Rocklands pitch appeared like a scene from the Arctic circle but the sun was doing it's best to warm the Rocklands pitch and yes Rob was in shorts while the rest of the sane population had warm clothing on. Meanwhile under the guidance of Bruce, Steve armed with his broom was brushing the frost away to display the pitch lines and along with the gathering crowd a conclusion was reached that fence building may not be there forte.
As kick off time approached Kevin our dependable linesman bounded across the pitch ready to go but the referee decided to give it another 15 mins before play commenced. At which stage the lure of a hot brew proved too much and we headed off to visit Amanda's cafe'.
Rocklands playing from right to left began strongly which is more than the match reporter did as the cold conditions had put paid to the pen. Sarah came to the rescue promptly putting her running skills to good use and produced a pen from the car. A sure bet to be included for the game against the lads at the end of the season.
Anthony attacked down the left side cutting in and going wide numerous times after some good interlinking play with Sam. Reece was moving well with and without the ball creating a few problems for the Thorpe defenders. With Reece in the middle receiving some great passes from Ewan and Anthony it wasn't long before he was steaming towards scoring a certain goal but the Thorpe defender made a last ditch effort to deny Reece's shot on goal resulting in a corner for Rocklands.
Another one of Anthony's rampaging runs from the left and cutting right towards the box leaving the right and centre back behind he slammed the ball low and hard into the back of the net under the keeper. As Craig put it pure persistence!
16 min: Rocklands 1 - Thorpe 0.
Thorpe were not liking Anthony's strong running down the left and towards the goal. But he seemed determined to cover every inch of the by now heavy pitch. Another good delivery to Reece resulted in a one on one with the keeper but this resulted in Reece being brought down by the keeper and a penalty awarded by the referee. Anthony stepped up and like a pro slotted it calmly past the keeper.
17 min: Rocklands 2 - Thorpe 0.
Thorpe kicked off to resume play but our midfield Joe G and Louis who combined and communicated well in one going forward and the other staying back delivered a forward ball to Reece who provided a great header to Ewan who controlled it well and brought the ball to ground going forward towards the goal however the Thorpe keeper again produced an excellent save to deny Ewan's name being on the score sheet. Rocklands were dominating the game playing some lovely fluid football at times.
Our back four of Luke, Charlie, Joe T and Sam with Matty in goal scooped up any loose balls and either played it wide to Ryan or Anthony or into the centre midfield of Joe G and Louis with Eliot watching being sidelined after picking up an injury in training. Reece again was back in the action moving well with and without the ball. Reece picked up the ball in the last third after a lovely pass from Anthony and ran goal bound only for his shot to go just wide of the post. With another couple of inches in height Reece could have got on the score sheet just missing with the head after some great crosses into the box. It will come for Reece, he's in the right position.
Rocklands were playing some nice football switching play from left to right and vice versa. Luke denied Thorpe a shot on goal which lead to good interlinking play down the right towards the man in the mix again Reece who just went wide with the header. The first half ended with Rocklands dominating play but providing some good passing football and players moving into space with or without the ball very well.
Half time: Rocklands 2 - Thorpe 0.
Anthony came off for a breather being replaced by Marc up front. Thorpe came out strong producing some good runs towards the goal but the Rocklands defence and midfield putting in some solid tackles and broke up Thorpe's flow and possesion. Anthony had a short breather as Reece came off following an injury but Reece had put himself about and always in the right place to collect the ball and attack the goal. Ryan also came off being replaced by Joe S.
Thorpe were playing the more settled football at this stage and almost scored following a corner but Matty was up to the task. Joe S began his play by chasing down a loose ball at such a tremendous pace no one was able to stay with him. Judging by his face that ball was going to be his! Joe S's efforts paid off as Rocklands attacked down the right side and switched play to the left where Joe S collected the ball turned inside his man and hit the ball from what appeared to be just outside the box and it flew into the back of the net. A great team effort finished so nicely by Joe S, a top draw goal. Contender for goal of the season so far?
45 mins: Rocklands 3 - Thorpe 0.
Ewan came off for Callum with Joe S switching to the right and Callum playing on the left. Thorpe were not giving up and still produced some good strong runs but again our midfield broke up play with Joe G playing a good through ball to Joe S who nodded it onto Anthony who hit the shot strongly but the Thorpe keeper again denied Anthony.
Rocklands back four were quiet at times but when called upon they shut out and played the ball out from the back well. Rocklands were awarded a free kick just past the halfway line which Anthony delivered right on the button to the line just inside the box where Lewis headed towards goal but just went wide. If that had of gone in it would have been a top goal indeed.
Rocklands scored again following a goal mouth scramble where Anthony again put it in the back of the net. Hat trick!!! Any match ball for Anthony?
55 mins:Rocklands 4 - Thorpe 0.
Mark came close with some good play and delivery from Callum. Mark was denied by the heavy pitch as he was goal bound the ball bobbled away from him after hitting a rough patch of ground.
Rocklands controlled the majority of the game attacking well and breaking up play in the midfield and I think Joe T enjoyed his stint at centre back. A game played in good sprit on a cold sunny morning. Confidence is a great psychological booster which Rocklands has and when they play with that they play some excellent passing flowing football. How far have Rocklands come on? When they play like that a long long way.
Many thanks to Pete for being the man in the middle especially under the circumstances, long haul travel or was it the Britney Spears concert?, and also to Kevin for running the line.
