First competitive game of the new season, being played at our new home ground in Rocklands. The pitch and goals are considerably bigger than at Ellingham. The weather was good with the sun shining.
Rocklands lined up with two players making their debuts - Anthony Animba up front and Marcus Greenwood in midfield. Matty Noonan passed a late fitness test, although his kicking would be restricted due to a groin strain.
The first half started well for Rocklands, with a very solid defensive performance and the team always looking threatening down the flanks or over the top to Anthony. Both Charlie and Joe Spoerry made some crucial tackles and interceptions, with a last ditch sliding tackle from Joe a particular highlight. Marcus was industrious in midfield and always looking to play in the strikers - he came in for some tough treatment from the Horsford team with several late tackles. Eventually, one lunge saw the Horsford defender shown the yellow card.
Luke Hutchinson looks a different player this season - he's found several extra yards of pace in the close season and used them to good effect to keep the Horsford winger at bay. On one occasion Luke set off on an overlapping run taking him the length of the pitch, before crossing into the centre! Sam Parsons completed a very solid back four and possibly the strongest defensive performance over 35 mins that this team has given.
Going forward, Rocklands are still adapting to some new players and although there were several attempted through balls, it wasn't quite coming off. Eventually though, the deadlock was broken. Marcus Greenwood collected the ball in midfield, turned his marker and chipped forwards to Anthony Animba. Anthony won the header and flicked the ball on for Ewan Ford. A chase between Ewan and the Horsford keeper...which Ewan won. He controlled the ball with his chest before putting the ball into the empty net.
>>Half Time<<
Horsford came out for the second half with increased determination. There were a number of physical challenges as they sought to impose themselves on the game. The match threatened to boil over as several Horsford players were warned for dissent and foul language. Rocklands probed, but couldn't quite carve out the chance for the second goal. Eventually, from a Rocklands corner, Charlie Matthews had a chance with his head but couldn't direct it.
Marcus fell heavily on his arm and was withdrawn for Ryan and his energetic presence in midfield was missed. Horsford began to gain a foothold in the game and eventually pulled level. A cross from the right took a deflection and the Horsford player was left with an easy chance. 1-1.
This seemed to give Horsford more belief and they pushed forwards in search of a winner. Joseph Gyde got through a tremendous amount of work in the centre of the pitch and Eliot Clarke always looked a threat on the break, but with the game inching towards stoppage time Horsford got the winner. A hopeful punt from midfield sailed towards the goal and although Matty got a hand to it, he couldn't stop the ball from dipping in just underneath the bar.
The final whistle went soon afterwards. Rocklands should be proud of the football they played today against an extremely physical Horsford side. The defense have really progressed from last season. Anthony and Ewan showed early signs of a promising partnership and the game started to ebb away when Marcus went off injured and control of the midfield was lost.
Well done boys - maybe not the result you wanted, but a performance to be proud of.
