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.
Tuesday 30 May 2017
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.
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