our attackers.
Well done boys. After the final whistle we were all a bit flat after conceding but in hindsight we did brilliantly and are now top of league....if they showed the points!
Saturday 18 November 2017
Wednesday 15 November 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 11 NOVEMBER
ROCKETS 11 - 0 SAUGHALL BLUES
This week we played Saughall's B team and during the warm up we sensed our boys felt the match would be easy. Lots of chat about them being worse than Wildcats and how many goals we'd score etc.
It was hard to get the lads focused and we paid the price as for the first 20 minutes we huffed and puffed, held onto the ball individually, shot from stupid distances or angles and generally fluffed our lines against a 4-man defence and on a slightly narrower pitch.
It took us to switch a few players off and move Charlie and William into midfield and Alex up top (going 1 at the back with Will B) before we started to pass the ball and calm down - we then scored 3 goals to set us up for a better second half.
We don't often have to get tough with the boys but at half-time we had to ask the boys to switch on, listen to Paul and I, and get the ball moving between each other. It was pointed out that our defenders can easily take the places of midfielders if that's what it takes for us to pass the ball.
Anyway...the boys listened, said they understood and they responded really, really well so can take credit for that. Our second half display was miles better and we scored 8 really nice team goals against an unbelievably good goalkeeper! Alex got into great positions to complete his hat-trick and Charlie was superb going forward.
It was definitely a day for the defenders union with goals from Alex (3), Charlie (1), William (1), Xander (1), Bailey (1), Harry (2) and George (1) and OG (1).
MOTM went to Alex.
The boys will face much tougher games, starting this Saturday v Tarvin A, so lets hope we can keep things on track and play the game how its meant to be played. We are expecting a focused training session this Friday.
Well done, a good 2nd half response.
This week we played Saughall's B team and during the warm up we sensed our boys felt the match would be easy. Lots of chat about them being worse than Wildcats and how many goals we'd score etc.
It was hard to get the lads focused and we paid the price as for the first 20 minutes we huffed and puffed, held onto the ball individually, shot from stupid distances or angles and generally fluffed our lines against a 4-man defence and on a slightly narrower pitch.
It took us to switch a few players off and move Charlie and William into midfield and Alex up top (going 1 at the back with Will B) before we started to pass the ball and calm down - we then scored 3 goals to set us up for a better second half.
We don't often have to get tough with the boys but at half-time we had to ask the boys to switch on, listen to Paul and I, and get the ball moving between each other. It was pointed out that our defenders can easily take the places of midfielders if that's what it takes for us to pass the ball.
Anyway...the boys listened, said they understood and they responded really, really well so can take credit for that. Our second half display was miles better and we scored 8 really nice team goals against an unbelievably good goalkeeper! Alex got into great positions to complete his hat-trick and Charlie was superb going forward.
It was definitely a day for the defenders union with goals from Alex (3), Charlie (1), William (1), Xander (1), Bailey (1), Harry (2) and George (1) and OG (1).
MOTM went to Alex.
The boys will face much tougher games, starting this Saturday v Tarvin A, so lets hope we can keep things on track and play the game how its meant to be played. We are expecting a focused training session this Friday.
Well done, a good 2nd half response.
MATCH REPORT - SAT 4 NOVEMBER
SAUGHALL BLACKS 0 - 11 ROCKETS
When the coach turns up 5 minutes late and we are already 0-3 up then you know we have started quickly!!
Saughall have unfortunately lost a few talented players and the game really turned into a training exercise of attack versus defence. That said, we played with great passing accuracy and switched the ball across the pitch making runs and passes which Saughall could not cope with.
Some of the goals were excellent, particularly when our wingers (Harry, Xander and George) were able to beat players and cross into the box for finishes. We felt our decision making between running and passing was superb today and hopefully we can keep this balance right, as against better teams we cannot beat every player.
The passing from the back was great, with all our defenders getting the ball into the midfield with speed and accuracy.
The goals came from Rory (5), Xander (2), Austin (2), George (1) and Harry (1).
MOTM went to Harry who caused Saughall major issues which they could only combat by first elbowing him and then hacking him down. It was nice to see his free-kick curl into the top corner from 20 yards just on the final whistle (and caught on video!).
Well done boys. A great all round display from everyone.
When the coach turns up 5 minutes late and we are already 0-3 up then you know we have started quickly!!
Saughall have unfortunately lost a few talented players and the game really turned into a training exercise of attack versus defence. That said, we played with great passing accuracy and switched the ball across the pitch making runs and passes which Saughall could not cope with.
Some of the goals were excellent, particularly when our wingers (Harry, Xander and George) were able to beat players and cross into the box for finishes. We felt our decision making between running and passing was superb today and hopefully we can keep this balance right, as against better teams we cannot beat every player.
The passing from the back was great, with all our defenders getting the ball into the midfield with speed and accuracy.
The goals came from Rory (5), Xander (2), Austin (2), George (1) and Harry (1).
MOTM went to Harry who caused Saughall major issues which they could only combat by first elbowing him and then hacking him down. It was nice to see his free-kick curl into the top corner from 20 yards just on the final whistle (and caught on video!).
Well done boys. A great all round display from everyone.
Saturday 21 October 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 21 OCTOBER
ROCKETS 6 - 3 PRINCESS VILLA
The score maybe flatters us very slightly but it was by no means as 'controversial' as the PV coaches or parents wanted to believe; as from 3-3 we took the game away from them with a combination of fitness, speed and firepower.
In the end it could have been 8,9 or 10 as their keeper made some fine stops.
The claims for a handball or my giving a routine free-kick for playing the man before the ball were out of frustration as they are a very good team who are not used to being behind.
The boys stood up brilliantly after going one behind and Rory got us level with a trademark finish after being put through. Rory put us ahead with a mazy run and blasted finish before PV scored with the last play of the half with a brilliant header.
In the second half we totally outplayed PV after they had started brightly. Xander hit a 25 yard lob to the top corner before PV equalised. The boys continued to play intelligently and our desire to get back to rebuild each move was outstanding on a heavy pitch.
Our fourth goal really was the 'nail in the coffin' as Xander beat two players before cutting in and shooting low to the bottom corner for 4-3.
Playing on the right Harry had been in physical battle and leading up to foul against him he had frustrated the PV player by winning a shoulder to shoulder challenge. Harry then stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner for 5-3.
It was just left to Rory to compete his hat-trick running free and rounding the keeper to put the gloss on a perfect team performance.
Every single player deserves great credit. Everyone played to their full potential which is a rare thing in team sport.
MOTM went to Rory not just for another hat-trick but for playing with a cut to the head, being constantly battered by the big defenders and being the muddiest player. Other notable displays were Alex and Fin who really stepped up to the challenge and Xander for his high energy and threat.
5 wins and 1 draw. Not too bad eh?
The score maybe flatters us very slightly but it was by no means as 'controversial' as the PV coaches or parents wanted to believe; as from 3-3 we took the game away from them with a combination of fitness, speed and firepower.
In the end it could have been 8,9 or 10 as their keeper made some fine stops.
The claims for a handball or my giving a routine free-kick for playing the man before the ball were out of frustration as they are a very good team who are not used to being behind.
The boys stood up brilliantly after going one behind and Rory got us level with a trademark finish after being put through. Rory put us ahead with a mazy run and blasted finish before PV scored with the last play of the half with a brilliant header.
In the second half we totally outplayed PV after they had started brightly. Xander hit a 25 yard lob to the top corner before PV equalised. The boys continued to play intelligently and our desire to get back to rebuild each move was outstanding on a heavy pitch.
Our fourth goal really was the 'nail in the coffin' as Xander beat two players before cutting in and shooting low to the bottom corner for 4-3.
Playing on the right Harry had been in physical battle and leading up to foul against him he had frustrated the PV player by winning a shoulder to shoulder challenge. Harry then stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner for 5-3.
It was just left to Rory to compete his hat-trick running free and rounding the keeper to put the gloss on a perfect team performance.
Every single player deserves great credit. Everyone played to their full potential which is a rare thing in team sport.
MOTM went to Rory not just for another hat-trick but for playing with a cut to the head, being constantly battered by the big defenders and being the muddiest player. Other notable displays were Alex and Fin who really stepped up to the challenge and Xander for his high energy and threat.
5 wins and 1 draw. Not too bad eh?
Monday 16 October 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 14 OCTOBER
ROCKETS 8 - 1 NEWTON
A fine performance against a Newton team who try to play football but perhaps physically weren't strong enough to contain a Rockets team which is full of confidence.
The score-line came courtesy of Harry (3), Rory (2), Bailey (1), George (1) and Austin (1). The Newton goalkeeper was very good, brave and quick to clear with punches or run off his line and he kept the score from double figures.
In each half the boys moved the ball very well from back to front and we were able to get our attackers onto the ball time after time. The shape of the team was quite pleasing as Paul and Rob only had to remind players on a few occasions about which side of the pitch they were playing and to hold space rather than follow the ball across.
Defensively we had only one lapse of concentration but overall we snuffed out any Newton attack and played the ball forward brilliantly.
We will have much harder challenges ahead against Princess Villa 'A' next Saturday and a new and improved Vicars Cross 'A' outfit.
MOTM went to Harry for a hat-trick and some great wing play.
Well done boys. 4 wins and 1 draw is a good start to the season.
A fine performance against a Newton team who try to play football but perhaps physically weren't strong enough to contain a Rockets team which is full of confidence.
The score-line came courtesy of Harry (3), Rory (2), Bailey (1), George (1) and Austin (1). The Newton goalkeeper was very good, brave and quick to clear with punches or run off his line and he kept the score from double figures.
In each half the boys moved the ball very well from back to front and we were able to get our attackers onto the ball time after time. The shape of the team was quite pleasing as Paul and Rob only had to remind players on a few occasions about which side of the pitch they were playing and to hold space rather than follow the ball across.
Defensively we had only one lapse of concentration but overall we snuffed out any Newton attack and played the ball forward brilliantly.
We will have much harder challenges ahead against Princess Villa 'A' next Saturday and a new and improved Vicars Cross 'A' outfit.
MOTM went to Harry for a hat-trick and some great wing play.
Well done boys. 4 wins and 1 draw is a good start to the season.
Wednesday 4 October 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 30 SEPT
CHESTER NOMADS COLTS 2 - 2 ROCKETS
A fine comeback in a match we were really unlucky not to win.
Considering we were missing players at both ends of the pitch and Nomads sprang an 8-side formation on us this result ranks as one of the best of the season so far!
The boys went into the break 2-0 down, but in the second half goals from Harry, who moved back into midfield, and then Will B took us level. With moments left we could have taken the win.
Coach Hayden said we dominated the second half and played really well.
Well done boys. Undefeated so far this season so lets keep this going!
Thanks to Hayden for helping out so we could play the match.
A fine comeback in a match we were really unlucky not to win.
Considering we were missing players at both ends of the pitch and Nomads sprang an 8-side formation on us this result ranks as one of the best of the season so far!
