The Rockets arrived at the soccer centre on a blustery morning raring to go and in good spirits after a fun filled training session the day before. Joel volunteered early for the gloves and Joe rested in the first period with a reshuffle of the formation to give some experience in playing all the positions on the field. Katie went up front, Jake patrolled the middle, Jack went on the left and Christian on the right all ably marshalled by the super sweeper, Alex.
The new formation took a little getting used to and some of the Rockets did wonder where they were meant to play although they all took to their new tasks well and tried their best. The Blackcats started brightly and passed the ball well forcing the Rockets back to their goal line on a couple of occasions. The early pressure was definitely all Wistaton but Alex at the back and Joel proved up to the task. Katie was tackling well and Jack provided the outlet when the Rockets had possession. In the middle of the period however possession in the centre of the pitch from Wistaton led to a speculative shot that took a cruel deflection that gave Joel no chance. 0-1 Blackcats.
Christian took the goal to heart and had a rest so Joe came onto the wing and was soon in the action, the Rockets by now were beginning to settle in their positions and Katie had a couple of good chances with last gasp defending preventing shots on goal. The Rockets were passing now and although still a little hesitant continued to try to move the ball around. Alex was strong in defence and Jake was quick to turn the play into attack when he had the ball, Joe was starting to enjoy the game with a couple of strong runs down the flank. Jack showed his speed down the other side but despite this a good pass and cross from the right from the Blackcats proved unlucky for the Rockets and the ball was poked home from close range. 0-2 Wistaton.
The Rockets don't led their heads drop in these situations and they didn't again, showing steely determination to continue to play their game. Into the second period and Joel kept the gloves, Christian was feeling better and returned to the action. Katie went out wide, Alex was pushed into the middle, Jake went on the wing and Jack patrolled the back. Joe sat out after coming on for Christian early in the game. The Rockets enjoyed more possession this period and battled well when needed and passed and moved to good effect, they were starting to put the 'cats under pressure. Joel beat out a couple of stinging crosses and made a great save with his leg. Katie was really enjoying the game and again went close a couple of times and looked up and passed when there were other options. Jake used his pace down the wing and Jack was sure at the back. Christian was his usual menace upfront twisting and running with the ball having great passes fed to him by Alex. The period was well contested by both teams and they both had good chances to score but great battling and strong tackles prevented this.
Into the final period and Alex took a break, Jack took the gloves, Joel came into the middle, Jake was super sweeper, Joe and Katie were on the wings and Christian continued upfront. This period was all Rockets with Katie, Joe and Christian all having chances, Joel was big and strong in the middle and showed his passing skills. Any foray up the field by the 'cats met a resilient Joe and Katie tracking back. Jake was the final line and showed his vision releasing Christian upfront, and with only the keeper to beat he cooly slid the ball in the corner. 1-2 the Rockets had opened their account.
The pressure was beginning to mount for the Rockets, and the nine lives of Wistaton, aided by a strong wind in the Rockets favour, were starting to run out. An intercept from Katie and a short pass to Christian resulted in a shot with the outside of the boot, 2-2 all square and the tails were lit on the Rockets. Betley continued to camp in the 'cats half and the keeper was struggling with the wind to get the ball out of danger. Once the ball was played upfront the 'cats showed they still could threaten the Rockets, but Jake and Joe snuffed out any danger, Katie showed how good she was in the tackle and Joel shored up the middle. Christian was in full flow now and a through ball from Joe had the him free on goal, a low hard shot to the bottom corner confirmed his hat-rick and Rockets were ahead 3-2.
The game ended with handshakes all round. The Blackcats showed good skills and were unlucky at the end, but the Rockets also proved they aren't down beat when they concede a goal, and a great effort to come from 2 nil down to win the match. Well done all and a good display of determination and passing won the day!
