A cold and wet morning greeted the Rockets and their opposition for the day were stable mates the Wizards which always creates as much dilemma for the players as it does the mums, dads and coaches!
Into the first period and Katie took to the net complete with new gloves, Joel went upfront, Alex at the back, Jack in the middle and the width was provided by Jake and Joe. The Rockets settled early against their compatriots and soon started passing and moving well. Jack, Joe and Jake were all confident moving forward, Joel had some nice touches and Alex and Katie had little to do in the first exchanges. The game was developing well and the Rockets soon had early chances through Jake, Jack and Joe but all had strong tackles from the Wizards thwarting their play. It wasn't long before the play opened up for the first goal and Joel had a nice turn and shot to finish well. The Wizards weren't overawed by their older club-mates and soon the Rockets were defending with Alex showing great strength in the tackle and good vision in releasing the play when needed. Katie was brought into the action late in the period and proved up to the task showing great nerve and skill in beating out a couple of chances, however little was to be done about the Wizards equalizer, a low shot from the edge of the box and it was 1-1.
Into the second period and Jake took the gloves with Jack moving to the rear guard, Katie went up front, Alex on the wing, Joe on the other and Joel providing the midfield presence. By now the Rockets and Wizards were staring to provide an entertaining end to end game of good quality football with great spirit. Both teams contributed really well to an open, well contested game with chances at both ends. For the Rockets Katie was enjoying the striking responsibilities, Joel had good possession in the middle and Alex proved how well he has progressed with some great wing play. Joe was a real threat going forward and made some excellent last gasp covering tackles in defence. Jack had a great awareness to distribute from the back, Jake was assured in goal and his passing from dead balls set the Rockets on a few sorties into Wizard territory. The period saw a great goal from Joe equalled by a stunning strike from the Wizards. 2-2 and into the final 10 minutes.
The final period saw Joel take the blue keeper jersey, Jake minded the rear, Jack was restored to the middle, Alex went upfront, Katie to the wings with Joe on the other flank. The game continued in the same format as the previous two with the Wizards and Rockets providing great entertainment for the appreciative crowd in testing conditions. Both teams attacked and defended valiantly to a player a deserved great credit for their willingness to keep playing and trying to pass and move. The period saw a great individual goal from the Wizards and a equally good low drive from Jack to square the match at 3-3. All square in the end.
Both teams deserve the plaudits for a truly entertaining quality game. The Wizards had numerical advantage in more ways than one on the day and deserve to go away with their heads high playing against older opposition but all players made a contribution and no one was left cold and wet on the sidelines. The Rockets were great, never gave up and had some great interchange and flowing football that, save for the final finish, would have brought more rewards. Well done all, its is always difficult to play against friends but both team played really well and made mums, dads, family and coaches very proud. Both teams have come a long way and this match was evidence of this. Great game, well done Betley.
