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.
Sunday, 14 May 2017
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.
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