Real Rosehill played their first game of the season at their home ground Patcham Place today without the likes of Lee Smith, Foggy, Mark Newman and Adam.
Going head to head against very tough and agressive opposition who wanted to win by making some awful challenges and late tackles. Rosehill ended up with 10 players as a result of some injuries being picked up by the late and terrible challenges.
Rosehill opened the scoring on 2 minutes following a class team move and Charlie converting following an assist from Stonham. Rosehill scored on 40 minutes once again a team move by Rosehill with Charlie scoring.
Rosehill dominated the first half and the new diamond formation was reaping benefits as the stand in keeper Dan Kuxhaus had nothing to do. Rosehill went into the break 2-0 up. It could have been more, a few chances were missed and Sharpy let fly from 25 yards only for it to skim the crossbar with the keeper well beaten.
After the break Harleys changed their tactics and decided the only way they could win the game was to scythe our players fdown as they went past them. Whitty took a bad knock in the back after 50 minutes and had to be replaced by Mark Davies. Soon after Lewis replaced Jamie Kuxhaus who ran and ran.
Harleys came back in the game and scored a goal before Charlie made it 3-1 and then Harleys scored to make it 3-2. This time Rosehill kept their heads up and then started to dominate once again.
Charlie scored a screamer from the edge of the box to secure the points for Rosehill and go 2 in front. Soon after Max was taken out by a terrible challenge which saw him writhe in pain with stud marks on his knee and could not continue so Rosehill were down to 10 men.
Charlie scored his 5th with 10 minutes to go following a Sharpy assist and then captain Ben Stonham rounded off an emphatic win with a lob over the keeper.
The whole team were excellent and would not play a more tougher game all season apart from the return match against Harleys.
Playing the new formation for the first time was always going to be difficult but the players listened and it is just a matter of fine tuning now. Whitty on his return was superb and will make the sweeper his position from now on. Harleys were lucky with their 2 goals and apart from that never looked like scoring again.
Rosehill upped their game when they needed to and defensively were resolute and going forward were class. Some classic flowing football was played by the Rosehill today.
Still some work to do but that will come in time and lots to look forward to for the season.
Full credit to new team coach Gary Derkson whose knowledge of the game was invaluable.
Everyone today was IMMENSE and each and every player should be very proud of what they achieved today.
Each player was playing for the team instead of themselves and the team spirit should be applauded.
Thank you very much for making me and Gary so happy today and here's hoping you feel the same way about your performances. I am sure you do.
Some things to work on at training Tuesday in preparation for next Sunday's game against Lancing Atheletic at Buckingham Park.
Bring it on! - Cheers Tone
