ROCKETS 1 - 1 JETS
As we started the second round of cup fixtures it was time to see if we had learnt anything from the first 5 games. The boys showed a good shape, kept positions, won individual battles and didn't dive into tackles unless they were last ditch (Austin!!). So the report is a 10/10 for improvement!
The coaches had also leant 'a little' as we employed Fin and Xander to stay close to James who had brilliantly taken the game away from us in the first fixture. A sign of how good a job Fin and Xander did was the fact that James was restricted to only two chances in 48 minutes of play - so well done boys for a really disciplined display against the best player in the league.
Overall the match should remembered for the defensive Union of Hugo (with 3 or 4 brilliant saves), Alex, Charlie and William - ably helped by Fin and Xander. Our positional play and decision making was excellent and we were able to stop through balls, anticipate and get in front of the Jets forward line which forced them to over hit balls or shoot from distance.
Jets are a great passing team and we can learn how they often go back to go forward; which we are learning at training.
The scoring was opened by a soft goal from our point of view with the Jets player too easily beating our defenders before poking the ball at a 2mph trickle past the on rushing Hugo. The lesson here is really clear - someone needs to make a decision - either the defender puts the ball out or the goalie rushes out to do the same. There can't be any indecision. We will do some work on this in training.
The boys didn't let their heads drop and if anything over the final 15 minutes the game was very even with us creating good chances. This led to a move where Rory was in shooting range inside the box with the Jets defender having gone very early to ground to block; which unfortunately he did with both hands to give away a penalty. Austin stood up to the pressure and scored to the bottom left.
The boys stood firm in the final moments with Jets hitting the post and winning a free-kick from 15 yards which was the last play of pulsating match.
MOTM was a unanimous shout from the coaches and went to William who was at the centre of a brilliant defensive display from our back 3 or 4! Big shout also to Hugo and Fin today.
Well done boys - everyone can be proud of their individual performances today.
Monday, 5 February 2018
MATCH REPORT - CUP GAME 5 - SAT 27 JANUARY
UPTON 5 - 1 ROCKETS
Following a good training match performance against Malpas the boys started the Upton match solidly and it was very even for the first 10 minutes with most of the play in the midfield.
Just at the end of the first quarter we conceded a good goal from Upton's point of view but a soft one from ours, as their left midfielder ran from his own half without being challenged and shot hard and low across Hugo.
The boys then went 2-0 down early in the second quarter with a low shot and at this point the boys heads dropped for 10 minutes and Upton moved the ball better than us and fairly clinically went 5-0 up!
Coming off from the third quarter the boys were despondent and blaming things like Upton having an older player (which we have since dismissed) and the ref! We had a chat about getting something out the final 12 minutes and clearing our heads. To their great credit we won the final quarter 0-1 with Wills grabbing a decent goal which hopefully is a good sign for the replay back at Waverton.
The score flattered Upton as it was only really a 12 minute period where we looked defeated and Upton raised their game. We should look forward to the replay as this is a match we can get something from for sure. We have played better teams than Upton in this cup and done well.
Good effort boys, we learnt a valuable lesson which is to keep our heads together and keep going.
Following a good training match performance against Malpas the boys started the Upton match solidly and it was very even for the first 10 minutes with most of the play in the midfield.
Just at the end of the first quarter we conceded a good goal from Upton's point of view but a soft one from ours, as their left midfielder ran from his own half without being challenged and shot hard and low across Hugo.
The boys then went 2-0 down early in the second quarter with a low shot and at this point the boys heads dropped for 10 minutes and Upton moved the ball better than us and fairly clinically went 5-0 up!
Coming off from the third quarter the boys were despondent and blaming things like Upton having an older player (which we have since dismissed) and the ref! We had a chat about getting something out the final 12 minutes and clearing our heads. To their great credit we won the final quarter 0-1 with Wills grabbing a decent goal which hopefully is a good sign for the replay back at Waverton.
The score flattered Upton as it was only really a 12 minute period where we looked defeated and Upton raised their game. We should look forward to the replay as this is a match we can get something from for sure. We have played better teams than Upton in this cup and done well.
Good effort boys, we learnt a valuable lesson which is to keep our heads together and keep going.
