The Rockets had the late kickoff this week which should have suited any cold tired limbs but the results of sleep-overs and late nights was all too evident for some as the game got underway. The initial setup had Alex with the gloves, Joel at the back, Jack in the middle, Joe down one flank, an introduction of Katie down the other wing and Christian up front.
The Wildcats certainly started the brighter with some good passing and movement that wasn't picked up by some sleepy Rockets in the first period. Joe and Katie did at least look up to the task and showed good tackling and tracking back. Christian too looked fresh and a willing runner up front, with a couple of forays into the Wildcats half nearly producing something for Betley.
It wasn't too long however before the Wildcats pressure started to take it toll and Alex had some work to do. Jack and Joel, still suffering from DVD overload the night before tried their best to stem the flow but the Wildcats showed their strength and ability to carve the first opening which Alex could do little about, the ball sailing over this time, a let off for the Rockets. This lit the blue touch paper a little for Betley and they did start to awaken as the period went on and a couple of strong runs from Katie and Joe had the Wildcats on the back-foot a few times. Jack was still trying his best and Joel, looking after the rear, slotted a through ball for Christian to run onto, the ball just sticking under the inform strikers feet preventing a shot on goal.
The Wildcats were however still enjoying good possession and another foray into Rockets space resulted in a strong low shot that found the net under a despairing dive from Alex, 0-1 to the Wildcats. To their credit the Rockets didn't let this get them down and restarted with a positive attitude, Joe finding space and showing a good turn of speed with added trickery that had the 'Cats twisting and turning. Katie, enjoying her debut against bigger and stronger opposition, didn't look out of her depth and started to make inroads into the Wildcats defence unleashing a fierce shot that squirmed under the keeper but narrowly missed the target.
The game continued to flow end to end and the slow burning Rockets were now beginning to move the ball to wide areas better allowing Katie and Joe some space to show their skills, the 'Cats attack still had claws however but Joel and Alex continued to snuff out any further danger. The closing moments of the period saw Christian creating more pressure that finally paid off with a low thumping strike from the edge of the box beating the keeper hands down, 1-1 Rockets were back in the game.
The second quarter got underway with Katie rested and Jake minding the goal. Alex moved into defence, Joel patrolled the middle with Jake, Joe on the wide areas and Christian the constant spearhead upfront. The second period continued in the same guise, end to end action with both teams contributing. The Rockets worked hard and when able, put some nice interplay together still aware the 'Cats had a strong line up that more than acquitted themselves. Jake was the busier of the 'keepers but showed a strong pair of hands and quick thinking distributing the ball to teammates. Alex was a rock at the back strong in the tackle but quick enough to look up and pass well when needed. Joe was a constant threat on the wing twisting and dribbling through the 'Cats defence really well whilst sprinting back to cover the Rockets goal when needed. The 'Cats had the better opportunities in the second quarter with a couple of goal mouth clearances and excellent saves from Jake keeping the scores level.
Into the last period and Alex took a much earned rest and Katie came back into the wide area. Joel took the gloves, Jake held the back line and Jack marshaled the middle. Joe was the constant threat down the wing and Christian was twisting the 'Cats final line one way then the other whenever he got the ball. The Rockets continued to enjoy good pressure but the game was still tight with both sides attacking and defending well. The good Rockets pressure finally started to pay dividends with Katie and Joe having chances in the box that last ditch tackles prevented finding the net and Christian hitting the post on couple of occasions after good work from Jack in the middle. Jake started to use his size and strength to good effect allowing him to pass the ball to an ever willing Joe and Katie. Jack ran his heart out up and down the pitch as ever.
The Rockets were banging on the 'Cats basket now and their concerted play led to indecision in the defence between keeper and defender which Christian pounced on to hit home his and the Rockets second, 2-1 Rockets. The 'Cats weren't done though and they still tried to pass the ball and move forward whenever they could, a break down the middle from their striker led to a one on one with Joel, the striker thwarted by a pouncing Joel, a certain goal saved. The 'Cats still didn't give in and neither did the Rockets, a couple of firecrackers from Christian went close and Katie and Joe were strong moving forward and speedy retreating to help out Jake when needed. Jake was enjoying the space at the back showing great passing and holding the line against the 'Cats well.
The closing moments saw the final attack from Wistaton and a break down the right again had a shot on goal which Joel was right behind. As the keeper went to distribute another telling pass out from defence an unfortunate slip of the glove allowed the ball to wriggle under his keep and roll in, 2-2 all square. The obvious disappointment was short lived and he handled himself well. The game ended all square and a closely contested tie finished with the right result of the spoils shared. A good performance from all players with the Wildcats passing well and despite a slow start and some tired players on Rockets side their team mates more than made up with some energetic play. Well done all, early nights for some next week but well played the new comers, everyone did very well and contributed to an entertaining game.
