In Real's 2nd game of pre season, they took on regular rivals, Northbrook. With a squad of 18, manager Davies had to leave Mcginn and Burden out of the squad. A testing game ahead in baking conditions.
Real started the game well and it took 4 minutes to break the dead lock. Good build up from the back lead to Budd lofting the ball forward for Cheese, with the squeaky voice defender slipping, allowing Cheese to pounce and neatly finish to make it 1-0. On his last game for the club, Budd went off due to a back injury and was replaced by Alfie with Minty moving back to left back. Real continued to try and play football but were caught out after 16 minutes. The ball was hoofed forward to the striker which confused Minty and Wellsy, allowing the ball to fall into the strikers path who finished past Richie. 1-1. As the game picked up again, it was stopped due to a 'Water break' after 22 minutes. I haven't heard of this rule before but maybe the opposition haven't had to much fitness so we'll let them off. Rant over. For now. Changes were made at the pointless break, Callum, Ed, Joe and Ben on for Milo, Anton, Andy and Kier. After Northbrook re-charged there old boys batteries, Real did come under pressure for the last 20 in the first half with Northbrook on top but failing to make it count.
Half Time - Northbrook 1 - Real Rustington 1
After the half time bollocking, the return of a club legend, Daniel Davies came on for Callum, who was carrying an 'Injury'. This would prove a pivotal change in the game. Alfie pulled up on 50 minutes with a pull so Davies took him off as a pre caution and young Conner came on in his place. After 55 minutes, Dan Davies picked up the ball on the edge of and smashed it in the top corner to make it 2-1. A few Northbrook players were blowing so drink break at 65 minutes. Yawn. Manager Davies looked to secure the win and brought on Andy, Anton and Milo for Ben, Joe and Ed. After good build up Real made it 3-1 on 70 minutes. A through ball from Anton left Dan Davies one on one with the keeper and slotted home. More changes, Dan and Kier off, Cheese and Callum on. Northbrook got one back with 5 to go after a lapse in concentration and Richie some how thinking the ball was going wide, Neil Morris (works with Rich!!!) finishing to make it 3-2.
Full Time - Northbrook 2 - Real Rustington 3
A wins a win but we had a 20 minute spell of poor play and lack of concentration which we wont get away with in the Prem. Thanks to all the support again and for the lads they didn't get picked for coming along to support. Like I said, a wins a win but we all need to up the performances. One last thing, If any one sees a rattle, could you please return it to Northbrooks centre back, as he couldn't find it after he through it out of his pram ;)
#RRFC
