Rosehill went into this away game having only played once in 6 weeks and twice in 10 and was the first game of the year.
The pitch was very soft which made conditions tough and energy draining.
The last time we played Shelbyville Rosehill were the victors 2-1 against a very defensive side who were tough to break down. Rosehill knew that toda was going to be tough as Shelbyville play with 6 at the back at least.
Rosehill started comfotably against a side who packed the defence and Rosehill could have had 3 or 4 in the first 5 but left it to just after 5 minutes when a bit of skill from from Charlie Walker broke the deadlock with a turn and poke into the net.
Rosehill continued to dominate but could not break the Shelbyville defence down and left it until 27 minutes to go 2 up into the break.
A defensive mistake caused Shelbyville to pull a goal back on 52 and they were back in the game.
The Shelbyville keeper made some outstanding saves and Rosehill could have been 6 or 7 up going into the last 20 minutes but the defence stood firm.
Rosehill's fitness on occasions came into question with a few players getting bad cramp and some are returning from injuries.
In the last 20 minutes Rosehill's team work and domination proved the point and Rosehill scored 7 in the last 20 minutes with Charlie Walker scoring 6, Ben Stonham 2 and Drew 1.
All in all it was a great team effort once again. Every player gave their all and considering it was not a good pitch and lack of matchplay the result was emphatic in the end.
It was great to see Adam back following his broken hand against Aymer over 3 months ago and in no time will be back to doing normal outstanding job between the posts.
The defence of Max, Marky, Brad and Ross did not get troubled at all and were all in unison. Marky had his best game ever for Rosehill and linked up well from defence with the midfield and forwards to earn him the man of the match award.
Luke and Drew just in front were tireless and worked really hard and both had great performances.
The midfield of Damon, his first full game back after breaking his ankle, Ben Stozzer Stonham and Josh linked up well and they too all had great performances, although Josh was not his normal 100% today but still did enough.
Shrubby too came on for the last 30 following a broken ankle and did enough to suggest he is coming back from injury and into form. Thommo the veteran of the side showed his fitness in preperation for the Brighton Marathon with some strong tackles and surging runs down the right. Sam Bean making his debut today for Rosehill did well considering pre match nerves and not having played for a while.
Charlie scored 6 today but it was all about a resolute, heads up performance for Rosehill.
On a scale of 1-10 I would mark Rosehill down as an 8 because we all know we can play better on a fast flat pitch and there is more to come and another couple of gears to go up.
Great performance in difficult conditions against a well organised side.
Still cannot believe we scored 7 in the last 20 minutes.
Thanks to all our supporters who came and cheered us on today.
Onto next week and a game against Horsdean at Waterhall, which if we win will see Rosehill half way through the season undefeated.
Cheers
Tone and Gaz