Saturday, 3 February 2018
MATCH REPORT - CUP GAME 4 - SAT 20 JANUARY
ROCKETS 3 - 5 MALPAS
Another close game in the Cup to prove to the boys that we can compete at this level.
After starting really well the boys got caught out at the back, firstly letting the player run too far without a challenge and then our characteristic 'once a match' mix-up which left us 0-2 down going into the second half of the game.
Having got ourselves settled again Rory brought us back into the match with a trade mark turn and shot for 1-2.
Malpas always looked threatening and having worked the ball into our box their striker was brought down by Hugo for penalty. The Malpas player made a stuttering run up and shanked it wide - good lesson there for him - just hit it!
The game then went end to end with both sides playing decent stuff and the Rockets able to get forward more quickly. The game went 1-4 before we grabbed two brilliant goals from George who first fired home bottom left and then passed the ball into an empty net from 20 yards for 3-4 and GAME ON!
At 3-4 we struck the cross-bar from Austin before we got hit on the break for Malpas to seal the game as we played advantage from a free-kick.
Overall, Malpas probably deserved the 3 points but the Rockets can be proud of their performance.
Well done boys.
Another close game in the Cup to prove to the boys that we can compete at this level.
After starting really well the boys got caught out at the back, firstly letting the player run too far without a challenge and then our characteristic 'once a match' mix-up which left us 0-2 down going into the second half of the game.
Having got ourselves settled again Rory brought us back into the match with a trade mark turn and shot for 1-2.
Malpas always looked threatening and having worked the ball into our box their striker was brought down by Hugo for penalty. The Malpas player made a stuttering run up and shanked it wide - good lesson there for him - just hit it!
The game then went end to end with both sides playing decent stuff and the Rockets able to get forward more quickly. The game went 1-4 before we grabbed two brilliant goals from George who first fired home bottom left and then passed the ball into an empty net from 20 yards for 3-4 and GAME ON!
At 3-4 we struck the cross-bar from Austin before we got hit on the break for Malpas to seal the game as we played advantage from a free-kick.
Overall, Malpas probably deserved the 3 points but the Rockets can be proud of their performance.
Well done boys.
Saturday, 13 January 2018
MATCH REPORT - CUP GAME 3 - SAT 13 JANUARY
CHRISTLETON NEWSCENE 0 - 4 ROCKETS
The boys ignited the Cup touch paper this morning and this result will raise eyebrows as we secured our first 3 points and gave ourselves a great chance of doing well in the competition.
Following some bad luck in not getting a point at Newton the boys showed they are adapting to the higher standard by being organised with a brilliant shape throughout. We gave Newscene very little space to play and were happy to sit off a little deeper which also suits our counter attacking style. Heavy metal football!!!
Paul hit the nail on the head in the post-match chat. The difference between the two teams came down to our heart and desire. We had 10 players who all worked their socks off and put their bodies on the line. Our desire to 'get to the ball' was awesome and even though Newscene tried to pin us back we never looked in too much trouble working the ball through the thirds, which is pleasing.
Rory got us off to a brilliant start by poking the ball through the goalies legs before a brilliant move put Rory through, and he squared to Will B who slammed home.
At 2-0 we knew Newscene would come at us and Xander, Harry and Zac did superbly to adapt quickly to the pace in what became quite an intense, scrappy and physical match. Harry did some great tricks on the right before putting the ball into the box which Rory latched onto to put us 3-0 up.
We learnt from the Jets and Newton game that at times we can swap Rory and Harry, which gives Rory space in midfield (and a break from being bashed about) and gives us a strong, pacey player who can 'give it back' in Harry. We did this again today and it worked for us.
Our fourth goal was ruled out with the ref spotting something after Xander had put Rory's cross into the net - and the boys did much better than our coaches and parents to get over the decision as we looked to press on!
Newscene looked to play the ball about in the third quarter and they showed they are a very good team and this was just an off-day. Our boys got camped in for a time but our defence of Alex, Fin, Hugo and William was just EPIC today. Hugo again made key saves at key times and earned his clean sheet.
With Bailey getting more and more reward for his hard work (up down, up, down!!) we went hunting a goal again which came as Rory picked up a midfield through ball to turn and smash his 6th hat-trick of the season.
