The start of the new season didn't bode well when a call from the league on the way to the ground informed of a change of surface to grass in lieu of 3G. Not to be deterred the players, down in numbers due to availability, started warming up and a rainy windswept Sandbach FC waiting for the start of the game.
The match approached and a few last minute instructions about offsides and conserving energy on a larger pitch and the kick-off loomed.
Kristian started in goal, a bigger goal! Joel, Jake and Sam formed a solid flexible passing rear guard, Jack, Joe and Daniel provided the engine in the middle with Brendan and Tom the strike force up front. Hayden began on the line but it wouldn’t be too long before he was thrust into the action.
The early exchanges against the opposition, already disadvantaged due to only having eight players set the tone for the afternoon, Alsager were no match for the passing and movement of the Betley force and the first goal was quickly followed by the second, third, fourth, fifth…………..
A quick chat to the opposition to see if they wanted to play 8 v 8 was gracefully turned down and Hayden came on for Daniel after some lung bursting runs from the winger.
The half ended 7-0 to the Rockets and despite the rain and and the wind the Rockets were somehow enjoying the afternoon - I wonder why!!
The half kicked off and we were soon knocking a few more in, at this point we went down to 8 v 8 and changed a few positions much to the disappointment of those asked to play in defence!!
We then rotated and rested all players and moved people around the field. During the season we will rotate players in order to learn all positions of the field. All players want to score but all positions are equally important, we won't win games with no defence or midfield, not to mention goal keepers!!
Despite the rain and the wind we played some good passing and moving and worked hard for what in the end was an easy result. We will play harder opposition and I was more interested in the discipline and the development of our game.
Everyone put good effort, and some were guilty of 'leaving their posts' and wandering up field to try to get on the score sheet, but overall a very good result and excellent run out to all.
Well done, top of the league (if only on goal difference!) and the first of many wins; 15-0 every week is now the benchmark!!
