ROCKETS 6 - 3 PRINCESS VILLA
The score maybe flatters us very slightly but it was by no means as 'controversial' as the PV coaches or parents wanted to believe; as from 3-3 we took the game away from them with a combination of fitness, speed and firepower.
In the end it could have been 8,9 or 10 as their keeper made some fine stops.
The claims for a handball or my giving a routine free-kick for playing the man before the ball were out of frustration as they are a very good team who are not used to being behind.
The boys stood up brilliantly after going one behind and Rory got us level with a trademark finish after being put through. Rory put us ahead with a mazy run and blasted finish before PV scored with the last play of the half with a brilliant header.
In the second half we totally outplayed PV after they had started brightly. Xander hit a 25 yard lob to the top corner before PV equalised. The boys continued to play intelligently and our desire to get back to rebuild each move was outstanding on a heavy pitch.
Our fourth goal really was the 'nail in the coffin' as Xander beat two players before cutting in and shooting low to the bottom corner for 4-3.
Playing on the right Harry had been in physical battle and leading up to foul against him he had frustrated the PV player by winning a shoulder to shoulder challenge. Harry then stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner for 5-3.
It was just left to Rory to compete his hat-trick running free and rounding the keeper to put the gloss on a perfect team performance.
Every single player deserves great credit. Everyone played to their full potential which is a rare thing in team sport.
MOTM went to Rory not just for another hat-trick but for playing with a cut to the head, being constantly battered by the big defenders and being the muddiest player. Other notable displays were Alex and Fin who really stepped up to the challenge and Xander for his high energy and threat.
5 wins and 1 draw. Not too bad eh?
Saturday, 21 October 2017
Monday, 16 October 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 14 OCTOBER
ROCKETS 8 - 1 NEWTON
A fine performance against a Newton team who try to play football but perhaps physically weren't strong enough to contain a Rockets team which is full of confidence.
The score-line came courtesy of Harry (3), Rory (2), Bailey (1), George (1) and Austin (1). The Newton goalkeeper was very good, brave and quick to clear with punches or run off his line and he kept the score from double figures.
In each half the boys moved the ball very well from back to front and we were able to get our attackers onto the ball time after time. The shape of the team was quite pleasing as Paul and Rob only had to remind players on a few occasions about which side of the pitch they were playing and to hold space rather than follow the ball across.
Defensively we had only one lapse of concentration but overall we snuffed out any Newton attack and played the ball forward brilliantly.
We will have much harder challenges ahead against Princess Villa 'A' next Saturday and a new and improved Vicars Cross 'A' outfit.
MOTM went to Harry for a hat-trick and some great wing play.
Well done boys. 4 wins and 1 draw is a good start to the season.
A fine performance against a Newton team who try to play football but perhaps physically weren't strong enough to contain a Rockets team which is full of confidence.
The score-line came courtesy of Harry (3), Rory (2), Bailey (1), George (1) and Austin (1). The Newton goalkeeper was very good, brave and quick to clear with punches or run off his line and he kept the score from double figures.
In each half the boys moved the ball very well from back to front and we were able to get our attackers onto the ball time after time. The shape of the team was quite pleasing as Paul and Rob only had to remind players on a few occasions about which side of the pitch they were playing and to hold space rather than follow the ball across.
Defensively we had only one lapse of concentration but overall we snuffed out any Newton attack and played the ball forward brilliantly.
We will have much harder challenges ahead against Princess Villa 'A' next Saturday and a new and improved Vicars Cross 'A' outfit.
MOTM went to Harry for a hat-trick and some great wing play.
Well done boys. 4 wins and 1 draw is a good start to the season.
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 30 SEPT
CHESTER NOMADS COLTS 2 - 2 ROCKETS
A fine comeback in a match we were really unlucky not to win.
Considering we were missing players at both ends of the pitch and Nomads sprang an 8-side formation on us this result ranks as one of the best of the season so far!
The boys went into the break 2-0 down, but in the second half goals from Harry, who moved back into midfield, and then Will B took us level. With moments left we could have taken the win.
Coach Hayden said we dominated the second half and played really well.
Well done boys. Undefeated so far this season so lets keep this going!
Thanks to Hayden for helping out so we could play the match.
A fine comeback in a match we were really unlucky not to win.
Considering we were missing players at both ends of the pitch and Nomads sprang an 8-side formation on us this result ranks as one of the best of the season so far!
The boys went into the break 2-0 down, but in the second half goals from Harry, who moved back into midfield, and then Will B took us level. With moments left we could have taken the win.
Coach Hayden said we dominated the second half and played really well.
Well done boys. Undefeated so far this season so lets keep this going!
Thanks to Hayden for helping out so we could play the match.
MATCH REPORT - SAY 23 SEPT
ROCKETS 5 - 4 BLACON YOUTH
Our third successive win of the season came about in a really competitive and evenly matched game against a talented Blacon side.
The boys started really quickly and we went 2-0 up in the first half with goals from Rory and then a good finish from a corner from Fin.
