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.