The mighty Rockets arrived to the wind swept soccer centre ready to go after a good training session the day before working on passing, moving and creating space. The starting line up featured Jake with the gloves, Alex sweeping, Joel in the middle, Jack and Joe providing the speed and width down the flanks and Christian upfront. Katie warmed the bench for the first period and the Rockets right from the kickoff started brightly passing the ball well and showing good movement and control against an experienced Diablos team.
Good interlink with Jack, Joe and Joel led to the Rockets first attack, Christian sprinting onto a good pass and letting go a good drive narrowly missing the target. The Diablos though were not just spectators and proved they can play too with good interplay and skills on show from their side. Alex had to be alert snuffing out any attack and distributing the ball well when in possession. Jake was also en-guard from the Diablo attack and produced two good stops. The ebb and flow continued and the Rockets started to use Joe on the wing more, the speedy winger cutting in and glancing a shot just wide. The effervescent Jack put in another good showing and Joel showed good vision and control in measured passing.
The chances kept coming for Rockets and the defensive abilities of both Alex and Jake were tested throughout as the game went on. A chance from Diablos late in the period produced a great save from the cat like Jake only for an unfortunate rebound to be tapped in 0-1 to Diablo. The Rockets however aren't daunted by conceding and promptly continued to show good passing and interplay to force the devilish Nantwich back towards goal, both Joe and Jack going close this time.
Into the second period and Jake strode out into the back line, Joel took the gloves, Alex rested and Katie came into the fray. A re-gig in the middle saw Jack marshal the midfield and Joe and Katie cut in from their wide positions with great aplomb. The flowing match continued were it left off with both teams doing very well and producing entertaining football older players would have been proud of. Katie and Joe were excellent going forward and tracking back and showed vision and confidence on the ball. Jake played well in a position not relished by the team but once on the ball he could use his passing skills and turn of pace to good effect from deep positions. Joel minded the net well and produced a couple of secure stops and Jack and Christian tested the Diablo back line time after time until the deserved break came, the ball finding Christian in the area and a fierce right foot shot was still rising as it hit the back of the net. 1-1.
The final period gave Jake a rest and Alex took the gloves, Joel took sweeper and the rest continued as they were, still playing so well. Diablo had the early pressure tho and a lapse of concentration allowed a good strike which found the corner 1-2 Diablos. Undeterred the Rockets swarmed forward and never let the ethos of pass and move diminish as they searched for the equalizer. The team still had work to do at the back with a couple of smart saves from Alex and last gasp tackles from Joel needed at times. Going forward though the fizzing Rockets with Katie, Joe and Jack all had chances, all three had final shots just missing the mark. Christian again broke away a few times but the wind took the ball away from the little mans stride on one occasion and another chance just missed. The final 5 minutes it was all Rockets, but on a day of gales no matter how much the Rockets huffed and puffed at the Diablos goal the final result didn't come. 1-2 it finished and an excellent entertaining game ended with deserved applause for both teams. The Rockets were very unlucky not to get anything from the tie but all put in great work and showed the progression they are capable of. Well done all, excellent play!