MOTM went to all 10 players but special mention goes to Will B who put in a great training and match shift!
Well done to everyone. If we can start to feel 'at home' in this league and play with the effort we did today there is no reason we can't aim to get through to the semi's - we are only 3 points adrift from 2nd place and we have 7 games to go! Lets aim high and see where we can get.
The boys ignited the Cup touch paper this morning and this result will raise eyebrows as we secured our first 3 points and gave ourselves a great chance of doing well in the competition.
Following some bad luck in not getting a point at Newton the boys showed they are adapting to the higher standard by being organised with a brilliant shape throughout. We gave Newscene very little space to play and were happy to sit off a little deeper which also suits our counter attacking style. Heavy metal football!!!
Paul hit the nail on the head in the post-match chat. The difference between the two teams came down to our heart and desire. We had 10 players who all worked their socks off and put their bodies on the line. Our desire to 'get to the ball' was awesome and even though Newscene tried to pin us back we never looked in too much trouble working the ball through the thirds, which is pleasing.
Rory got us off to a brilliant start by poking the ball through the goalies legs before a brilliant move put Rory through, and he squared to Will B who slammed home.
At 2-0 we knew Newscene would come at us and Xander, Harry and Zac did superbly to adapt quickly to the pace in what became quite an intense, scrappy and physical match. Harry did some great tricks on the right before putting the ball into the box which Rory latched onto to put us 3-0 up.
We learnt from the Jets and Newton game that at times we can swap Rory and Harry, which gives Rory space in midfield (and a break from being bashed about) and gives us a strong, pacey player who can 'give it back' in Harry. We did this again today and it worked for us.
Our fourth goal was ruled out with the ref spotting something after Xander had put Rory's cross into the net - and the boys did much better than our coaches and parents to get over the decision as we looked to press on!
Newscene looked to play the ball about in the third quarter and they showed they are a very good team and this was just an off-day. Our boys got camped in for a time but our defence of Alex, Fin, Hugo and William was just EPIC today. Hugo again made key saves at key times and earned his clean sheet.
With Bailey getting more and more reward for his hard work (up down, up, down!!) we went hunting a goal again which came as Rory picked up a midfield through ball to turn and smash his 6th hat-trick of the season.
MOTM went to all 10 players but special mention goes to Will B who put in a great training and match shift!
Well done to everyone. If we can start to feel 'at home' in this league and play with the effort we did today there is no reason we can't aim to get through to the semi's - we are only 3 points adrift from 2nd place and we have 7 games to go! Lets aim high and see where we can get.
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
MATCH REPORT - CUP GAME 2 - SAT 6 JANUARY
NEWTON REDS 2 - 1 ROCKETS
We all came away (players, coaches and parents) with really mixed emotions from this game as we had expected to be really 'up against it' bearing in mind we were playing the current A league Cup holders.
It was a case of "what could have been" in many respects as the boys did listen, they did hold positions well, they did track back and we had 3 or 4 good chances to draw level. For long periods we looked really solid and forced Newton to shoot from distance or lose possession.
After going 1 down the boys heads didn't drop and we fought back really well in the second quarter (0-0) before drawing level through Xander's close range finish in the 3rd quarter.
Unfortunately the game was won on a dubious free-kick decision that was given we can only assume for a tackle from behind? No-one on or around the pitch seemed to understand what it was about but we lined up okay only to see the shot go in off the cross bar! A good shot but we felt hard done to after getting back level.
Hats off to the lads in the final quarter. We really went for it and caused Newton all sorts of issues with a mixture of direct play and pace. Xander raced clear but his shot was blocked, Rory found space in the dying moments and tried to play in Austin for a tap in and Fin was forcing us forward.
Whilst the result wasn't what we wanted we must take positives from our organisational play, which was better than against the Jets. We need to keep working on our positions, understanding our individual jobs within the team and creating more passing options so we can quickly get up the pitch.
MOTM went to Fin who had an outstanding game in terms of tackles, effort up and down the pitch and a controlled aggression to win the ball and drive us forward.
Well done boys. Our efforts deserved a point from the game.
We all came away (players, coaches and parents) with really mixed emotions from this game as we had expected to be really 'up against it' bearing in mind we were playing the current A league Cup holders.
