The grudge match was here, the only team to have beaten the Rockets and a new venue awaited this eagerly awaited tie. The Rockets were on a high after the goal fest last week and a strong squad was available to take on the red and white stripes!
Kristian was back between the posts, Daniel, Sam and Cameron across the back with orders to push up when we attacked. Joe, Jack, Brendan and Rohan across the middle with Tom upfront. Joel and Hayden waited for their chance. The Rockets kicked off with the pass and move mantra still in their ears from the pre match talk and the boys seemed to have forgotten the 'move' element of the team talk!
There was some evidence of passing but all players seemed a little asleep and despite the whistle blowing they were making heavy work of the game - still their undoubted quality and good inter-play did start to unlock the Santos defence and the threaded balls were beginning to turn the opposition round facing their own goal under the attacks.
Some great play from Joe, Brendan and Jack saw an shot and parry followed by a scramble and Tom pounced on a loose ball to prod home the opener - the Rockets were off! 1-0 to Betley. Sam was getting forward well and dealing with the threats coming from the Blades, Cameron and Dan were controlled and passing from the back linking well with the midfield. Brendan was very effective and Jack was winning the battle to control the middle, Joe and Rohan were excellent going forward and supporting the defensive lines when required. Tom was quick and presenting some real problems for the back line of Santos.
The Rockets were now getting going, quicker to the ball, but Santos were still a threat so they had to be mindful. Some more good interplay and Rohan was put through on goal and a clam finish from 10 yards 2-0 Rockets!. Still the Rockets laboured a little but there were signs of improvement. Joel came on for Jack and was soon threading his passes. Some neat play from Cameron and Joe and another threaded pass and Brendan was through - another great finish 3-0 and the Rockets were now clicking.
Half time came and the Rockets were told to up the work rate but keep the passing going, more interplay from Daniel and Jack this time a foul resulted in a free-kick in a good position. Rohan took control and hit a good shot in off the underside of the bar 4-0 Rockets.
The pace was now evident and all players were playing positively and moving with more purpose, a great pass from Joe and Jack was in to slot home - 5-0 Rockets. The back three were shuffled and Hayden came onto the wing, playing some great stuff with crisp one twos with Tom and Brendan. A small lapse in concentration saw a brief chance and Kristian saw a strong shot sting his palms, good save though. The Blades were starting to get some possession and a break and shot saw the ball creep in the corner 5-1 but the Rockets were un-moved and carried on their game. Brendan was proving a handful and a strong run around 3 players and a neat finish made it 6-1.
Still the Rockets weren't finished and a long ball from Kristian (not to be encouraged too much!!) saw Rohan bear down on goal and a good low shot found the corner 7-1 to the Rockets. There was still time for a last attack and Tom ran down the wing, stepped over to wrong foot the defender and slot home for 8-1 - it was all over the Brazilian's despatched!
A very good win which wronged the previous result, we started slowly and we were a bit lethargic to begin with, but we persevered and got our rewards for good work. All played very well and the passing and moving was excellent at times and tore through the opposition with some fantastic passes. Well done all - a well-deserved victory - let's keep it going for the last game next week before Santa arrives!!