The boys went into the break 2-0 down, but in the second half goals from Harry, who moved back into midfield, and then Will B took us level. With moments left we could have taken the win.
Coach Hayden said we dominated the second half and played really well.
Well done boys. Undefeated so far this season so lets keep this going!
Thanks to Hayden for helping out so we could play the match.
MATCH REPORT - SAY 23 SEPT
ROCKETS 5 - 4 BLACON YOUTH
Our third successive win of the season came about in a really competitive and evenly matched game against a talented Blacon side.
The boys started really quickly and we went 2-0 up in the first half with goals from Rory and then a good finish from a corner from Fin.
Blacon played themselves back into the match with some calm passing and with a defensive mix up from a threatening throw-in they drew level at 2-2.
From there the game was evenly matched with the Rockets going up 3-2 through a brilliant rounding of the goalie and finish from Rory, before Blacon made is 3-3. We again went ahead 4-3 when Fin blasted home another volley and yet again Blacon drew level with a 25-yarder to the top corner.
With the game restarting at 4-4 we went straight forward and Bailey scored to take us to 5-4 with 5 minutes to go.
The boys deservedly held out and we could have gone ahead further as Bailey scored but the goal was disallowed for a Waverton free kick! Then Rory was fouled in the area but the referee, who was running out of steam, was not up with play closely enough to award the penalty!
Great result but perhaps not quite the passing performance we asked for. We got drawn into a battle against tough opposition which possibly isn't the best tactic but it worked out okay in the end! Our firepower going forward saved us this week!
When we train in tight areas and play the ball under pressure we have to take this to the matches where we can use the space and play each other in much earlier.
MOTM went to Fin for a blockbuster performance.
Well done lads. 3 wins from 3!
Our third successive win of the season came about in a really competitive and evenly matched game against a talented Blacon side.
The boys started really quickly and we went 2-0 up in the first half with goals from Rory and then a good finish from a corner from Fin.
Blacon played themselves back into the match with some calm passing and with a defensive mix up from a threatening throw-in they drew level at 2-2.
From there the game was evenly matched with the Rockets going up 3-2 through a brilliant rounding of the goalie and finish from Rory, before Blacon made is 3-3. We again went ahead 4-3 when Fin blasted home another volley and yet again Blacon drew level with a 25-yarder to the top corner.
With the game restarting at 4-4 we went straight forward and Bailey scored to take us to 5-4 with 5 minutes to go.
The boys deservedly held out and we could have gone ahead further as Bailey scored but the goal was disallowed for a Waverton free kick! Then Rory was fouled in the area but the referee, who was running out of steam, was not up with play closely enough to award the penalty!
Great result but perhaps not quite the passing performance we asked for. We got drawn into a battle against tough opposition which possibly isn't the best tactic but it worked out okay in the end! Our firepower going forward saved us this week!
When we train in tight areas and play the ball under pressure we have to take this to the matches where we can use the space and play each other in much earlier.
MOTM went to Fin for a blockbuster performance.
Well done lads. 3 wins from 3!
Sunday 17 September 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 16 SEPT
CHESTER NOMADS 3 - 4 ROCKETS
An awesome performance from the boys against a decent Nomads outfit, which takes us to two wins from two and is a fine start to the season.
After going 1-0 down in an evenly matched opening the boys got back in it after Xander broke down the right, skipped two tackles and crossed to Rory who volleyed home for 1-1.
The 2nd quarter ended 3-3 after the boys went 3-1 up through another Rory goal and an unfortunate own goal. We then conceded two quick goals, first from a mix up at the back and then Nomads capitalising from us not clearing our lines.
Going into the last half of the match both teams really went for it and Hugo pulled off some fine saves to keep us level. Rory got us the winner after Bailey broke up the play and crossed for Rory to scramble it home.
Everyone played their part in a victory that was well deserved. We finished the match on top and going into the 3rd minute of injury time (!!!) we didn't panic.
MOTM was a tough call - everyone was brilliant. Rory with another hat-trick, Hugo with some amazing saves and William a stalwart in defence were all in the frame. The award though went to Xander who epitomized what we talked about in terms of positional play, desire to get up and down and 100% effort.
Great result boys. This was one of our best performances, against a very good side.
An awesome performance from the boys against a decent Nomads outfit, which takes us to two wins from two and is a fine start to the season.
After going 1-0 down in an evenly matched opening the boys got back in it after Xander broke down the right, skipped two tackles and crossed to Rory who volleyed home for 1-1.
The 2nd quarter ended 3-3 after the boys went 3-1 up through another Rory goal and an unfortunate own goal. We then conceded two quick goals, first from a mix up at the back and then Nomads capitalising from us not clearing our lines.
Going into the last half of the match both teams really went for it and Hugo pulled off some fine saves to keep us level. Rory got us the winner after Bailey broke up the play and crossed for Rory to scramble it home.
Everyone played their part in a victory that was well deserved. We finished the match on top and going into the 3rd minute of injury time (!!!) we didn't panic.
MOTM was a tough call - everyone was brilliant. Rory with another hat-trick, Hugo with some amazing saves and William a stalwart in defence were all in the frame. The award though went to Xander who epitomized what we talked about in terms of positional play, desire to get up and down and 100% effort.
Great result boys. This was one of our best performances, against a very good side.
Saturday 9 September 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 9 SEPT
ROCKETS 3 - 1 ELTON YOUTH
After a good training session and with our whole squad available we produced a brilliant display and scored goals from three great moves.
The boys started really well and coped with the terrible conditions. Bearing in mind the bigger pitch, new size ball and mud we produced some good passing football. A through ball to Rory put us 1-0 up after a composed rounding of the keeper and finish.
Elton always work hard and fight, and in Danny and Reece they have two very good players. They got level with their first real attack after a solid shot took a deflection and flew past Hugo. The first quarter ended 1-1, after we hit the post and crossbar.
The second quarter was a solid display and the boys finished well on top with George in particular causing damage on the left.
The third quarter was a really good display. Bailey and Xander asked to swop positions with Xander moving into the middle. This gave us a good shape and ensured we had high energy going forward and in recovery from Xander.
Rory put us ahead again after his tenacious attitude paid off in the box and he fired to the top corner. Then brilliant wide play and a cross from Xander was finished again by Rory for his hat trick!
In the 4th quarter our desire to hold out for the win was superb. Solid defending and loads of effort from Zac and Austin saw the boys home.
MOTM was between Xander, Fin and Rory. Hat tricks can't go unrewarded and Rory will captain us next weekend.
Well done lads. Terrific performances from every player.
After a good training session and with our whole squad available we produced a brilliant display and scored goals from three great moves.
The boys started really well and coped with the terrible conditions. Bearing in mind the bigger pitch, new size ball and mud we produced some good passing football. A through ball to Rory put us 1-0 up after a composed rounding of the keeper and finish.
Elton always work hard and fight, and in Danny and Reece they have two very good players. They got level with their first real attack after a solid shot took a deflection and flew past Hugo. The first quarter ended 1-1, after we hit the post and crossbar.
The second quarter was a solid display and the boys finished well on top with George in particular causing damage on the left.
The third quarter was a really good display. Bailey and Xander asked to swop positions with Xander moving into the middle. This gave us a good shape and ensured we had high energy going forward and in recovery from Xander.
Rory put us ahead again after his tenacious attitude paid off in the box and he fired to the top corner. Then brilliant wide play and a cross from Xander was finished again by Rory for his hat trick!
In the 4th quarter our desire to hold out for the win was superb. Solid defending and loads of effort from Zac and Austin saw the boys home.
MOTM was between Xander, Fin and Rory. Hat tricks can't go unrewarded and Rory will captain us next weekend.
Well done lads. Terrific performances from every player.
Wednesday 28 June 2017
TOURNAMENT REPORTS - 18 AND 24 JUNE
BLACON TOURNAMENT - SEMI-FINALISTS
Great effort to reach the semi-final playing some high calibre teams from North Wales including a very good Conahs Quay outfit.
The boys made it to the semi-final where although they played the better football we went out to an organised Flint team.
PREES TOURNAMENT - QUARTER FINALISTS
The boys played brilliantly and stormed the group stage with 4 wins and 1 draw to win their group and go into the quarters. The style of play, aggression to win the ball, lots of early goals and plenty of clean sheets showed we had learnt how to play tournament football after the experiences at Vauxhall and Blacon.
We scored first in the quarter final from a great Xander break and cross to Rory to side foot home and we were winning 1-0 with the ref indicating 30 seconds to go. We gave a really unfortunate free-kick away (after one of the lads picked up the ball thinking it had gone out!) and we conceded with the last kick of the match to take us to extra time!
After an end to end extra 5 minutes we were making our last sub to get our penalty takers on the pitch when we conceded from an unstoppable shot with 10 seconds remaining.
To say we were unlucky is an understatement. Talking to other coaches it was felt we were the team to beat so its a shame we couldn't progress.
The boys were understandably very frustrated and upset but we will learn from this experience and get stronger. Probably our game management (passing and playing out the game) could have been better as the opposition threw everything at us to try to get something. Fair play to them as well for an unbelievable comeback...
But WELL DONE lads. We played great football all day. We will return to all competitions next season and possible a mini-tour.
Great effort to reach the semi-final playing some high calibre teams from North Wales including a very good Conahs Quay outfit.
The boys made it to the semi-final where although they played the better football we went out to an organised Flint team.
PREES TOURNAMENT - QUARTER FINALISTS
The boys played brilliantly and stormed the group stage with 4 wins and 1 draw to win their group and go into the quarters. The style of play, aggression to win the ball, lots of early goals and plenty of clean sheets showed we had learnt how to play tournament football after the experiences at Vauxhall and Blacon.
We scored first in the quarter final from a great Xander break and cross to Rory to side foot home and we were winning 1-0 with the ref indicating 30 seconds to go. We gave a really unfortunate free-kick away (after one of the lads picked up the ball thinking it had gone out!) and we conceded with the last kick of the match to take us to extra time!
After an end to end extra 5 minutes we were making our last sub to get our penalty takers on the pitch when we conceded from an unstoppable shot with 10 seconds remaining.
To say we were unlucky is an understatement. Talking to other coaches it was felt we were the team to beat so its a shame we couldn't progress.
The boys were understandably very frustrated and upset but we will learn from this experience and get stronger. Probably our game management (passing and playing out the game) could have been better as the opposition threw everything at us to try to get something. Fair play to them as well for an unbelievable comeback...
But WELL DONE lads. We played great football all day. We will return to all competitions next season and possible a mini-tour.
Tuesday 13 June 2017
TOURNAMENT REPORT - SAT 10 JUNE
JOINT 3rd in Group - VAUXHALL TOURNAMENT
After stepping up a level in recent weeks, playing and beating Nomads and Tarvin A we arrived in fine form and spirits.
Drawn in Group B against two TNS sides, Vauxhall, Elton, Victoria Colts and Whitby we realised our task was somewhat daunting with more than a sprinkling of academy players in our group.
