A full strength squad vied for game time on the fourth outing of the new dawn for the Rockets march on the Div 2 title. Selection headaches for the manager is a welcome problem as all players were keen and looking to play.
Jake took the gloves with Alex, Sam and Rohan providing the rear guard; Daniel, Jack and Joe started in the middle with Brendan and Tom upfront. The game kicked off and the boys were soon into their rhythm passing and moving well and putting pressure on the Blades defence. A neat run and shot from Tom and the score was opened in the first three minutes of the game.
The front two and the wingers were enjoying themselves and putting some good runs together, the football was fast and accurate with good interplay, the players were working hard without the ball which was very positive and being creative with the ball. Jake was under-worked but Alex, Sam and Rohan dealt with any small threats with ease, Jack, Joe and Dan were playing well with Brendan and Tom causing havoc up front. The second goal soon followed, again from Tom but good work from Dan created the chance. Joel came on for an temporarily injured Jack and was soon into the action with a run down the wing.
The pressure was too much for the Diamonds whose sparkle was dulled by an impressive Rockets performance. Tom added third, followed by a neat lob from Joe for a fourth. Daniel scored with a fierce shot through the keeper and Brendan added a sixth before the half time whistle blew.
6-0 at the break and the changes were rolled out, Hayden came on for Dan and Cameron for Joel. The message from the bench was play football and don’t worry about the score, pass and move and continue to work hard. The message was obviously not clear with 'don’t worry about the score' probably being the only thing they heard!! A slow lethargic start with the boys feeling the job was done invited pressure from the Diamonds whose half time was more effective at motivating!! A loose pass out from the back and snap shot from the CB's and they had a goal! 6-1.
More instructions from the line and the Rockets finally ignited again, with Jack scoring a seventh before Tom got his fourth. 8-1 Rockets and Brendan and Tom were replaced by Joel and Dan to finish the game.
8-1 it finished and a comfortable win overall. Areas to work on when we play stronger opposition are more tenacity in closing the space down when we haven't got the ball and not 'wafting' at the ball - measured control and aggression to win the ball and play it to our team is the key. We need to work for the space to receive the pass particularly from the goal kick and throw ins!!
All in all though a very strong performance some good flair and creativity in the game with solid work by all players. Well done all and roll on another good win next week!