Blacon played themselves back into the match with some calm passing and with a defensive mix up from a threatening throw-in they drew level at 2-2.
From there the game was evenly matched with the Rockets going up 3-2 through a brilliant rounding of the goalie and finish from Rory, before Blacon made is 3-3. We again went ahead 4-3 when Fin blasted home another volley and yet again Blacon drew level with a 25-yarder to the top corner.
With the game restarting at 4-4 we went straight forward and Bailey scored to take us to 5-4 with 5 minutes to go.
The boys deservedly held out and we could have gone ahead further as Bailey scored but the goal was disallowed for a Waverton free kick! Then Rory was fouled in the area but the referee, who was running out of steam, was not up with play closely enough to award the penalty!
Great result but perhaps not quite the passing performance we asked for. We got drawn into a battle against tough opposition which possibly isn't the best tactic but it worked out okay in the end! Our firepower going forward saved us this week!
When we train in tight areas and play the ball under pressure we have to take this to the matches where we can use the space and play each other in much earlier.
MOTM went to Fin for a blockbuster performance.
Well done lads. 3 wins from 3!
Our third successive win of the season came about in a really competitive and evenly matched game against a talented Blacon side.
The boys started really quickly and we went 2-0 up in the first half with goals from Rory and then a good finish from a corner from Fin.
Blacon played themselves back into the match with some calm passing and with a defensive mix up from a threatening throw-in they drew level at 2-2.
From there the game was evenly matched with the Rockets going up 3-2 through a brilliant rounding of the goalie and finish from Rory, before Blacon made is 3-3. We again went ahead 4-3 when Fin blasted home another volley and yet again Blacon drew level with a 25-yarder to the top corner.
With the game restarting at 4-4 we went straight forward and Bailey scored to take us to 5-4 with 5 minutes to go.
The boys deservedly held out and we could have gone ahead further as Bailey scored but the goal was disallowed for a Waverton free kick! Then Rory was fouled in the area but the referee, who was running out of steam, was not up with play closely enough to award the penalty!
Great result but perhaps not quite the passing performance we asked for. We got drawn into a battle against tough opposition which possibly isn't the best tactic but it worked out okay in the end! Our firepower going forward saved us this week!
When we train in tight areas and play the ball under pressure we have to take this to the matches where we can use the space and play each other in much earlier.
MOTM went to Fin for a blockbuster performance.
Well done lads. 3 wins from 3!
Sunday, 17 September 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 16 SEPT
CHESTER NOMADS 3 - 4 ROCKETS
An awesome performance from the boys against a decent Nomads outfit, which takes us to two wins from two and is a fine start to the season.
After going 1-0 down in an evenly matched opening the boys got back in it after Xander broke down the right, skipped two tackles and crossed to Rory who volleyed home for 1-1.
The 2nd quarter ended 3-3 after the boys went 3-1 up through another Rory goal and an unfortunate own goal. We then conceded two quick goals, first from a mix up at the back and then Nomads capitalising from us not clearing our lines.
Going into the last half of the match both teams really went for it and Hugo pulled off some fine saves to keep us level. Rory got us the winner after Bailey broke up the play and crossed for Rory to scramble it home.
Everyone played their part in a victory that was well deserved. We finished the match on top and going into the 3rd minute of injury time (!!!) we didn't panic.
MOTM was a tough call - everyone was brilliant. Rory with another hat-trick, Hugo with some amazing saves and William a stalwart in defence were all in the frame. The award though went to Xander who epitomized what we talked about in terms of positional play, desire to get up and down and 100% effort.
Great result boys. This was one of our best performances, against a very good side.
An awesome performance from the boys against a decent Nomads outfit, which takes us to two wins from two and is a fine start to the season.
After going 1-0 down in an evenly matched opening the boys got back in it after Xander broke down the right, skipped two tackles and crossed to Rory who volleyed home for 1-1.
The 2nd quarter ended 3-3 after the boys went 3-1 up through another Rory goal and an unfortunate own goal. We then conceded two quick goals, first from a mix up at the back and then Nomads capitalising from us not clearing our lines.
Going into the last half of the match both teams really went for it and Hugo pulled off some fine saves to keep us level. Rory got us the winner after Bailey broke up the play and crossed for Rory to scramble it home.
Everyone played their part in a victory that was well deserved. We finished the match on top and going into the 3rd minute of injury time (!!!) we didn't panic.
MOTM was a tough call - everyone was brilliant. Rory with another hat-trick, Hugo with some amazing saves and William a stalwart in defence were all in the frame. The award though went to Xander who epitomized what we talked about in terms of positional play, desire to get up and down and 100% effort.
Great result boys. This was one of our best performances, against a very good side.
Saturday, 9 September 2017
MATCH REPORT - SAT 9 SEPT
ROCKETS 3 - 1 ELTON YOUTH
After a good training session and with our whole squad available we produced a brilliant display and scored goals from three great moves.
The boys started really well and coped with the terrible conditions. Bearing in mind the bigger pitch, new size ball and mud we produced some good passing football. A through ball to Rory put us 1-0 up after a composed rounding of the keeper and finish.
