We arrived early for the game against the league leaders Horsford. Paul (Joe S dad) and myself were about to sit down in what appeared to be the utive box at Horsford ready in the comfort of warm surroundings only to be told by Dan that we were not permitted to be there and would have to join the others in our designated pitch side area. Begrudgingly we made our way out into the cold breezy day despite my best effort to nab Lesley's hat to help maintain my body's core temperature. How Rob wears shorts I don't know!
Horsford wearing green tops and black shorts began play, playing from right to left and from the kick off they were playing with intent and a spring in there step. Rocklands lined up with Anthony and Marc up front with Eliot, Ewan, Louis and Joe T in midfield. Matty in goal behind Charlie, Joe S, Sam and Luke. From the off the back four were called into action and along with Matty making some great saves from set pieces were denying Horsford the net. Horsford continued to press with the forwards getting one on one with Matty but Matty was proving to be just as good coming off his line at the right times and continuing to frustrate the Horsford strike force.
Rocklands were starting to secure more possession with some good linking play from Eliot and Ewan on the right trying to feed Anthony and Marc up front. Joe T on the left made some great runs also trying to find our front men the final ball just being cut out by Horsford. Anthony made a cracking run towards the Horsford goal with an excellent effort on target with the follow up by Marc but the Horsford defence stayed firm but it gave Rocklands some confidence that if the ball ran right for them they can put the Horsford defence on the back foot.
Horsford made further attempts at finding the back of the net only to be denied by the Rocklands back four, Charlie had his hands full but was marshalling his troops well. Luke continued his strong tackling and made an excellent last man tackle again to deny Horsford. Joe S was imposing himself on the game clearing his lines time and again. Sam read the game well and linked with Joe T on the left.
Horsford appeared to miss our midfield out with the direct ball going wide or up the middle. This together with the physical nature of there game at times put us under pressure. Louis came off with Joe G in at centre mid 25 mins into the first half. Just before half time Charlie made a fine header to clear Rocklands lines only for it to fall to a Horsford player to volley it straight back hitting Charlie with some force which resulted in Charlie laying supine motionless. It took a while for the referee to notice which is not best practice when dealing with potential head injuries. Never the less Reece came on with Eliot moving to centre back.
Half time Horsford 0 - 0 Rocklands.
2nd half underway saw Horsford continue to be strong on the ball and looking for the goal. Rocklands when they attacked put pressure on Horsford back four but did not really have any clear cut chances. Sam came off with Joe T moving to left back and Ryan slotting in the midfield. Matty continued to make some great saves but with Reece up front or wide making some great runs he was troubling the Horsford defence. Reece delivered a cracking ball from the right into the box with Anthony just missing the header by millimetres. Anthony was marauding as ever and put in a shift from midfield and upfront. Unfortunately under a strong tackle with a cynical hint of afters he came off with Charlie coming back on. However Anthony was keen to return and he came back on for Marc.
Horsford scored from a set piece and a goal mouth scramble with 15 mins to go.
Horsford 1 -0 Rocklands.
Luke made another cracking tackle to halt the Horsford attack, he really has developed this season into an excellent right back. Joe G headed off the line and was his usual industrial self in midfield breaking up play. Rocklands went on the attack with the ball being played out from the back through the midfield onto Reece who made a superb run up the middle looking to his right and passed to Anthony on his left who came in for a shot on goal but it just didn't fall quite right for Anthony to deliver it with power but a great display of playing football as it is intended to be played.
From a set piece Horsford scored again with 5 mins to go.
Horsford 2 - 0 Rocklands.
With hindsight this was a cracking game one which even a season ago we would have possibly struggled to deal with but Rocklands have come a long way in a short time. Horsford were a physical side but the lads are capable of asserting themselves on the field of play but also must be able to adapt to how the referee is going to let the game flow whether it be a passing flowing game or a physical game or a mixture of both. This was a good hard fought game and although Rocklands lost they played until the final whistle never giving up. Man of the match was discussed over a hot caramel chocolate and muffin with my two postmatch interviewers and it was decided that if we could have two we would. Charlie marshalling his troops well and Matty on making save after save. It's always a tough call as every team member put's in a shift for each other and the team. There is a saying where i come from and it goes like this Kia Kaha (Ke-ah Ka-ha) maori for Be Strong! That is developing not only physically but mentally. Kia Kaha lads!