We started uncharacteristically slowly and after missing tackles and defensive mistakes we lost the first game 2-0 to Victoria Colts which was then followed by a really unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Vauxhall after we dominated and hit the post twice before conceding an unlucky goal at the death.
The boys began to realise that silly lapses in concentration get punished in tournament football as there is no time to get back into the match. For the first time since last October the coaches needed to be honest with the boys about their effort levels and tackling aggression.
The lads really stepped up over the next three games taking 7 from 9 points and putting us in touching distance of the semi-final. We beat Whitby 1-0 with a fine move and goal involving Rory who crossed to Austin for the winner. We then drew 0-0 with Elton in a tight game.
Our best moment came against TNS, who had some really talented players. Most of the TNS lads played on the emotional edge but one lad in particular had spent most of the previous 4 games moaning at the ref, throwing himself to the ground, crying and generally being unmanageable - HE WAS OUR TARGET!
We went 1-0 down from a unfortunate goalkeeping moment but the boys worked really hard as we switched from 3 defenders to a 2-2-2 system with Xander joining Rory. Xander equalised with his first kick and then Rory got us the winner for one of the more memorable victories and to claim a good scalp! There was just time for Will B to completely take out the TNS defender with a X-rated assault and for Hugo to make up for his error with a fine save from the resulting free-kick.
In the final game we probably went too attacking but we needed 3 points to progress. Unfortunately our concentration seemed spent as on two occasions the TNS forward got in behind us to score. The game finished 4-0 but we were beaten by a very good team.
Overall the boys can be proud, especially in 4 of the 6 games. We can take the positives that in other than the last game we competed at a high level and were 'in' all the matches. We must though start with more intent in short games and we absolutely have to concentrate on the players around us defensively against talented sides.
Bring on Blacon and Prees!
After stepping up a level in recent weeks, playing and beating Nomads and Tarvin A we arrived in fine form and spirits.
Drawn in Group B against two TNS sides, Vauxhall, Elton, Victoria Colts and Whitby we realised our task was somewhat daunting with more than a sprinkling of academy players in our group.
We started uncharacteristically slowly and after missing tackles and defensive mistakes we lost the first game 2-0 to Victoria Colts which was then followed by a really unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Vauxhall after we dominated and hit the post twice before conceding an unlucky goal at the death.
The boys began to realise that silly lapses in concentration get punished in tournament football as there is no time to get back into the match. For the first time since last October the coaches needed to be honest with the boys about their effort levels and tackling aggression.
The lads really stepped up over the next three games taking 7 from 9 points and putting us in touching distance of the semi-final. We beat Whitby 1-0 with a fine move and goal involving Rory who crossed to Austin for the winner. We then drew 0-0 with Elton in a tight game.
Our best moment came against TNS, who had some really talented players. Most of the TNS lads played on the emotional edge but one lad in particular had spent most of the previous 4 games moaning at the ref, throwing himself to the ground, crying and generally being unmanageable - HE WAS OUR TARGET!
We went 1-0 down from a unfortunate goalkeeping moment but the boys worked really hard as we switched from 3 defenders to a 2-2-2 system with Xander joining Rory. Xander equalised with his first kick and then Rory got us the winner for one of the more memorable victories and to claim a good scalp! There was just time for Will B to completely take out the TNS defender with a X-rated assault and for Hugo to make up for his error with a fine save from the resulting free-kick.
In the final game we probably went too attacking but we needed 3 points to progress. Unfortunately our concentration seemed spent as on two occasions the TNS forward got in behind us to score. The game finished 4-0 but we were beaten by a very good team.
Overall the boys can be proud, especially in 4 of the 6 games. We can take the positives that in other than the last game we competed at a high level and were 'in' all the matches. We must though start with more intent in short games and we absolutely have to concentrate on the players around us defensively against talented sides.
Bring on Blacon and Prees!
Monday 5 June 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 3 JUNE
ROCKETS 7 - 4 TARVIN A
The boys claimed another A team scalp as they extended an impressive run ahead of us joining the Blue A league and Cup next season.
Tarvin arrived in confident mood, with some talented players, after doing well in the Cheshire West league. The Rockets intensity though appeared to shock Tarvin who struggled early on with our pace, pressure and speed of play.
The boys went 2-0 through Rory and Xander and were dominating play. As it looked as though it could be a very high score line Tarvin's no.7 woke up and started to trouble us down our right before they got one back to make the score line 2-1.
The boys continued to play their football and a number of brilliant goals followed including a headed goal and the sweetest of strikes from Austin (2) and then Rory extending his goal scoring run to 35 for the season with goals 2, 3 and 4. The 4th was a mazy run past three defenders and cool finish.
Tarvin's no.7 kept them in the game with 3 excellent individual goals but we continued to create chance after chance and we looked a threat every time we went forward. Some good goalkeeping kept the score line down.
The game ended 7-4, and we move onto tournament football for the next three weeks. If we play with the same intensity and desire we can do well.
MOTM went to Austin as he was absolutely everywhere, tackling and tracking and then with head up he played some super football. 12 goals for Austin in only half a season from midfield is a testimony to how well he has done bearing in mind he always tracks back and covers.
Well done boys. A great league and Shield season!
The boys claimed another A team scalp as they extended an impressive run ahead of us joining the Blue A league and Cup next season.
Tarvin arrived in confident mood, with some talented players, after doing well in the Cheshire West league. The Rockets intensity though appeared to shock Tarvin who struggled early on with our pace, pressure and speed of play.
The boys went 2-0 through Rory and Xander and were dominating play. As it looked as though it could be a very high score line Tarvin's no.7 woke up and started to trouble us down our right before they got one back to make the score line 2-1.
The boys continued to play their football and a number of brilliant goals followed including a headed goal and the sweetest of strikes from Austin (2) and then Rory extending his goal scoring run to 35 for the season with goals 2, 3 and 4. The 4th was a mazy run past three defenders and cool finish.
Tarvin's no.7 kept them in the game with 3 excellent individual goals but we continued to create chance after chance and we looked a threat every time we went forward. Some good goalkeeping kept the score line down.
The game ended 7-4, and we move onto tournament football for the next three weeks. If we play with the same intensity and desire we can do well.
MOTM went to Austin as he was absolutely everywhere, tackling and tracking and then with head up he played some super football. 12 goals for Austin in only half a season from midfield is a testimony to how well he has done bearing in mind he always tracks back and covers.
Well done boys. A great league and Shield season!
Tuesday 30 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 27 MAY
ROCKETS 11 - 2 WARRIORS
A decent result and game which was a lot closer than the score line suggests.
Our U8s Warriors certainly gave the Rockets a shock as they started brilliantly and went 0-2 up. Quite a start as our boys have not been behind in a first quarter since October! A fine second goal from the Warriors woke the boys up and in fairness we didn't panic and we eventually found our passing boots!
Over the next 30 minutes we created loads of good moments as we upped the intensity of tackle, passing and moving. Some of the lads had been slightly selfish on the ball in the opening 10 minutes but once our heads were cleared we played some nice football.
Three of the boys hit hat-tricks - Xander, George and Rory. Austin and Zac both scored quality goals and Austin nearly grabbed a 'worldie' as his long range curler crashed off the post.
Our Warriors are going to be quite a team as they will soon gain the fluency of passing and confidence we have seen develop this year. Both Paul and I felt the Warriors are ahead of the where the Rockets were last year, which is testament to both sides.
In the final play the Warriors tore us to shreds and were unlucky not to grab the goal of the match.
Well done to both sides. MOTM went to Zac for a brilliant display.
A decent result and game which was a lot closer than the score line suggests.
Our U8s Warriors certainly gave the Rockets a shock as they started brilliantly and went 0-2 up. Quite a start as our boys have not been behind in a first quarter since October! A fine second goal from the Warriors woke the boys up and in fairness we didn't panic and we eventually found our passing boots!
Over the next 30 minutes we created loads of good moments as we upped the intensity of tackle, passing and moving. Some of the lads had been slightly selfish on the ball in the opening 10 minutes but once our heads were cleared we played some nice football.
Three of the boys hit hat-tricks - Xander, George and Rory. Austin and Zac both scored quality goals and Austin nearly grabbed a 'worldie' as his long range curler crashed off the post.
Our Warriors are going to be quite a team as they will soon gain the fluency of passing and confidence we have seen develop this year. Both Paul and I felt the Warriors are ahead of the where the Rockets were last year, which is testament to both sides.
In the final play the Warriors tore us to shreds and were unlucky not to grab the goal of the match.
Well done to both sides. MOTM went to Zac for a brilliant display.
Thursday 25 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - WEDS 24 MARCH
ROCKETS 6 - 1 CHESTER NOMADS
After Saturday's performance we thought it couldn't get any better. The boys certainly hit the same levels and overall the performance was marginally better as it involved more of the squad, more rotations and against more talented opposition.
The Nomads manager was 100% correct in his analysis of the match. We competed more, we were more athletic and we wanted it badly. Every time Nomads got the ball we had two players at their heels. Even better was when we got the ball we were relaxed in passing moves or we hit that direct pass to Rory or Wills - which was the plan! Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted.
After the first 12 minutes the score was still 0-0 but goodness knows how. We had 5 clear chances but Josh pulled off some incredible saves.
We switched it about in like-for-like positions, showing how balanced we are as squad. Wills then entered the fray and looked like a boy possessed after his '"suspension" last week! It was like Luis Suarez returning! After great work from George, Wills hassled the defender who lost possession for Fin to cross and Wills finished with his left.
Over the course of the next 12 minutes we played some outstanding football and we got Wills away again for him to follow up with a 2nd and then his hat-trick before going off with a rather large smile on his face. Fin and Zac were getting about Nomads and breaking the play. Hugo kept Nomads at bay with two crucial saves.
At 3-0 down any opposition does not want to see Rory, Harry, Bailey and Austin come back on! We knew that Nomads would come at us and they played some lovely football for a period and upped their work rate. This resulted in them scoring a good goal and sensing a come-back might be on.
Rory though had other ideas as he got clear twice to put us 5-1 up. The second was a thunderbolt finish. After Harry had hit the bar with a long ranger it was for Austin to put the icing on the cake with a lovely run and finish.
Everyone was awesome but two players caught the eye tonight and should be very proud of their performances. Alex was superb - rugged in defence and showing a turn of pace going forward. MOTM went to Wills for his team play, work rate and goals.
Zac and Austin bossed the midfield, and Charlie and William were rock solid and calm at the back against some talented forwards.
Overall the controlled aggression level was perfect - something the boys have really perfected since Christmas. Being hard working, tough but fair will get us a long way as have plenty of flair going forward.
Well done everyone.
After Saturday's performance we thought it couldn't get any better. The boys certainly hit the same levels and overall the performance was marginally better as it involved more of the squad, more rotations and against more talented opposition.
The Nomads manager was 100% correct in his analysis of the match. We competed more, we were more athletic and we wanted it badly. Every time Nomads got the ball we had two players at their heels. Even better was when we got the ball we were relaxed in passing moves or we hit that direct pass to Rory or Wills - which was the plan! Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted.
