The third outing against the Diamonds was the first round of the cup and a full squad turned out eager for the chance of game time and goals!! A quick chat before the game and the players were warned of complacency following last week's slow start and lack of work ethic.
No danger this week however as the Rockets lined up with Kristian with the gloves, Alex, Sam and Daniel across the back, Joe, Jack, Brendan and Rohan strung across the middle and Tom upfront - the Rockets were soon into the game and the passing and movement was soon evident as the ball was moved around the pitch really well and the boys were all working hard to keep possession, find space and support the man with the ball.
The possession and movement were good and the ball moved well with a few early attacks unlucky not to reap rewards. A corner in the first two minutes saw the Diamonds under increased pressure and a great delivery and blocked shot fell to a grateful Sam to prod the ball home, 1-0 and the Rockets were off!
Jack and Brendan were playing some good possession and one-two football with Joe and Rohan a real threat bombing down the wings with pace; Tom was a live wire upfront and threaded some great passes to the team. Any lone threat from the Diamonds and Alex and Dan mopped it up with ease and Sam marshalled the middle with assurance. Kristian was confident a dealt with a couple of long punts with aplomb!
Another swift attack from the Rockets and Jack raced through a slotted a second 2-0 and the score line was never going to stop there! A rare attack from Alsager and a run and shot was expertly tipped over the bar by Kristian but Betley were well in control.
Tom skipped his way through a weak defence to make it 3-0, quickly followed by another sweeping move and soon it was Tom again for 4-0. The Rockets were in full flow and starting to enjoy proceedings, Dan was replaced with Cameron and soon after Tom notched up his hat-trick after some good interplay, 5-0.
Time for Hayden to come into play for Tom and he wasted little time running through a great ball from Brendan to finish well and the half finished 6-0 Rockets!! Well deserved.
Into the second half and the possession football of pass and move continued with players eager to get on the score sheet. A lapse in shape and too many pushed high up the pitch and Alex was left with three to defend, an inside pass and shot crept into the corner and the Diamonds had one back, 6-1.
The Rocket's weren't fazed tho' and were soon pushing on again with Rohan and Jack a real menace, Jack and Brendan playing good football supported by Cam and Alex flying forward and Sam pushing up on set plays. Hayden was working well and a good pass to Brendan left an opening for a shot which Brendan took well, 7-1. Joel and Jake were introduced and Jack and Joe took a breather. Jake worked hard and had two or three chances which were just blocked off, Joel had two great chances and a wicked free kick that just shaved the post. Another slotted pass from the Rockets and a chance well saved saw the ball spill out to a prowling Hayden to bag his second and it was 8-2.
The Rockets were well on top, but a long hopeful effort from the middle just crept in over Kristian's head for 8-2 and the Diamonds had a rest from constant defending!
A final change round and Tom came back on in time to grab another late on but the game was well and truly won a long time ago! All over 9-2 Rockets!!
Well done Rockets some great play and real appetite to work for each other saw the rewards in both the score line and the way we played. We need that attitude every week no matter who the opposition is and if we do get on top to try to keep our shape and not chase goals when patience and quality will do the job!
Excellent game and well done all, as I keep saying tougher games to come so keep the confidence and quality in training and matches ready for sterner tests. Well done all good result, and into the next round!
