The Rockets turned up more interested in the opposition than how and who they were going to play on a damp Sandbach afternoon. A full squad again vying for places in the starting line up where keen to change position and 'go up front' convinced the score would be a repeat of the last match between the teams without a ball being kicked!!
Kristian took the gloves, Alex, Sam and Cameron took the back three positions with instructions to push up but not leave Kristian unguarded; Rohan, Joe, Jack and Brendan were across the middle with Hayden upfront.
The game kicked off and the complacency in the warm up was soon in evidence during the game. The players were slow, unstructured and not playing their normal quality game. They obviously thought by just turning up they would win.
Laboured play followed and some exasperated shouting from the touch line and the crowd ensued, luckily the opposition didn’t pose too much threat and Rockets opened the scoring through a header from Sam, 1-0.
The Rockets still struggled to find their flow but they kept at the task. Alex was assured, Sam controlled and Cameron was positive in possession. Brendan was playing well with Jack working hard supported by a flying wing attack of Joe and Rohan. Hayden was creating chances and could have extended the lead a couple of times.
Brendan was enjoying more space and soon found a little space in the area and doubled the Rockets lead 2-0.
Half time came and some strong words from the bench. Joel had come on with Jake to freshen things up and played well in their positions on the wing and upfront. The Rockets were still not flowing but they still put good effort in and the rare attacks from Alsager were thwarted well by the team.
The second half improved and there was evidence of passing and movement. The pressure mounted and a whipped ball in from Joe ricocheted off a defended and in, 3-0. The Rockets were finding some form and despite some possession from the Diamonds the Rockets were comfortable. A late fierce drive from Hayden flew in and was the pick of the goals for 4-0 but the team made hard work of a straight forward fixture.
Same opposition next week so the concentration needs to be right from the start. Every game is different even when it is the same team against us or for us. We need to be disciplined and play the Betley game. We have enough skill and determination throughout the squad to beat any team in the league if we are confident, concentrate and play our game without worrying who we are against and what the score was last time!!
Well done everyone another deserved win and top of the table!!
Cup game next week - well done all, remember we have the quality to play a high standard - we just need to show that each week whoever the team on the other side of the pitch is!!
