The Rockets lined up against the Wildcats determined to dull the claws of their opponents. Alex started in goal, Joel at the back, Joe and Jake on the wings, Jack in the middle, Katie rested and Christian upfront. The game kicked off and the Rockets were soon passing the ball well and looking confident. The training on passing and moving being put into effect. The game wasn't two minutes old however when the 'Cats got the ball in the middle and their striker unleashed an unstoppable drive from distance to which Alex could do nothing about. 0-1 'Cats. Undeterred the Rockets restarted and tried to pass and move again only for the same striker to get the ball, dribble past a couple of tackles and shoot low into the corner, another unstoppable shot. 0-2 'Cats. By now the Rockets looked a little shell shocked but they don't go down easily the mighty Rockets and a couple of passing moves restored the confidence a little. Joel started to work, Jack was a terrier against the 'Cats, Joe and Jake showed some good passing and pace of movement and Christian was getting more of the ball and starting to cause trouble for the Wistaton defence. A good pass from Joe released Christian down the right a quick return pass to Jake and a strong shot opened the score for Rockets 1-2 'Cats and the Rockets were back in it.
Into the second period and Joel went in the nets, Katie came on the wing with Jake rested, Joe, Jack and Christian continued and Alex shored the defence. The Rockets were back to playing their football, Katie was straight into the action Joe was motoring up and down the flanks, Jack ensured the defence was strong and played good passes going forward and Christian was causing all kinds of trouble up front. Joel was kept busy but dealt with the attempts well. The ROckets moved the ball but were wary of the striking threat of the 'Cats forward player. Still they kept going and soon Jack had a mazy run and powerful shot, goal. 2-2 all square. There was still work to be done, but Katie was really strong stopping the forward play of the 'Cats and Jack was busy in the middle. Alex was tough tackling and showed real determination as did Christian who was showing a clean pair of heals to the Wistaton defence when he had the ball. Joe was constantly in great space and was open many times, unfortunately his team mates could find the pass that would release the pacy winger. Still a great pass from Joe did find Christian who turned his man well and finished confidently. 3-2 Rockets and they were playing well now. The 'Cats still had their striker playing up front and another fierce shot hit an unlucky Alex on the arm, Alex took a rest, Jake came back on and the harshly awarded free kick was lashed goal-wards to rattle the cross bar.
Into the final session and Alex stayed off for a while. Joe went in goal, Joel went upfront, Jake in defence, Katie and Christian on the wing and Jack in the middle. There followed some great play from the Rockets who were enjoying the day, the threat of the 'Cats striker remained and he was confidently hitting shots from all over. It wasn't long before one of his drives found the top corner again. 3-3 all square again. The Rockets pushed on Katie enjoying runs forward and Jack and Christian having good possession. Joel held the ball up well and Jake, with good control and awareness played his passing game. Eventually the ball found Christian, and after a strong run hit a strong shot, goal. 4-3 Rockets. The 'Cats didn't give in and gave the ball to their star man, a mazy run and a couple of broken tackles and the game was level again, 4-4. Up stepped the Rockets again, this time Katie passing to Christian on the wing another cut inside and fierce shot, 5-4 Rockets. Back came the 'Cats, again their man creating space for a drive into the box, a scramble and 5-5 all square again. By this time Alex was still smarting from his arm, and the Rockets were beginning to tire, a couple more chances went their way, both Katie and Joel were unlucky with narrowly missed shots. The 'Cats relied on their man to create time and space for the 'Cats offence and a another scramble saw another goal. 5-6 and the Rockets were behind. Joe was strong in goal and the tackles kept coming but the Rockets were unlucky at both ends, Joel and Jack going close and Katie tackled at the last when open. Jake kept out a couple of clear chances but yet another fortunate ricochet and the 'Cats had their 7th. 5-7 it finished but could easily have been all square at the end. The Rockets played good football as a team and can be proud of their play. They were undone a little by a good player on the other team but we have the skills to deal with this, just unlucky o the day. Well played all, excellent passing and great energy from all. Well done.