Elton always work hard and fight, and in Danny and Reece they have two very good players. They got level with their first real attack after a solid shot took a deflection and flew past Hugo. The first quarter ended 1-1, after we hit the post and crossbar.
The second quarter was a solid display and the boys finished well on top with George in particular causing damage on the left.
The third quarter was a really good display. Bailey and Xander asked to swop positions with Xander moving into the middle. This gave us a good shape and ensured we had high energy going forward and in recovery from Xander.
Rory put us ahead again after his tenacious attitude paid off in the box and he fired to the top corner. Then brilliant wide play and a cross from Xander was finished again by Rory for his hat trick!
In the 4th quarter our desire to hold out for the win was superb. Solid defending and loads of effort from Zac and Austin saw the boys home.
MOTM was between Xander, Fin and Rory. Hat tricks can't go unrewarded and Rory will captain us next weekend.
Well done lads. Terrific performances from every player.
After a good training session and with our whole squad available we produced a brilliant display and scored goals from three great moves.
The boys started really well and coped with the terrible conditions. Bearing in mind the bigger pitch, new size ball and mud we produced some good passing football. A through ball to Rory put us 1-0 up after a composed rounding of the keeper and finish.
Elton always work hard and fight, and in Danny and Reece they have two very good players. They got level with their first real attack after a solid shot took a deflection and flew past Hugo. The first quarter ended 1-1, after we hit the post and crossbar.
The second quarter was a solid display and the boys finished well on top with George in particular causing damage on the left.
The third quarter was a really good display. Bailey and Xander asked to swop positions with Xander moving into the middle. This gave us a good shape and ensured we had high energy going forward and in recovery from Xander.
Rory put us ahead again after his tenacious attitude paid off in the box and he fired to the top corner. Then brilliant wide play and a cross from Xander was finished again by Rory for his hat trick!
In the 4th quarter our desire to hold out for the win was superb. Solid defending and loads of effort from Zac and Austin saw the boys home.
MOTM was between Xander, Fin and Rory. Hat tricks can't go unrewarded and Rory will captain us next weekend.
Well done lads. Terrific performances from every player.
Wednesday, 28 June 2017
TOURNAMENT REPORTS - 18 AND 24 JUNE
BLACON TOURNAMENT - SEMI-FINALISTS
Great effort to reach the semi-final playing some high calibre teams from North Wales including a very good Conahs Quay outfit.
The boys made it to the semi-final where although they played the better football we went out to an organised Flint team.
PREES TOURNAMENT - QUARTER FINALISTS
The boys played brilliantly and stormed the group stage with 4 wins and 1 draw to win their group and go into the quarters. The style of play, aggression to win the ball, lots of early goals and plenty of clean sheets showed we had learnt how to play tournament football after the experiences at Vauxhall and Blacon.
We scored first in the quarter final from a great Xander break and cross to Rory to side foot home and we were winning 1-0 with the ref indicating 30 seconds to go. We gave a really unfortunate free-kick away (after one of the lads picked up the ball thinking it had gone out!) and we conceded with the last kick of the match to take us to extra time!
After an end to end extra 5 minutes we were making our last sub to get our penalty takers on the pitch when we conceded from an unstoppable shot with 10 seconds remaining.
To say we were unlucky is an understatement. Talking to other coaches it was felt we were the team to beat so its a shame we couldn't progress.
The boys were understandably very frustrated and upset but we will learn from this experience and get stronger. Probably our game management (passing and playing out the game) could have been better as the opposition threw everything at us to try to get something. Fair play to them as well for an unbelievable comeback...
But WELL DONE lads. We played great football all day. We will return to all competitions next season and possible a mini-tour.
Great effort to reach the semi-final playing some high calibre teams from North Wales including a very good Conahs Quay outfit.
The boys made it to the semi-final where although they played the better football we went out to an organised Flint team.
PREES TOURNAMENT - QUARTER FINALISTS
The boys played brilliantly and stormed the group stage with 4 wins and 1 draw to win their group and go into the quarters. The style of play, aggression to win the ball, lots of early goals and plenty of clean sheets showed we had learnt how to play tournament football after the experiences at Vauxhall and Blacon.
We scored first in the quarter final from a great Xander break and cross to Rory to side foot home and we were winning 1-0 with the ref indicating 30 seconds to go. We gave a really unfortunate free-kick away (after one of the lads picked up the ball thinking it had gone out!) and we conceded with the last kick of the match to take us to extra time!
After an end to end extra 5 minutes we were making our last sub to get our penalty takers on the pitch when we conceded from an unstoppable shot with 10 seconds remaining.
To say we were unlucky is an understatement. Talking to other coaches it was felt we were the team to beat so its a shame we couldn't progress.
The boys were understandably very frustrated and upset but we will learn from this experience and get stronger. Probably our game management (passing and playing out the game) could have been better as the opposition threw everything at us to try to get something. Fair play to them as well for an unbelievable comeback...
But WELL DONE lads. We played great football all day. We will return to all competitions next season and possible a mini-tour.
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