Rocklands travelled over the border to Suffolk without a complete team but as this was a friendly it was another chance to see how we are building as a team against opponents from the Suffolk town of Brandon. With our passports stamped Rocklands lined up, Marc and Ryan up front with Joe G and Louis midfield with Ewan and Callum outside of them. Matty took care of the goal as Charlie, Luke H and Sam. Luke C aka Le Quiff took centre back with Charlie. Jack was waiting in the wings eager to get on the pitch.
Rocklands began well passing the ball well letting the ball do the work. Jack didnt have to wait long as Charlie came off with his injured knee taking a beating again. Brandon were also stroking the ball about well with the first shot on goal coming towards Matty but he was up to the task palming the ball around the post. With the pressure off Rocklands Ewan who had the beating of his man was being used to great effect. It was one of Ewans runs combined with a lovely pass found Jack who played a peach towards goal but the Brandon keeper just kept it out.
Luke had a sharp volley at the goal following a free kick rebounding off the Brandon defence.
Matty was having another good game saving some great shots and kicking very well out of hand and from the ground. Half time approached and both teams were fairly evenly matched with Marc and Ryan having some shots saved by the Brandon keeper. Rocklands were playing some good football but at times just missing the final ball through. Brandon had the better chances but Rocklands had slightly more possession despite the injuries the lads did well to cover by switching positions.
Half Time Rocklands 0 - 0 Brandon.
Rocklands were off again with good running by Louis finding Jack who was almost through on goal. The ball swapped ends with Matty making another great save denying Brandon. Rocklands were playing more physical, with Louis challenging and putting in some strong tackles. What have Steve and Dena been feeding Louis - raw steak?
Sam saved the day for Rocklands by stopping another Brandon attack. A goal kick from the Brandon defence landed at Louis feet who promptly looked up and saw the keeper off his line and struck it towards goal leaving the keeper stranded and the ball dropping down is it going in?? No it hits the crossbar but what a shot! Luke Le Quiff looks very composed with the ball at his feet making his own time on the ball and it was one of his runs that split the Brandon defence for the front two. Louis was putting some excellent deliverys in from set pieces with one falling to Ryan who just missed the goal.
Matty was called into action again saving another fierce Brandon shot. Louis took another set piece and with Rocklands pressing the Brandon defence hard this resulted in an own goal. The ball changed ends but each sides keeper were doing a superb job keeping the ball from finding the back of the net.
Rocklands 1 - 0 Brandon.
The ref blew for full time and Rocklands put another win in the bag although it was a close call. Rocklands returned over the border victorious. The defence held well with both Lukes playing well and Matty pulling some great saves out of the bag and kicking well. But it was Louis goal attempt and eating of raw meat that tipped M.O.M.