After the first 12 minutes the score was still 0-0 but goodness knows how. We had 5 clear chances but Josh pulled off some incredible saves.
We switched it about in like-for-like positions, showing how balanced we are as squad. Wills then entered the fray and looked like a boy possessed after his '"suspension" last week! It was like Luis Suarez returning! After great work from George, Wills hassled the defender who lost possession for Fin to cross and Wills finished with his left.
Over the course of the next 12 minutes we played some outstanding football and we got Wills away again for him to follow up with a 2nd and then his hat-trick before going off with a rather large smile on his face. Fin and Zac were getting about Nomads and breaking the play. Hugo kept Nomads at bay with two crucial saves.
At 3-0 down any opposition does not want to see Rory, Harry, Bailey and Austin come back on! We knew that Nomads would come at us and they played some lovely football for a period and upped their work rate. This resulted in them scoring a good goal and sensing a come-back might be on.
Rory though had other ideas as he got clear twice to put us 5-1 up. The second was a thunderbolt finish. After Harry had hit the bar with a long ranger it was for Austin to put the icing on the cake with a lovely run and finish.
Everyone was awesome but two players caught the eye tonight and should be very proud of their performances. Alex was superb - rugged in defence and showing a turn of pace going forward. MOTM went to Wills for his team play, work rate and goals.
Zac and Austin bossed the midfield, and Charlie and William were rock solid and calm at the back against some talented forwards.
Overall the controlled aggression level was perfect - something the boys have really perfected since Christmas. Being hard working, tough but fair will get us a long way as have plenty of flair going forward.
Well done everyone.
Monday 22 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 20 MAY
SAUGHALL COLTS 2 - 8 ROCKETS
Those watching on Saturday all agreed this was probably the best we've played in terms of passing, movement and some clinical finishing! To play to the level we reached in pouring rain was amazing. In fairness the perfect surface at fantastic facilities helped our game.
Over the years we've always been evenly matched with Saughall, often resulting in some ill tempered encounters. Today though our boys were on fire, moving the opposition about until they got disheartened.
William came off his sick bed and attempted to play through the pain barrier, and with just 2 subs and then William admitting he couldn't play on the 8 remaining boys all got a good run out. Charlie even got a go in goal and touched the ball once!
Goalscorers were Rory (3), Xander (2), George (1), Austin (1), Own goal (1). I think! If I've got that wrong please let me know.
Every one of the boys played their part - there were so many good moments its impossible to remember them all. Rory continues to destroy defences and since returning from injury Xander is now exceeding where he finished at the end of last season, having added killer passing to his game (same goes for Harry).
MOTM went to Austin who epitomised how we've been trying to get the boys to play. Break up the ball, speed of thought, pass, move, goal!
WELL DONE everyone. A performance to remember and a good day for Waverton as our Arrows won 10-0 on the other pitch.
Those watching on Saturday all agreed this was probably the best we've played in terms of passing, movement and some clinical finishing! To play to the level we reached in pouring rain was amazing. In fairness the perfect surface at fantastic facilities helped our game.
Over the years we've always been evenly matched with Saughall, often resulting in some ill tempered encounters. Today though our boys were on fire, moving the opposition about until they got disheartened.
William came off his sick bed and attempted to play through the pain barrier, and with just 2 subs and then William admitting he couldn't play on the 8 remaining boys all got a good run out. Charlie even got a go in goal and touched the ball once!
Goalscorers were Rory (3), Xander (2), George (1), Austin (1), Own goal (1). I think! If I've got that wrong please let me know.
Every one of the boys played their part - there were so many good moments its impossible to remember them all. Rory continues to destroy defences and since returning from injury Xander is now exceeding where he finished at the end of last season, having added killer passing to his game (same goes for Harry).
MOTM went to Austin who epitomised how we've been trying to get the boys to play. Break up the ball, speed of thought, pass, move, goal!
WELL DONE everyone. A performance to remember and a good day for Waverton as our Arrows won 10-0 on the other pitch.
Sunday 14 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 13 MAY
ROCKETS 3 - 3 ELTON YOUTH
After the Shield final and having played tough recent opposition in Vicars Cross, Ellesmere Port and Nomads we felt it is important to kick on for the remainder of the season against teams of equal or historically higher levels.
We picked Elton Youth for a friendly as they have done well in the Cup competition and said they had improved through the experience. Our Rockets have also improved hugely via the confidence of the Shield run so it made for a good match up.
We started well again and whilst neither team had many clear chances we felt we matched Elton in every aspect and probably in terms of passing and ball winning we were the better side.
After 15 minutes we switched a few players and in particular Harry's strength and low centre of gravity increased our forward threat. Bailey also came more into the game as the half went on and we eventually scored from a forward ball which Will B latched onto and scrambled into the net for 1-0 at half time.
After the break we knew Elton would respond and frustratingly we again conceded from not being set positionally from a throw in. We had players in wrong positions which left two Elton players free. In fairness the shot was unstoppable! 1-1.
We then conceded another scrappy goal as Elton piled on the pressure and increased the pace of their game. 1-2 and it was thanks to a brilliant Hugo save that we stayed in the match in this period.
At half time we had asked our midfield to get the ball into forward space more quickly to use Rory's pace. Bailey was obviously listening as he sent a ball into Rory who switched back on the defender before lashing a cannon ball into the top corner for a super team goal and exactly what we asked!
Bringing Xander back onto the left and then centre gave us a great balance in the final period as position wise he is clever and never leaves himself too much to do in tracking back. This is going to be really important next season against decent teams.
With 6 minutes to go we conceded direct from a corner. Nothing much Charlie could do on the near post even though he leapt valiantly to keep it out. Again these are the small details we need to consider next season - who does what and how we set-up for set pieces in defence and attack.
With a couple of minute to go the boys piled forward and first Rory was very close but for a brilliant last ditch tackle. It was left for Xander to bring us level with a strike to the top corner after a penalty area scramble. 3-3 and a deserved and hard fought draw against a good team.
MOTM was awarded to Xander for his positional play and of course a great strike meaning we all went home happy.
Well done boys. Things to work on but overall a really great effort.
After the Shield final and having played tough recent opposition in Vicars Cross, Ellesmere Port and Nomads we felt it is important to kick on for the remainder of the season against teams of equal or historically higher levels.
We picked Elton Youth for a friendly as they have done well in the Cup competition and said they had improved through the experience. Our Rockets have also improved hugely via the confidence of the Shield run so it made for a good match up.
We started well again and whilst neither team had many clear chances we felt we matched Elton in every aspect and probably in terms of passing and ball winning we were the better side.
After 15 minutes we switched a few players and in particular Harry's strength and low centre of gravity increased our forward threat. Bailey also came more into the game as the half went on and we eventually scored from a forward ball which Will B latched onto and scrambled into the net for 1-0 at half time.
After the break we knew Elton would respond and frustratingly we again conceded from not being set positionally from a throw in. We had players in wrong positions which left two Elton players free. In fairness the shot was unstoppable! 1-1.
We then conceded another scrappy goal as Elton piled on the pressure and increased the pace of their game. 1-2 and it was thanks to a brilliant Hugo save that we stayed in the match in this period.
At half time we had asked our midfield to get the ball into forward space more quickly to use Rory's pace. Bailey was obviously listening as he sent a ball into Rory who switched back on the defender before lashing a cannon ball into the top corner for a super team goal and exactly what we asked!
Bringing Xander back onto the left and then centre gave us a great balance in the final period as position wise he is clever and never leaves himself too much to do in tracking back. This is going to be really important next season against decent teams.
With 6 minutes to go we conceded direct from a corner. Nothing much Charlie could do on the near post even though he leapt valiantly to keep it out. Again these are the small details we need to consider next season - who does what and how we set-up for set pieces in defence and attack.
With a couple of minute to go the boys piled forward and first Rory was very close but for a brilliant last ditch tackle. It was left for Xander to bring us level with a strike to the top corner after a penalty area scramble. 3-3 and a deserved and hard fought draw against a good team.
MOTM was awarded to Xander for his positional play and of course a great strike meaning we all went home happy.
Well done boys. Things to work on but overall a really great effort.
Sunday 7 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - SHIELD FINAL - SAT 6 MAY
ROCKETS 1 - 1 ELLESMERE PORT JETS
Joint Chester & District Shield Winners 2017 is richly deserved as the boys, playing in front of 300 spectators at the Deva Stadium, put on a brilliant display and were unlucky not to win the match.
Everyone was nervous as we sat in the main stand and took in our surroundings. As we entered the pitch and warmed-up the lads settled and we talked about the need to get everyone on the ball early, winning our first tackles and settling down quickly.
As we have done in previous weeks we started brilliantly raining shots on the EP goal with William forcing a great save with a long range effort. EP had set up defensively with quick wingers but we kept our shape and were dominating possession. If anything we were snatching a little at our chances as the boys were frustrated by EPs defensive formation. Rory was working hard to find space but it was becoming clearer he needed support against three big defenders.
With EPs first attack William blocked a goal bound shot but the ball fell luckily to their striker who buried his chance to put us 0-1 down against the run of play. Switching players we did well to see out the half so that we could regroup.
Going into the second half we continued to push for the equaliser with first Fin going close. We introduced Xander after an 8-week lay off and having only trained for 45 minutes and he did brilliantly supporting Rory, Harry and Will. The boys all pushed further forward and we forced a host of corners and one goal line save which some of us thought had gone in (coach Rob running down the line like Morinho!!).
With 10 minutes to go we were awarded a free kick 10 yards out. Ellesmere Port put 4 boys in the wall, leaving only two to mark up. Instead of shooting (which we all expected) Harry brilliantly shifted the ball left for Bailey to sweep home to huge cheers from the crowd behind the goal and some very dodgy goal celebrations...
At 1-1 the game went end-to-end and was agonising to watch for everyone concerned. The final whistle went with the Rockets on top and attacking the opposition goal looking for a winner.
Overall the result meant that the Rockets and EP both ended the competition unbeaten so it was probably the right result. It was a cracking match played at a high tempo with very few fouls. All the boys played to their maximum and everyone can be proud of this achievement. We've come a long way since the first match v Nomads!
MOTM could have been any of our boys. The referee chose Rory as he felt he never stopped and worked hard to get us back into the game.
With a three tournaments to come in June lets hope we can keep playing at a high level and do well in the remaining friendly fixtures and competitions.
Well done boys. It was a great day out, a fantastic experience and a deserved first bit of silverware for the Rockets!
Rob & Paul
Joint Chester & District Shield Winners 2017 is richly deserved as the boys, playing in front of 300 spectators at the Deva Stadium, put on a brilliant display and were unlucky not to win the match.
Everyone was nervous as we sat in the main stand and took in our surroundings. As we entered the pitch and warmed-up the lads settled and we talked about the need to get everyone on the ball early, winning our first tackles and settling down quickly.
As we have done in previous weeks we started brilliantly raining shots on the EP goal with William forcing a great save with a long range effort. EP had set up defensively with quick wingers but we kept our shape and were dominating possession. If anything we were snatching a little at our chances as the boys were frustrated by EPs defensive formation. Rory was working hard to find space but it was becoming clearer he needed support against three big defenders.
