Rocklands arrived at Sprowston with the wind gusting from right to left. However Anthony and I found shelter in the dugout joined swiftly by Dan and the ladies but Sarah seemed reluctant to share her hot chocolate we therefore held onto the rumour that Bruce and Craig were getting our tea and coffee. Alas we sat thirsty as the rumour proved correct but the amber nectar won over the tea and coffee.
Rob arrived in long trouser's beanie hat and a sweat top. Something wasn't right. The gaffer fully clothed! Despite feeling unwell Rob hauled himself to the game forfeiting the Norwich v Spur's game.
Rocklands started playing right to left with the wind behind them. Sprowston looked very sharp in the warm up and we were soundly beaten by them last season, what would this game hold for either side. Rocklands began well playing with good shape and interlinking play. Eliot and Joe S playing wide began with strong runs, it was the build up from another strong run this time from Anthony moving across to the right and crossing back across the box where Joe S just missing the header. Some good play from the back four with Charlie leading the back four well and Joe T fitting in so well there. Sam at left back and Joe S were playing some good passes releasing Joe S on numerous occasions. Strong running from either flanks or down the middle were proving troublesome for Sprowston but the Sprowston centre backs were holding firm. Sprowston looked to break quickly at every opportunity.
A corner resulted from Rocklands pressure, Joe S stepped up and delivered a superb corner finding Anthony's head who headed it just inches past the post. Rocklands were begining to dominate the game with good play from the back building on strong runs from Marc and Anthony up front. Marc was unlucky not to score as the keeper did well to block Marc's shot into an open goal. Sprowston were finding it difficult to get behind our back four which left Sam and Luke time to deliver well timed passes to Eliot and Joe S wide or Louis and Ewan in midfield playing in some nice triangles at times. Mattey wasn't troubled a lot which is testament to the work going on in front of him. Although Rocklands were having the greater percentage of play and possession they were just unlucky with the final ball, Sprowston were having trouble with the strong running of Rocklands.
It was just after another Joe S run he jogged back and knelt down. Was everything ok with Joe S? We were about to find out as Ewan feed the ball to the left where Joe S bounced back up and ran toward the goal going past the Sprowston centre backs and hitting a low hard shot under the keeper into the net.
29 mins. Rocklands 1 - Sprowston 0.
But all was not right with Joe S feeling unwell with the flu like virus that is doing the rounds striking Joe S during the game. Joe G came on in the midfield with Ewan moving out wide in Joe S position.
Half time. Rocklands 1 - Sprowston 0.
Rocklands began play as they had in the first half attacking well with pressure on Sprowston from the whistle. Louis stepped up to take a free kick just outside the box following the referee playing the advantage. Louis delivery was spot on with the keeper fumbling the ball but he recovered quickly halting Eliot's quick follow up. Joe G was breaking up play and finding his wide and front players well as well as tracking back to help the back four. Ewan came off at 41 mins with Ryan coming on. Sprowston were begining to find each other and playing in the front two well at times. Luke was putting in some great tackles to halt the attack. Matty did all he had to do well with his hands and feet.
Sprowston were gaining some control of the game now but Rocklands almost scored again from a set piece with Louis just missing with his head by mm, a certain goal but for a few mm. Sprowston began to pour players forward to find the equalizer which left them exposed at times at the back but Rocklands just missed the final ball despite some strong runs from Anthony, Marc and Eliot. With two and a half mintues to go Eliot came off with Ewan coming back on. Rocklands held off Sprowston who are above them in the league to take the points. A tough game at times with Rocklands controlling the first half well and holding Sprowston in the second half. And to top the day for Bruce, Steve, Craig and the lads who went to support Norwich another win to celebrate with Ewan owing Steve 50p!
