IMMENSE is not a word that manager Tony Woods uses much but after this display by Real Rosehill that's the only word that springs to mind.
After last weeks dismal display and the form of recent matches not in their favour the Rosehill players really wanted this one.
From the start they come out and instead of conceding two in ten minutes were two nil up after fifteen minutes.
The first came from a free kick by Foggy who put the ball onto the penalty spot for James Defreitas to head home.
The second coming five minutes later after an assist from Shrubby with the ball going past the hapless Knowles keeper from the boot of James Defreitas again.
This was a great start by the young Rosehill side whose average age was a little over 20 against a team of Knowles bigger stronger men. What they lacked in weight and muscle Rosehill certainly made up with agression and determination with a cup final at place.
Adam made a great save diving to his right to keep out the Knowles striker. On 40 minutes a penalty after a trip by Tom Goodchild was converted by the Knowles penalty taker for Rosehill to go into the break 2-1 up.
A rousing half time talk by Tony told the Rosehill players that they were 45 minutes away from a cup final in their first season and they did not let him down. They challenged for every ball did not give the Knowles player any time on the ball. Knowles who have only lost twice this season and score over 60 goals always looked dangerous on their fast breaks from defence and midfield but the Rosehill defence stayed resilient.
That was until 75 minutes when the referee gave another penalty after Lewis slid to get the ball and caught the player at the same time.
This time an excellent save by Adam low to his right kept the score at 2-1 to Rosehill, a truly superb save.
The next ten minutes were heart stopping at times and Rosehill gave it everything.
Ryan Cunnington of all players acted peacemaker when the game threatened to boil over due to a fracas involving Tom.
Rosehill had plenty of chances to seal the game with Shrubb going close 3 times, Stonham hit the post after an unlucky bounce and Ryan and James Defreitas both had a couple of chances but not to worry.
Every player gave his all today and was close between Shrubb and Adam for man of the match but Devlin slightly edging Shrubb out to take the award.
It is truly remarkable that in their first season Real Rosehill are still challenging for the tiltle and are through to the Junior Cup Final. They played some great passing football today and the score could have easily been 6 or 7 in Rosehill's favour.
Thanks to each and every one of you today - you gave 100% and truly deserve a final place and lets go out and win it. WELCOME BACK LADS.
Other results went our way today with Preston Park dropping 5 points in a double header and Bevendean losing 4-1 to Waterside.
CLASS LADS !!! You should be very very happy and have made me so proud of what you have achieved SO FAR this season - there is more to come.
Onto the game next week v In Pulse and another great display is needed although a 1-0 win would be enough to see Rosehill through.
After the game next Sunday there will be a Pro Evo tournament in the Rosehill starting at 2pm. More information to follow.
