Rosehill went into today's Vic Bettney Memorial Cup first round on the back of a 7-0 win against Goring Cricket Club last week on a high.
From the start Rosehill pushed forward and were unlucky in the first 5 minutes with a couple of chances going begging. However that was to change on 9 minutes when full back Max Derkson tapped the ball in after a team move with an assist from Shrubby.
Rosehill knocked the ball around with style and then on 19 minutes the following happened.................
Luke "Mr Versatile" Poulton playing centre back again picked the ball up in the centre circle just inside the AFC Brighton half and unleashed a teriffic strike beating the AFC keeper from 45 yards. In all the many games I have watched over the years this was easily the best goal I have seen. The keeper had no chance and Rosehill went 2-0 up.
Following the amazing strike the crowd could be heard chanting for a rendition of the "Choad Dance" from manager Tony Woods which he was only too pleased to do. Head Coach Gary Derkson was bemused and was seen to check a number of times to see if his 70's style moustache had grown back, it had and that was unbelievable too.
Rosehill then conceded following a Rory Delap throw totally unexpected from the AFC B and H player to be headed in by their striker. Adam in goal made a number of great saves as AFC pushed forward for an equaliser. Rosehill scored just before half time with another team move which Damon converted going into the break 3-1 up.
Charlie Walker who has had an amazing recovery from a broken knee was subsitituted at half time to give him a rest and was replaced by debutant Charlie Tomsett who went to centre back with Luke moving in front of the back four partnering Josh. Some great defending by Rosehill and AFC B and saw no goals in the 15 minutes after half time until Damon scored again from a tight angle. This was followed 4 minutes later by a bit of Shrubby skill managing to place the ball wide of the opposition keeper :)
65 minutes into the game an amazing save from keeper Adam from a determined AFC striker which was denied by Adam pushing the ball over the bar at full stretch.
On 70 two more subs were made Jamie Kuxhaus replacing Shrubby and Sam "Diva" Derkson replacing Gary. Both lads had great games but were only taken off to give the two lads a run out.
On 75 AFC B and H scored their second of the match and continued to press forward to score.
Rosehill knocked the ball around with style and then on 85 minutes the following happened.................
Damon "Zizou" Harman picked the ball up from 30 yards out controlled the ball and then let zip with a controlled curling strike from 25 yards beating the keeper with ease and completing his hat trick and was well deserved. In all the many games I have watched over the years this was easily the joint best goal I have seen. The keeper had no chance and Rosehill had completed a great 6-2 result.
You may say that a hat trick warrants man of the match but was beaten to it for the second week running by an ex Mitre team mate, this time being Luke Poulton.
All in all great performances frrom the back four of Max, Brad, Charlie T and Newman who by his own admissions had an off day today but still played well. Josh was his usual determined tricky self with partner on front Gary Anderson winning some great tackles. The midfield of Shrubby, Damon and Stonham created many chances and really could have had ten again. Hopefully Charlie will be back to his best next week but needs time to rest and we are all sure that he will come all guns a blazing next Sunday.
Sam Derkson, Charlie T and Jamie also had great games.
The passing by Rosehill was classy and clinical and could have scored a lot more had they taken half of their other chances and some disputed offsides.
The banter at the Station Hotel after the game was fun too with Tony Woods, doing a one man show that was a cross between Pixie Lott on X Factor, a funny Jack Dee and Alan Hansen.
Onto next week with four key players missing as they are going to Ibiza for a trance skateboarding holiday and Gary Anderson, Yes another Rosehill Liverpool fan going to Old Trafford. Unlike many Man U fans Gary actually knows where Manchester is.
New kits next week and our first game at Patcham Place.
Its going to be a long season and with at least another twenty to play all is looking good.
Well done to coach Gary " Mexicano" Derkson who as usual was tactically hirstute again today.
Cheers lads a great convincing win and now TEN games unbeaten.
Class - Tony and Gaz