With EPs first attack William blocked a goal bound shot but the ball fell luckily to their striker who buried his chance to put us 0-1 down against the run of play. Switching players we did well to see out the half so that we could regroup.
Going into the second half we continued to push for the equaliser with first Fin going close. We introduced Xander after an 8-week lay off and having only trained for 45 minutes and he did brilliantly supporting Rory, Harry and Will. The boys all pushed further forward and we forced a host of corners and one goal line save which some of us thought had gone in (coach Rob running down the line like Morinho!!).
With 10 minutes to go we were awarded a free kick 10 yards out. Ellesmere Port put 4 boys in the wall, leaving only two to mark up. Instead of shooting (which we all expected) Harry brilliantly shifted the ball left for Bailey to sweep home to huge cheers from the crowd behind the goal and some very dodgy goal celebrations...
At 1-1 the game went end-to-end and was agonising to watch for everyone concerned. The final whistle went with the Rockets on top and attacking the opposition goal looking for a winner.
Overall the result meant that the Rockets and EP both ended the competition unbeaten so it was probably the right result. It was a cracking match played at a high tempo with very few fouls. All the boys played to their maximum and everyone can be proud of this achievement. We've come a long way since the first match v Nomads!
MOTM could have been any of our boys. The referee chose Rory as he felt he never stopped and worked hard to get us back into the game.
With a three tournaments to come in June lets hope we can keep playing at a high level and do well in the remaining friendly fixtures and competitions.
Well done boys. It was a great day out, a fantastic experience and a deserved first bit of silverware for the Rockets!
Rob & Paul
Monday 1 May 2017
MATCH REPORT - SHIELD SEMI FINAL - SAT 29 APRIL
SHIELD SEMI-FINAL
ROCKETS 7 - 3 TARVIN WHITES
The boys cruised into the Shield Final with a full throttle performance from the first whistle. Its not a understatement to say the result could have been 15-1 but for Tarvin's excellent goalkeeper in the first half and two goals conceded which on another day we would deal with better.
In the first half we started really quickly and out-battled Tarvin in the middle. We had talked about how important it was in a semi final to win our first tackles and individual battles and Bailey, Zac and Harry did this perfectly with some robust ball-winning backed up by William and Charlie. Up front Rory was finding space and was too quick for the Tarvin defenders.
We opened the scoring through Bailey, who also managed to hit the post and bar 6 times! This was quickly followed by Harry to gives us a deserved 2-0 lead after 12 minutes. We took the opportunity to make a couple of changes with Austin coming on with George and Fin.
Our style of play didn't change as Austin got about breaking up the play and putting in firstly Fin who exchanged passes with Rory before firing low for 3-0. Quickly after George collected the ball on the left and hit an arrow like shot to the corner for 4-0.
Making a couple more changes we continued to press but got caught on the wrong side at the back and conceded a free-kick which Tarvin dispatched for 4-1. This gave them some heart going into the 2nd half.
The game evened up in the second period and Hugo made a couple of outstanding saves which were important. We went further ahead 5-1 through Austin before conceding an unlucky own goal from a Tarvin corner, for 5-2. Rory then put us further ahead at 6-2.
Following a good Tarvin goal for 6-3 Rory scored a goal which would grace any semi-final. Picking the ball up on the half-way line he jinked and bustled his way past 3 players, cut in the from the right before firing low.
MOTM was between Bailey and Rory. We decided that Rory just sneaked it due to his threat during the periods he played. So Rory will be Captain and Bailey Vice Captain for the final next weekend.
Well done boys, we couldn't have asked for more.
ROCKETS 7 - 3 TARVIN WHITES
The boys cruised into the Shield Final with a full throttle performance from the first whistle. Its not a understatement to say the result could have been 15-1 but for Tarvin's excellent goalkeeper in the first half and two goals conceded which on another day we would deal with better.
In the first half we started really quickly and out-battled Tarvin in the middle. We had talked about how important it was in a semi final to win our first tackles and individual battles and Bailey, Zac and Harry did this perfectly with some robust ball-winning backed up by William and Charlie. Up front Rory was finding space and was too quick for the Tarvin defenders.
We opened the scoring through Bailey, who also managed to hit the post and bar 6 times! This was quickly followed by Harry to gives us a deserved 2-0 lead after 12 minutes. We took the opportunity to make a couple of changes with Austin coming on with George and Fin.
Our style of play didn't change as Austin got about breaking up the play and putting in firstly Fin who exchanged passes with Rory before firing low for 3-0. Quickly after George collected the ball on the left and hit an arrow like shot to the corner for 4-0.
Making a couple more changes we continued to press but got caught on the wrong side at the back and conceded a free-kick which Tarvin dispatched for 4-1. This gave them some heart going into the 2nd half.
The game evened up in the second period and Hugo made a couple of outstanding saves which were important. We went further ahead 5-1 through Austin before conceding an unlucky own goal from a Tarvin corner, for 5-2. Rory then put us further ahead at 6-2.
Following a good Tarvin goal for 6-3 Rory scored a goal which would grace any semi-final. Picking the ball up on the half-way line he jinked and bustled his way past 3 players, cut in the from the right before firing low.
MOTM was between Bailey and Rory. We decided that Rory just sneaked it due to his threat during the periods he played. So Rory will be Captain and Bailey Vice Captain for the final next weekend.
Well done boys, we couldn't have asked for more.
Thursday 27 April 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 22 APRIL
ROCKETS 7 - 3 UPTON
After the epic 4-5 comeback against this team last time we played Upton our boys really showed what a leap we have made this last 4 months in terms of passing, movement, game management and confidence.
We completely dominated the match. If we hadn't got the 'wrong side' from the Upton throw-in during a sticky five minute after half-time we could have said this was the perfect performance in terms of doing what we do in training.
The first period we went won 2-0 with two deadly Rory strikes - one from a great Bailey cross and the other from a through ball and great composure to skill the keeper.
Second quarter it was all change and we went 4-1 up. The change brought Austin into the middle where he proves size doesn't matter as he broke the play, looked to pass forward and also curled in a sweet strike with his right foot. Finn also brought great athleticism to the right side. Upton also conceded an unfortunate own goal.
Third quarter we started slowing with a couple of errors and not pressing hard enough in midfield. We let Upton back in 4-2 before they scored another strange own goal to make it 5-2 before Harry lashed in a 'ghost' goal to the top corner.
Was it in?? Rory said yes, so 6-2!!
Harry then scored another direct from a corner to make if 7-2.
In the final quarter Upton scored from a good move and finish to end the game 7-3.
Bearing in mind all the changes, using all the squad, the play was excellent. It was also great to see Xander back and starting light training this Friday hopefully.
MOTM wasn't easy as there were some awesome performances. The award went to Charlie whose form is peaking at the perfect time. Great anticipation, tackling and importantly really quick thinking and decisions - something we are working on with all the defensive players.
Well done. Our 13th win of the season, scoring 107 goals and conceding 36.
After the epic 4-5 comeback against this team last time we played Upton our boys really showed what a leap we have made this last 4 months in terms of passing, movement, game management and confidence.
We completely dominated the match. If we hadn't got the 'wrong side' from the Upton throw-in during a sticky five minute after half-time we could have said this was the perfect performance in terms of doing what we do in training.
The first period we went won 2-0 with two deadly Rory strikes - one from a great Bailey cross and the other from a through ball and great composure to skill the keeper.
Second quarter it was all change and we went 4-1 up. The change brought Austin into the middle where he proves size doesn't matter as he broke the play, looked to pass forward and also curled in a sweet strike with his right foot. Finn also brought great athleticism to the right side. Upton also conceded an unfortunate own goal.
Third quarter we started slowing with a couple of errors and not pressing hard enough in midfield. We let Upton back in 4-2 before they scored another strange own goal to make it 5-2 before Harry lashed in a 'ghost' goal to the top corner.
Was it in?? Rory said yes, so 6-2!!
Harry then scored another direct from a corner to make if 7-2.
In the final quarter Upton scored from a good move and finish to end the game 7-3.
Bearing in mind all the changes, using all the squad, the play was excellent. It was also great to see Xander back and starting light training this Friday hopefully.
MOTM wasn't easy as there were some awesome performances. The award went to Charlie whose form is peaking at the perfect time. Great anticipation, tackling and importantly really quick thinking and decisions - something we are working on with all the defensive players.
Well done. Our 13th win of the season, scoring 107 goals and conceding 36.
Wednesday 29 March 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 25 MARCH
ROCKETS 3 - 5 CHESTER NOMADS
The boys can be really proud of our performance today, as this was the first time we'd played Nomads best team since our 0-12 drubbing two years ago.
We asked the team to win their individual battles and if we did that and with some luck we'd do well.
We started with a set-up that we felt would give us the greatest balance and the boys who played this period were rightly congratulated at the break as we felt this was the best we'd played, bearing in mind the opposition. William and Bailey in particular set the tone and Bailey scored a great goal, lobbing the keeper to put us 1-0 up. Unluckily Nomads equalised with their first attack as their striker finished a good cross for 1-1 at the break.
Rather than talk about us going 1-4 down its better to say that throughout the next 15 minutes all the boys really tried to play football, put in 100% effort and although we made a few errors we know what we can do to improve.
At 1-4 we felt hard done to especially after Rory's fantastic turn and the ball smashing off the post. We went into the final 20 minutes with nothing to lose and soon Bailey hit a stunner to the top corner which was followed by a brilliant move and excellent finish from George to bring us to 3-4 and at this stage we were on top.
Nomads scored a fifth to put gloss on the score line.
MOTM could have been a few players today. Bailey and Harry continued their fine form and Charlie was at his best. The award went to William who got stuck in from the start in terms of tackling but also got moves going with great passing and Hansen-esque composure at the back against a good team.
Well done everyone. Enjoy the Easter break. There is lot to play for when we return and if we play like we did in this match there is chance of some silverware.
Rob & Paul.
The boys can be really proud of our performance today, as this was the first time we'd played Nomads best team since our 0-12 drubbing two years ago.
We asked the team to win their individual battles and if we did that and with some luck we'd do well.
We started with a set-up that we felt would give us the greatest balance and the boys who played this period were rightly congratulated at the break as we felt this was the best we'd played, bearing in mind the opposition. William and Bailey in particular set the tone and Bailey scored a great goal, lobbing the keeper to put us 1-0 up. Unluckily Nomads equalised with their first attack as their striker finished a good cross for 1-1 at the break.
Rather than talk about us going 1-4 down its better to say that throughout the next 15 minutes all the boys really tried to play football, put in 100% effort and although we made a few errors we know what we can do to improve.
At 1-4 we felt hard done to especially after Rory's fantastic turn and the ball smashing off the post. We went into the final 20 minutes with nothing to lose and soon Bailey hit a stunner to the top corner which was followed by a brilliant move and excellent finish from George to bring us to 3-4 and at this stage we were on top.
