The Rockets had the later kickoff today with the benefit of watching the majestic Wizards put through their paces in the earlier game. The weather was kind and the Rockets lined up with Joel rested for the first period, Alex in goal, Katie and Joe on the flanks, Jack in the middle, Jake sweeping at the back and Christian up front. The Rockets were off to a flying start and soon had the Thunder under pressure. Joe and Katie were pushing forward and moving the ball well, Christian was running hard, Jack passed really well and Jake had lots of time to pick his passes and move the play around. Alex had little to do but look on and keep alert. All the play was Rockets and both Katie and Jack were unlucky not to open the scoring. Jake swept any slight movement up front and Christian was a menace, with the ball just getting stuck under the strikers feet at the last minute at times. Joe was a constant threat and tracked back when needed. Alex wasn't troubled, and yet against the run of play a good pass was intercepted by a Crewe player who poked a hopeful shot forward and the ball creeped in. 0-1 to Crewe. The Rockets though never looked down hearted and were soon on the attack again, this time Jake moving through the gears to force the Thunder back created the chance for Christian to cross only for the last touch in the box to just miss. It was beginning to look like one of those days and the period ended with the Rockets behind despite most of the play.
Into the second period and Katie rested, Joel came in goal, Alex at the back, Jack and Jake in the middle with Joe roaming the wing feeding Christian up front with some great passing and movement. The Rockets really moved the ball well and restarted back to pushing the Thunder into defence, only some inspired goalkeeping kept the Rockets out but lightening had to strike at some point. A great threaded ball from Joe to Jake out wide saw Jake skip inside his marker and unleash a fierce drive into the top of the net. 1-1 and all square, well deserved. The Rockets continued to push and any ventures forward were quickly hunted out by a tough tackling Alex at the back, he really put the effort in and showed good awareness to use the ball. Jack and Joe were having lots of possession and Joel had little to do again in the goal. Christian had a couple of strong runs and good crosses but another goal didn't come.
Into the final period and Katie came on upfront for Christian who was starting to tire. Joel went to the sweeper role, Joe and Alex on the wings, Jake in the middle and Jack in goal. The same passages of play as the last period with the Rockets looking up and passing when they could. Strong runs from Katie and Joe pushed the ball forward and Jake was showing good skill in the middle as well. Joel controlled the back and passed the ball well. Alex was strong and passed the ball accurately moving the ball around the pitch and the pressure was mounting. Katie and Joe went close with good shots on goal, again the keeper making some telling stops. The passing paid off eventually with a drilled pass from Joe found Jake again who skipped passed a defender and a hard low shot found the corner. 2-1 Rockets, no more than they deserved.
A great performance from the Rockets today, they showed their passing and moving in the sessions is working well. They never gave in and continued to play despite not scoring when a bit more luck would have seen more goals. They played the game with a great spirit and always tried to pass and play. Well done all, an excellent attitude and application today.