It was a case of "what could have been" in many respects as the boys did listen, they did hold positions well, they did track back and we had 3 or 4 good chances to draw level. For long periods we looked really solid and forced Newton to shoot from distance or lose possession.
After going 1 down the boys heads didn't drop and we fought back really well in the second quarter (0-0) before drawing level through Xander's close range finish in the 3rd quarter.
Unfortunately the game was won on a dubious free-kick decision that was given we can only assume for a tackle from behind? No-one on or around the pitch seemed to understand what it was about but we lined up okay only to see the shot go in off the cross bar! A good shot but we felt hard done to after getting back level.
Hats off to the lads in the final quarter. We really went for it and caused Newton all sorts of issues with a mixture of direct play and pace. Xander raced clear but his shot was blocked, Rory found space in the dying moments and tried to play in Austin for a tap in and Fin was forcing us forward.
Whilst the result wasn't what we wanted we must take positives from our organisational play, which was better than against the Jets. We need to keep working on our positions, understanding our individual jobs within the team and creating more passing options so we can quickly get up the pitch.
MOTM went to Fin who had an outstanding game in terms of tackles, effort up and down the pitch and a controlled aggression to win the ball and drive us forward.
Well done boys. Our efforts deserved a point from the game.
MATCH EPORT - CUP GAME 1 - SAT 16 DECEMBER
ROCKETS 2 - 6 JETS
Our Jets inflicted our first defeat on the season as they took the game away from us in the second quarter, scoring 4 quick fire goals.
At 1-1, after scoring first through Rory, then game was fairly even although Jets were showing the same passing composure we'd seen playing Ellesmere Port.
In the second quarter we lost our midfield and defensive shape and organisationally we left too much space. Jets scored 4 goals, including 1 from the half-way line which no-one can defend.
Once we had reorganised the game had already gone but we scored again through Harry and will have learned a lot today about positions, tracking back and keeping our shape. Also Paul commented that we need to consider which player partnerships work and which don't as if we go too attacking we leave too much space at times.
So overall a disappointing result but plenty of lessons learnt hopefully and we will look to improve the score line in the reverse fixture later in the season.
Our Jets inflicted our first defeat on the season as they took the game away from us in the second quarter, scoring 4 quick fire goals.
At 1-1, after scoring first through Rory, then game was fairly even although Jets were showing the same passing composure we'd seen playing Ellesmere Port.
In the second quarter we lost our midfield and defensive shape and organisationally we left too much space. Jets scored 4 goals, including 1 from the half-way line which no-one can defend.
Once we had reorganised the game had already gone but we scored again through Harry and will have learned a lot today about positions, tracking back and keeping our shape. Also Paul commented that we need to consider which player partnerships work and which don't as if we go too attacking we leave too much space at times.
So overall a disappointing result but plenty of lessons learnt hopefully and we will look to improve the score line in the reverse fixture later in the season.
MATCH REPORT - SAT 2 DECEMBER
UPTON 1 - 8 ROCKETS
After a tough training game we went to Upton is high confidence and we produced a display which showed off everything we can do against opposition from our league.
The game was always fairly competitive but Upton dearly need the firepower that we have. Rory grabbed another hat-trick with other scorers William (1), George (1), Fin (1), Will (1) and a stunning 20 yard screamer from Bailey.
Our play was really pleasing. We had plenty of width and scored a few goals from wing-play and crosses which is always nice!
There will be bigger tests to come but overall we have shown a great consistency in the league and have won all but one game (drawn to Nomads). The boys can be very proud of what they have achieved in the league as we look to learn and progress our development in the Cup.
Well done boys.
After a tough training game we went to Upton is high confidence and we produced a display which showed off everything we can do against opposition from our league.
The game was always fairly competitive but Upton dearly need the firepower that we have. Rory grabbed another hat-trick with other scorers William (1), George (1), Fin (1), Will (1) and a stunning 20 yard screamer from Bailey.
Our play was really pleasing. We had plenty of width and scored a few goals from wing-play and crosses which is always nice!
There will be bigger tests to come but overall we have shown a great consistency in the league and have won all but one game (drawn to Nomads). The boys can be very proud of what they have achieved in the league as we look to learn and progress our development in the Cup.
Well done boys.
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