Nomads scored a fifth to put gloss on the score line.
MOTM could have been a few players today. Bailey and Harry continued their fine form and Charlie was at his best. The award went to William who got stuck in from the start in terms of tackling but also got moves going with great passing and Hansen-esque composure at the back against a good team.
Well done everyone. Enjoy the Easter break. There is lot to play for when we return and if we play like we did in this match there is chance of some silverware.
Rob & Paul.
Saturday 18 March 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 18 MARCH
ROCKETS 4 - 3 SAUGHALL COLTS
Back to league fixtures this morning it was great to get a win against a team we've been very evenly matched against since the boys were little.
The pitch conditions in one half made life difficult but after a good training session last night we showed more passing intent and movement off the ball than we did last week against Vicars Cross. We can still be quicker in thought and need to give more options especially from the back, with the midfield dropping to receive.
We went 1-0 down from a good corner and near post finish but then we started to play and got back into the match from a penalty box scramble and the ball sitting up for Bailey to blast into the top corner for 1-1.
Shortly afterwards Harry was fouled whilst breaking on the right. From Harry's perfect free-kick Rory leapt like a salmon to head to the top corner to put us ahead 2-1.
Saughall introduced their secret weapon being a very talented girl who was very good at showing for the ball, attacking and passing. She set up the Saughall equaliser by playing in their striker to make it 2-2.
The boys kept playing their football and we moved Harry up top with immediate results as Harry bundled through the middle of the defence and poked the ball past the keeper to put us ahead again 3-2.
In the second half both teams had good periods of pressure. Saughall were working harder and we struggled a bit to clear our lines and we rode our luck slightly. We did always look like we could hit them on the break and on a few occasions we were one good pass away from seeing either Rory or George through on goal - again we need to get our heads up and play the ball quicker if a team mate is in a better position.
We conceded after a slight defensive mix-up and us dawdling too long on the ball and at 3-3 the game was anyone's to win.
It was left to the Harry/Rory combination to win the game for us after Harry beat two players and put in a superb deep cross where Rory again rose like a salmon to head a winner to the top corner for his 18th goal of the season.
With Bailey then going into defence we were able to see out the game for a deserved 12th win of the season and extend our unbeaten run going back to 29th October last year.
MOTM was awarded to Harry who had his best game for the club. He was a constant threat going forward and was also very physically strong and balanced to hold possession, using the 'arms of steel' technique from training!
Well done boys, great result and really enjoyable game to watch.
Back to league fixtures this morning it was great to get a win against a team we've been very evenly matched against since the boys were little.
The pitch conditions in one half made life difficult but after a good training session last night we showed more passing intent and movement off the ball than we did last week against Vicars Cross. We can still be quicker in thought and need to give more options especially from the back, with the midfield dropping to receive.
We went 1-0 down from a good corner and near post finish but then we started to play and got back into the match from a penalty box scramble and the ball sitting up for Bailey to blast into the top corner for 1-1.
Shortly afterwards Harry was fouled whilst breaking on the right. From Harry's perfect free-kick Rory leapt like a salmon to head to the top corner to put us ahead 2-1.
Saughall introduced their secret weapon being a very talented girl who was very good at showing for the ball, attacking and passing. She set up the Saughall equaliser by playing in their striker to make it 2-2.
The boys kept playing their football and we moved Harry up top with immediate results as Harry bundled through the middle of the defence and poked the ball past the keeper to put us ahead again 3-2.
In the second half both teams had good periods of pressure. Saughall were working harder and we struggled a bit to clear our lines and we rode our luck slightly. We did always look like we could hit them on the break and on a few occasions we were one good pass away from seeing either Rory or George through on goal - again we need to get our heads up and play the ball quicker if a team mate is in a better position.
We conceded after a slight defensive mix-up and us dawdling too long on the ball and at 3-3 the game was anyone's to win.
It was left to the Harry/Rory combination to win the game for us after Harry beat two players and put in a superb deep cross where Rory again rose like a salmon to head a winner to the top corner for his 18th goal of the season.
With Bailey then going into defence we were able to see out the game for a deserved 12th win of the season and extend our unbeaten run going back to 29th October last year.
MOTM was awarded to Harry who had his best game for the club. He was a constant threat going forward and was also very physically strong and balanced to hold possession, using the 'arms of steel' technique from training!
Well done boys, great result and really enjoyable game to watch.
Sunday 12 March 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 11 MARCH
ROCKETS 1 - 1 VICARS CROSS
The boys ended our group stage of the Shield with a hard fought draw against a battling Vicars Cross team who were playing for a semi-final place and deservedly progress from the group as runners-up.
We end the group with 9 wins and 1 draw so can be proud of topping the group meaning we will play the runners-up in group A at home.
The match itself was a struggle. We huffed and puffed on a big pitch playing 8-side which may have suited the bigger opposition more who have a game based on pressurising the ball and cutting down space. We struggled to move the ball about quickly and too often we got caught in individual battles going forward.
At the back we were probably overly cautious which was a result again of the big pitch and our midfield not being close enough to our defenders to give them options. This resulted in us getting bogged down for periods in our own half and Vicars Cross were able to test us with long throws and corners.
In the second period we started to look more lively and threatening going forward. Xander was getting more joy down the right, Rory was able to find more space and Austin nearly scored with volley.
With 10 minutes to go Rory broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt volley off his left foot into the top corner and it looked like we would grab the victory. In fairness to Vicars Cross they didn't stop battling away and from a long throw they scored with a nice flick-on beyond Hugo with 3 minutes to go.
It probably wasn't the best time to experiment with a bigger pitch. We didn't award a MOTM today but a mention goes to Austin who did try to pass through the crowded midfield areas.
Hopefully we will be back on the grass next week at home versus Saughall from our league.
We learnt a lot yesterday and over the next 18 months we can progress how we get the ball forward more quickly on the larger pitches - it's called passing and moving! It would be useful for our boys to watch our u12s one Sunday.
Well done boys on topping the group; we could not have asked for more. Bring on the semi-final.
Rob & Paul.
The boys ended our group stage of the Shield with a hard fought draw against a battling Vicars Cross team who were playing for a semi-final place and deservedly progress from the group as runners-up.
We end the group with 9 wins and 1 draw so can be proud of topping the group meaning we will play the runners-up in group A at home.
The match itself was a struggle. We huffed and puffed on a big pitch playing 8-side which may have suited the bigger opposition more who have a game based on pressurising the ball and cutting down space. We struggled to move the ball about quickly and too often we got caught in individual battles going forward.
At the back we were probably overly cautious which was a result again of the big pitch and our midfield not being close enough to our defenders to give them options. This resulted in us getting bogged down for periods in our own half and Vicars Cross were able to test us with long throws and corners.
In the second period we started to look more lively and threatening going forward. Xander was getting more joy down the right, Rory was able to find more space and Austin nearly scored with volley.
With 10 minutes to go Rory broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt volley off his left foot into the top corner and it looked like we would grab the victory. In fairness to Vicars Cross they didn't stop battling away and from a long throw they scored with a nice flick-on beyond Hugo with 3 minutes to go.
It probably wasn't the best time to experiment with a bigger pitch. We didn't award a MOTM today but a mention goes to Austin who did try to pass through the crowded midfield areas.
Hopefully we will be back on the grass next week at home versus Saughall from our league.
We learnt a lot yesterday and over the next 18 months we can progress how we get the ball forward more quickly on the larger pitches - it's called passing and moving! It would be useful for our boys to watch our u12s one Sunday.
Well done boys on topping the group; we could not have asked for more. Bring on the semi-final.
Rob & Paul.
Monday 27 February 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 18 FEBRUARY
UPTON WILDCATS 1 - 16 ROCKETS
Today was a game of two halves - or even four quarters and in truth a victory of 16-1 does not reflect the real story which was about a rampant Waverton team going away to Upton and playing on a pitch the size of a postage stamp which was more suitable to 4-a-side not 7-a-side but in the end succumbing to the realisation that when we play as a team and pass the ball we destroy the opposition.
Today was a game of two halves - or even four quarters and in truth a victory of 16-1 does not reflect the real story which was about a rampant Waverton team going away to Upton and playing on a pitch the size of a postage stamp which was more suitable to 4-a-side not 7-a-side but in the end succumbing to the realisation that when we play as a team and pass the ball we destroy the opposition.
For the first two quarters we laboured on the small bumpy
pitch and after eventually taking the lead, couldn't believe it when Upton
equalised! However a lovely move direct from the kickoff (one of our best goals
of the season) saw George sweep the ball in and from that point Waverton
stepped things up taking a 4-1 lead at the half way point.
From then on class, power, ability and sheer willpower
took over as the boys did their job and overwhelmed the opposition.
In fairness to Upton they have improved greatly since our
last meeting but even with several boys missing the last 25 minutes showed why
Waverton have that 100% record in the Shield and that was against a goalkeeper who
at times performed miracles.
The 16 goals came from Rory (4), George (4), Zac (3),
Alex (2), Harry (2) and Wills (1).
Man of the Match was George who as well as 4 well taken
goals always looked for the pass which invariably caused trouble to the
opposition.
Sunday 12 February 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 11 FEBRUARY
MALPAS BLACKS 3 - 4 ROCKETS
The boys showed the 'great character' of a Brendan Rogers team to win their Shield group with two games to spare. 8 wins and 24 points means we will play in the semi-final against the runner up from the other group - probably Tarvin.
The game today was really enjoyable as it was the first time since Vicars Cross that we've played a team of similar ability. Good opposition and the fact the pitch was long, narrow and on the side of a mountain further evened up the match.
In the first two quarters we had three or four chances but a combination of great goalkeeping and us not hitting the target meant the match was even after 25 minutes.
Rory broke the deadlock early in the 3rd quarter as he went through on goal, turned the defender and keeper and slotted to an empty net. It was a deserved goal and we looked pretty comfortable at this stage.
In the final quarter all hell broke loose as firstly Malpas drew level and then went 2-1 up as the boys started the quarter fast asleep!
Bailey then equalised from long-distance before Rory scored two more break away goals with brilliant finishes to make is 2-4 to the Rockets. Malpas weren't done yet and they scored late on to set-up a grand stand finish which the boys saw out with some solid clearances and defending from Fin in particular.
MOTM went to Rory who scored a hat-trick but also showed that letting the ball run, making the simple pass and finding space is what its all about. William set the tone in defence in the first periods with some great tackles and getting in front of the attackers. Fin also caught the eye today with some typically combative play when we needed to be strong.
Well done boys. Semi-finals here we come!
The boys showed the 'great character' of a Brendan Rogers team to win their Shield group with two games to spare. 8 wins and 24 points means we will play in the semi-final against the runner up from the other group - probably Tarvin.
The game today was really enjoyable as it was the first time since Vicars Cross that we've played a team of similar ability. Good opposition and the fact the pitch was long, narrow and on the side of a mountain further evened up the match.
In the first two quarters we had three or four chances but a combination of great goalkeeping and us not hitting the target meant the match was even after 25 minutes.
