ROCKETS 2 - 1 VICARS CROSS
It was the second group game of the Chester Shield this morning against, on paper, the toughest opponent in our Group who are from our league.
We thought very hard about the starting set-up this week and went for balance, trying to take some lessons from the Blacon game in terms of shape. We started absolutely brilliantly and everything felt really organised and it was excellent to be able to talk to the boys waiting to come on about how they were going to effect the game.
With George on the left, Zac shoring the middle and Xander everywhere (in a good way) it gave us multiple outlets but especially on the left where George is perfecting the art of giving width when we need it but drifting inside unmarked to create an additional striking threat. It's really very clever play.
We went one up after Rory battled brilliantly for possession, played in Xander who fired in a great cross to George who tapped in for probably our most pleasing move of the season and capping off a period of dominance. Its vital to score when we are on top in tight games.
We introduced Alex, Harry and Bailey shortly afterwards and our play didn't let up. Harry's positional play was stretching Vicars Cross and there were good combinations which meant we were camped in the opposition half. Our second goal came from a Harry long throw which Zac attacked with a nicely timed run to finish.
In the second half we knew Vicars Cross would come at us and they did improve. We survived a few scary moments before they scored with a fortunate deflected corner. However, we looked dangerous on the break and on a few occasions we were just one pass away from being in on goal.
With 6 minutes to go we felt we needed to protect the lead so sent Harry left with Bailey and Zac in the middle and Xander on the right to 'PARK THE BUS'! But for a couple of heart stopping referee decisions we defended like lions to see out the game and take the points!
Vicars Cross showed great spirit in the second half and the away fixture will be real test that we can look forward to. Our two goals when we were on top were vital today in terms of giving us something to defend and hold onto.
Two straight wins following good performances against Ellesmere Port and Princes Villa has brought back the feel good factor (and improved my mood).
MOTM was a hard decision between George, Charlie, Zac and Xander. The award went to Xander who shook off illness to put in a block-buster display full of running, tracking back and always dangerous going forward.
Well done lads - lets keep this run going.
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