Rory broke the deadlock early in the 3rd quarter as he went through on goal, turned the defender and keeper and slotted to an empty net. It was a deserved goal and we looked pretty comfortable at this stage.
In the final quarter all hell broke loose as firstly Malpas drew level and then went 2-1 up as the boys started the quarter fast asleep!
Bailey then equalised from long-distance before Rory scored two more break away goals with brilliant finishes to make is 2-4 to the Rockets. Malpas weren't done yet and they scored late on to set-up a grand stand finish which the boys saw out with some solid clearances and defending from Fin in particular.
MOTM went to Rory who scored a hat-trick but also showed that letting the ball run, making the simple pass and finding space is what its all about. William set the tone in defence in the first periods with some great tackles and getting in front of the attackers. Fin also caught the eye today with some typically combative play when we needed to be strong.
Well done boys. Semi-finals here we come!
Monday 6 February 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 4 FEBRUARY
ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS 0 - 8 ROCKETS
The result doesn't tell the full story today...but it does all but ensure our place in the Shield semi-final.
Playing on a tiny pitch really threw the lads in the first two quarters but Xander and Bailey got us out of jail both hitting screamers into the top corners at the end of each quarter. During the 2nd quarter we were hanging on at times and the post came to our rescue three times!
Going into the 3rd and 4th quarters the boys began to settle but it took a brilliant save from Hugo, clawing one out the top corner, to wake the lads up! From there on we started to pass and move and played really well.
Xander scored a contender for goal of the season with some 'FIFA 17' tricks and footwork before chipping the keeper from the touch-line. Austin finished a brilliant bit of play created by Rory, who turned the defender inside out before crossing. Wills grabbed a deserved goal and George scored a final quarter hat-trick with the last kick of the game to cost his dad some extra pocket money!
Overall the result flattered us slightly but there is no doubt that our boys carry a great deal of fire-power across the midfield and up front. The defenders of William, Charlie and Alex plus Fin who can get up and down laid the platform for the win and got us through some difficult moments today.
Certainly if we can keep goals conceded down as we have done in this competition (53 goals scored and conceded just 2 !!) then we've a good chance to win games with our power up top.
MOTM was shared across all the boys today and Hugo will Captain us versus Malpas.
Well done lads.
The result doesn't tell the full story today...but it does all but ensure our place in the Shield semi-final.
Playing on a tiny pitch really threw the lads in the first two quarters but Xander and Bailey got us out of jail both hitting screamers into the top corners at the end of each quarter. During the 2nd quarter we were hanging on at times and the post came to our rescue three times!
Going into the 3rd and 4th quarters the boys began to settle but it took a brilliant save from Hugo, clawing one out the top corner, to wake the lads up! From there on we started to pass and move and played really well.
Xander scored a contender for goal of the season with some 'FIFA 17' tricks and footwork before chipping the keeper from the touch-line. Austin finished a brilliant bit of play created by Rory, who turned the defender inside out before crossing. Wills grabbed a deserved goal and George scored a final quarter hat-trick with the last kick of the game to cost his dad some extra pocket money!
Overall the result flattered us slightly but there is no doubt that our boys carry a great deal of fire-power across the midfield and up front. The defenders of William, Charlie and Alex plus Fin who can get up and down laid the platform for the win and got us through some difficult moments today.
Certainly if we can keep goals conceded down as we have done in this competition (53 goals scored and conceded just 2 !!) then we've a good chance to win games with our power up top.
MOTM was shared across all the boys today and Hugo will Captain us versus Malpas.
Well done lads.
Wednesday 18 January 2017
THIS WEEKEND - SAT 21 JANUARY
Hi
all
Training is on this Friday as usual.
This Saturday our Chester Shield Match
as follows;
SAT 21 JAN - AWAY V VICARS CROSS, 10:15AM
KO (so 9:45AM arrival) at Thackeray Dr, Chester CH3 5LU
Rested players are:
Rory & Zac
Rory will hold onto the arm-band from
last weekend and captain us against Malpas Blacks on 28 Jan.
If anyone is unavailable this weekend or
28 Jan please let me know ASAP so we can shift things about.
Best regards
RobTuesday 17 January 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 14 JANUARY
ROCKETS 6 - 0 MALPAS BLACKS
A perfect performance against a team which had beaten Vicars Cross a week earlier and who themselves were in good form.
Both teams started brightly and the opening 5 minutes was pretty hectic as Malpas looked to put in hard tackles, work hard and play down the left through their best player. We looked very solid though as William read the play very well and was able to out muscle the Malpas forwards and link with Xander and Rory ahead of him.
Our running ability through Xander and all round movement became too much for Malpas and Rory drove home to put us 1-0 up and in control. The boys did not let up and after 13 minutes we introduced Fin on the left, Bailey in the middle and Harry up top.
It was really pleasing that we were able to keep our shape and the second goal soon game with Bailey following in and tapping home to give us some breathing space. Xander soon put us 3-0 up with a trade mark early shot with no back-lift which gave the keeper no chance. Hugo also pulled off a good save late into the half to keep us well ahead.
At half-time we talked about how important the next goal would be. In the second half Malpas began to tire with all the shadows they were chasing as we moved the ball in angles all around them. This resulted in a 5 man move from the back involving William, Bailey, Harry, Rory and finally George through on goal to dink it past the keeper. A contender for goal of the season and up there with the one in the Frodsham festival.
George then grabbed another before Fin went up for a corner and smashed the clearance back on goal into the net with the cleanest of clean strikes!
At 6-0 up we could have made it 7-0 as Rory played George in again but unfortunately he did a Geoff Thomas! It would have been a great hat-trick as well.
Everyone really played at their peak today and we looked really motivated and concentrated on what we'd talked about in training and pre-match. The wasn't an easy match on paper but we made it look easy. Malpas will improve in the away fixture on a smaller pitch - they are a hard working team.
MOTM was between two players. William for his calm and collected play which linked and set up lots of moves down the right...and Rory for his movement and passing. The award went to Rory who continued his unbelievable improvement following on from the end of last season.
BUT well done to everyone, a fab performance. The Malpas coach texted to say it was a pleasure to play such a good footballing side.
A perfect performance against a team which had beaten Vicars Cross a week earlier and who themselves were in good form.
Both teams started brightly and the opening 5 minutes was pretty hectic as Malpas looked to put in hard tackles, work hard and play down the left through their best player. We looked very solid though as William read the play very well and was able to out muscle the Malpas forwards and link with Xander and Rory ahead of him.
Our running ability through Xander and all round movement became too much for Malpas and Rory drove home to put us 1-0 up and in control. The boys did not let up and after 13 minutes we introduced Fin on the left, Bailey in the middle and Harry up top.
It was really pleasing that we were able to keep our shape and the second goal soon game with Bailey following in and tapping home to give us some breathing space. Xander soon put us 3-0 up with a trade mark early shot with no back-lift which gave the keeper no chance. Hugo also pulled off a good save late into the half to keep us well ahead.
At half-time we talked about how important the next goal would be. In the second half Malpas began to tire with all the shadows they were chasing as we moved the ball in angles all around them. This resulted in a 5 man move from the back involving William, Bailey, Harry, Rory and finally George through on goal to dink it past the keeper. A contender for goal of the season and up there with the one in the Frodsham festival.
George then grabbed another before Fin went up for a corner and smashed the clearance back on goal into the net with the cleanest of clean strikes!
At 6-0 up we could have made it 7-0 as Rory played George in again but unfortunately he did a Geoff Thomas! It would have been a great hat-trick as well.
Everyone really played at their peak today and we looked really motivated and concentrated on what we'd talked about in training and pre-match. The wasn't an easy match on paper but we made it look easy. Malpas will improve in the away fixture on a smaller pitch - they are a hard working team.
MOTM was between two players. William for his calm and collected play which linked and set up lots of moves down the right...and Rory for his movement and passing. The award went to Rory who continued his unbelievable improvement following on from the end of last season.
BUT well done to everyone, a fab performance. The Malpas coach texted to say it was a pleasure to play such a good footballing side.
Friday 13 January 2017
MAJOR NEW SPONSOR !
Hi all
Our Rockets now have a major new
sponsor for the next 2.5 years!
Martin’s (Austin’s dad) Company https://cabinmax.com/ are sponsoring the
playing kit in full, so thanks from us all for that.
Needless to say, please make
sure you buy all your luggage for your many holidays (especially Dave and Cat!)
from Martin’s website.
Laura will be in contact
regarding sizing of playing tops.
That leaves Training Waterproofs
still open if anyone want to sponsor these with their logos on the back. We are
looking for either a contribution of £200 or if anyone wants to sponsor in full
around £350?
If anyone needs replacement or
new Nike training tops (the black and fluorescent ones) please also contact
Laura so we can add these to the order. These are funded directly by parents.
See you tonight.
Thanks
Rob Saturday 7 January 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 7 JANUARY
ROCKETS 6 - 1 ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS
Our fifth straight win in the Chester Shield means we continue to top the Group and puts us one step closer to a semi-final later in the season...
We talked last night and this morning about how Ellesmere Port had improved their squad with 3 new players (with no ID cards!) so that we would need to stand up and win our individual battles but then relax on the ball and play our football around them. Getting this balance is really hard as its tempting on a poor pitch to get into a battle - which was frankly the only way we could have lost the game.
All the boys in the first 25 minutes executed the plan to 100% perfection. We stood up to the first few minutes of hard tackles and then we got the ball down and created angles, diagonals and one on one situations that our opposition couldn't cope with. With Zac protecting the middle, Rory holding a high line up top and Xander giving their left back a nightmare we went into the lead after Rory belted home from 10 yards.
We introduced Harry who straight away was working on his balance of pass or dribble which is great to see. Coming on for Rory on the left wing Harry then scored from the right wing, with a pot shot which crept in off the near post for a 2-0 score-line.
Just before the break EP put together a decent move which we failed to clear and they hit a hard shot to the bottom corner which Hugo somehow managed to tip around the post. We knew this was going to be crucial moment, potentially match winning, going into half time.
We spoke about how EP would come at us like a train in the second half. A combination of EP bringing their best player out of goal and us not quite getting used to our new shape and line-up resulted in us getting bogged down for 10 minutes.
We then broke and Xander put us 3-0 up before we conceded following a mix up between defence and midfield when we just needed to put the ball out of play.
With Zac back on, Xander was able to break again and he shot hard and low and even managed to break the net to put us 4-1 up.
In the final 10 minutes we created lots of chances against a tiring opposition whose heads had gone down and we scored again from a brilliant leap and guided header from Austin, for a deserved goal. Rory grabbed his second from close range and we were also awarded a penalty as EP's goalie from the first half decided to pick up the ball! Unfortunately Harry did a 'John Terry' on the terrible surface and the keeper pulled off a good save...
Overall the score is perhaps a little flattering but on the other hand we created a lot of chances we didn't convert. Our defence was rock solid throughout.
MOTM went to Xander as in the first period he was unplayable with great decision making between individual or passing attacks - which is what Paul and I had asked for!
The same praise about decision making can also be given to Rory and Harry. Its really pleasing to see we are coming through this transition period ahead of bigger pitches in 18 months time. To have tacklers, natural passers, exciting runners and those who can do both will give us a great advantage when we move to 9-side.
Well done to everyone.
Our fifth straight win in the Chester Shield means we continue to top the Group and puts us one step closer to a semi-final later in the season...
We talked last night and this morning about how Ellesmere Port had improved their squad with 3 new players (with no ID cards!) so that we would need to stand up and win our individual battles but then relax on the ball and play our football around them. Getting this balance is really hard as its tempting on a poor pitch to get into a battle - which was frankly the only way we could have lost the game.
All the boys in the first 25 minutes executed the plan to 100% perfection. We stood up to the first few minutes of hard tackles and then we got the ball down and created angles, diagonals and one on one situations that our opposition couldn't cope with. With Zac protecting the middle, Rory holding a high line up top and Xander giving their left back a nightmare we went into the lead after Rory belted home from 10 yards.
We introduced Harry who straight away was working on his balance of pass or dribble which is great to see. Coming on for Rory on the left wing Harry then scored from the right wing, with a pot shot which crept in off the near post for a 2-0 score-line.
Just before the break EP put together a decent move which we failed to clear and they hit a hard shot to the bottom corner which Hugo somehow managed to tip around the post. We knew this was going to be crucial moment, potentially match winning, going into half time.
We spoke about how EP would come at us like a train in the second half. A combination of EP bringing their best player out of goal and us not quite getting used to our new shape and line-up resulted in us getting bogged down for 10 minutes.
We then broke and Xander put us 3-0 up before we conceded following a mix up between defence and midfield when we just needed to put the ball out of play.
With Zac back on, Xander was able to break again and he shot hard and low and even managed to break the net to put us 4-1 up.
In the final 10 minutes we created lots of chances against a tiring opposition whose heads had gone down and we scored again from a brilliant leap and guided header from Austin, for a deserved goal. Rory grabbed his second from close range and we were also awarded a penalty as EP's goalie from the first half decided to pick up the ball! Unfortunately Harry did a 'John Terry' on the terrible surface and the keeper pulled off a good save...
Overall the score is perhaps a little flattering but on the other hand we created a lot of chances we didn't convert. Our defence was rock solid throughout.
MOTM went to Xander as in the first period he was unplayable with great decision making between individual or passing attacks - which is what Paul and I had asked for!
The same praise about decision making can also be given to Rory and Harry. Its really pleasing to see we are coming through this transition period ahead of bigger pitches in 18 months time. To have tacklers, natural passers, exciting runners and those who can do both will give us a great advantage when we move to 9-side.
Well done to everyone.
Wednesday 4 January 2017
MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN - CLUB MEETING MINUTES
Dear
All
Hope all well and had good Christmases.
- Offer specialist Goalkeeping coaching with Dan Evans who heads it up
- Become an ambassador Club where they provide us tickets to use as awards across the Club
- Have AFC Waverton day at the Club where we “takeover” - have a stand to ourselves for a match
- Potentially host a tournament at the Stadium in close season
- They will be starting a futsal league (likely to be at Blacon High) next year
- Provide additional coaching at squad levels
MS provided context that there had been incidents involving parents/contact with children/
(4) How data may be used (never passed outside of Club) but Club may send emails
(5) It was also suggested that further information may be asked for/collected to help support
MS also explained that a number of Coaches felt that, as a Club, we should be formally
behaviour but it was worth further formalising as it would assist our ambition to reach the
Virtually all year groups have waiting lists (unresolved question was within waiting lists
The Club have had year groups asking for further subsidy on training facilities - this has
We have turned away boys in spite of Parents offering to sponsor kits - is this right for the
Agreed that the Club setting guidelines can assist Coaches in decision making where where
If individual Coaches can manage larger squads that is their decision but as a Club
He raised the following contributions - £250 Waverton village hall, £250 Waverton Fete,
Those Coaches present gave some insight on current squads - apologies if any highlights
Under 7s - RS explained good start for under 7s with 2 squads performing well. Plan is to
Under 12s have had good wins in the Cup & Shield both triumphing 9-0 against Groves &
Our under 18s continue to perform well with a squad of 17 - a great effort to have so many in
Amongst other things a Club business plan will be required and also links with a professional club. However the majority of requirements are in place - we just need to stay on top of all
Action - to be represented at next meeting. MS said he would speak with Chester FC which
Phil Lathean has tidied up the existing website, made sure content relevant and has been
All present agreed with move to Pitchero and Phil agreed to pick up with Mike Binns re
Next meeting to be held in January 17
Chairman
AFC Waverton
07980 723865
Hope all well and had good Christmases.
Belatedly
please find the minutes from our last Club meeting on 17th November.
Following
the meeting and as part of the Standard Charter discussion I did then meet with
Jim Green, Chief Exec at Chester FC Community Trust. In short they are
very supportive of working with us and a recent example is our under 11 squad
was - very last minute - invited as squad of the week at a recent home
match.
I
need to clarify with Cheshire FA how we formalise the relationship - if the
majority agree - but Jim and I discussed:
-
They would provide Coaching sessions for our Coaches at the Stadium through the
Manager Jon McCarthy
-
Could assist Coaches with CPD (continuing professional development)requirements- Offer specialist Goalkeeping coaching with Dan Evans who heads it up
- Become an ambassador Club where they provide us tickets to use as awards across the Club
- Have AFC Waverton day at the Club where we “takeover” - have a stand to ourselves for a match
- Potentially host a tournament at the Stadium in close season
- They will be starting a futsal league (likely to be at Blacon High) next year
- Provide additional coaching at squad levels
As
we go into 2017 the Club is in good health and the children are enjoying their
football - thanks to you all.
We
will need new and more people to help in the New Year - we will have a change
of guard with a number of the current committee and there are people holding
positions who I suspect no longer wish to.
To
move the Club forward we will need new assistance so please do share the
minutes with your Parent supporters - especially at the mini level.
I
will liaise with the other committee members and we will aim for a next meeting
towards the end of January.
Thanks
again for all that you do for AFC Waverton & Wishing you all the very best
for 2017.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MINUTES - Thursday 17th November, 2016
Attendees
Stuart Scheuber, Phil Lathean, Carl Broadhurst, Simon Smith, Steve Lloyd, Steve Roberts,
Dom Corley, Rob Stewart, Natalie Jackson, Mike Worden, Luis Da Cunha, Duncan Stewart,
Mike Stanley
Apologies
Mike Binns (treasurer), Shiralee Williams (Secretary), Nick Isles, Sean Lanni,
Julie Adams-Guppy, Simon Mageean
1. Chairman Update
MS provided context that there had been incidents involving parents/contact with children/
how coaches/parents communicate re training/matches etc
The upshot is as a Club we don't have proper permissions to hold or use certain information.
Therefore it was proposed for the new season the registration form would be updated so
that the Club has clear consent to:
(1) Can hold Player/Parent data
(2) Clearly state who point of contact is and how can communicate
(3) Process to go through if change of contact details
(4) How data may be used (never passed outside of Club) but Club may send emails
supporting sponsors
(5) It was also suggested that further information may be asked for/collected to help support
the Club further at this stage - e.g. Parent occupation/willingness to help Club.
MS also explained that a number of Coaches felt that, as a Club, we should be formally
reinforcing Code of Conduct. It was recognised we have a very good standard of
behaviour but it was worth further formalising as it would assist our ambition to reach the
next stage of Standard Charter as would be seen favourably by FA.
Therefore, again at next registration also get Players, Parents and Coaches to all sign up to.
Documents to be produced for next full meeting
Squad Sizes were then discussed
Context
Overall objective of allowing as many children as possible play/represent AFC Waverton in a
secure/safe environment - again in keeping with FA requirement
Virtually all year groups have waiting lists (unresolved question was within waiting lists
should we give priority to siblings?
been where Coaches have kept smaller squads
We have turned away boys in spite of Parents offering to sponsor kits - is this right for the
Club?
Agreed that the Club setting guidelines can assist Coaches in decision making where where
Club the has put squad limits in place;
Mini - Squad for 5 a side - 9/10 players! Squad for 7 a side 11/12 players
Junior - Squad for 9 a side - 14 Players Squad for 11 a side 16 players
If individual Coaches can manage larger squads that is their decision but as a Club
we would like to be able to offer football to as many children as is possible within
these guidelines.
Thanks - ClubPerson of the month
Dom Corley - arranged for purchase and set up of the new Goals at Waverton playing
fields.
He raised the following contributions - £250 Waverton village hall, £250 Waverton Fete,
£100 Waverton FC - £600 of £912 total cost!
He, with Jason Roberts, then installed the new goals. Thanks to Dom and Jason.
Treasurer Update
MS in MB’s absence
Balance on account is circa £20k - subscriptions banked
However, No expense including pitch hires gone out yet
Next Monday - need to have to Brio Coaches details who use facilities/their qualifications!
Mike B needs from Alison/Geoff - Phil may be able to assist?
Action - Phil agreed to speak with Brio to clarify
2. Team Updates
Those Coaches present gave some insight on current squads - apologies if any highlights
missed.
split to 3 squads in new year due to 28 boys now signed up. Discussions with league about
3 divisions to reflect mixed abilities as currently not aligned which not helping development
of players.
Under 9s - CB has been running a development squad outside of his team which is resulting
in another new team - again for the New Year. 4 teams now within our under 9 section
Under 12s have had good wins in the Cup & Shield both triumphing 9-0 against Groves &
Upton.
Our under 18s continue to perform well with a squad of 17 - a great effort to have so many in
the squad at this age
Our Girls football is a real success story - we now have teams at u18, u15, u13, u11 and u9.
The girls are competing well across Cheshire and supply a number of representative sides.
3. Standard Charter
Geoff Elvey wasn’t present but had shared documents on requirements for next level of
Standard Charter. Some clarity required around benefits but all present agreed it was
something we should prepare ourselves to deliver on.
Amongst other things a Club business plan will be required and also links with a professional club. However the majority of requirements are in place - we just need to stay on top of all
Action - to be represented at next meeting. MS said he would speak with Chester FC which
has happened and they are supportive.
4. New Club website
Phil Lathean has tidied up the existing website, made sure content relevant and has been
updating new articles.
However he has also been trialling “Pitchero” and proposed that the more professional look,
ease of use, and added features means it would be preferable to move all over to this.
There are costs which need to be finalised but likely to be between £500-£1000.
All present agreed with move to Pitchero and Phil agreed to pick up with Mike Binns re
costs.
Further update at next meeting which will include administration of site.
5. Any other business
(i) Phil raised opportunity for Coaches 5-a-side at 3G Wednesdays 8.30-9.30 as slot not
being used.!
Email to be sent to all
(ii) Simon Smith will present on fund-raising event at next meeting
Next meeting to be held in January 17
Mike
Mike
StanleyChairman
AFC Waverton
07980 723865
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