It was a cold day to travel to Horsford as Rocklands set off to attempt to reverse last years result where Rocklands lost to a physical Horsford. The tea bar was a welcome site as Rocklands arrived with some choosing to stay within the confines of the warmth of the car. The cold wind blew across the field as the lads warmed up and the gathering spectators huddled for warmth but for one spectator who attempted to swipe the hat from the reporter, from which this reporter will now bring two hats along to the game.
Attempting to hold a warm cup of tea and write is beyond the realm of this humble male reporter. But as Kev took to the line and the referee with a sweat top and snood blew to start the game. Rocklands began play from left to right and both sides began strongly with Horsford starting there physical approach. Steff had first attempt on goal by beating his man and aimed his shot but the keeper did well to collect the ball.
Robbie was next up with another dinking run and despite the shove in the back got his shot away making the keeper to push the shot around the post for a corner. But Horsford midfield were playing the ball just out of reach for Louis and Joe G on the break but the Rocklands back four of Charlie, Luke H, Joe S and Joe T were batting them back denying them any clear chances in on goal. This restricted Horsford to long range shots which made life easier for Matty who had already collected Horsfords long range attempts. The pitch appeared heavy with the ball not moving as slickly as Rocklands passing game would have hoped.
It was from one of Horsfords attack that Rocklands gave away a free kick although from a distance Matt would have to be on his toes and thankfully he was pushing it away for a corner. Rocklands were finding it hard to release there strong runners but Eliot got forward to cut back in and rifle a shot on goal but the keeper again did well. Rocklands midfield of Joe G and Louis were covering some ground to attempt to halt the Horsford midfield finding their strikers.
The rolling subs began with Joe G coming off with Joe T moving into midfield and Sam moving to right back and Matt H coming on for Ewan. Charlie a few minutes later took a knock after a clash of heads which resulted in Luke C coming on at centre back. Almost instantly Matt H was inside the box and put a shot through only to be saved. Rocklands were getting and created chances when they were on the ball and going forward. But Horsford hada break from Rocklands losing the ball while going forward but Matty was quick off his line and saved well. Horsford had another attempt on goal from range which seemed to drift through everyone and into the net.
38 min: Horsford 1 - 0 Rocklands.
Rocklands responded by going forward finding Matt H who put the shot goalward but again Horsford cleared their lines.
Half time : Horsford 1 - 0 Rocklands.
Although Rocklands when they had the ball created a few chances it was Horsford who just pinched the half by being stronger in the tackle and going for the first and second ball at every opportunity. The centre midfield at times were left exposed a little at times hence why Horsford could break at times and just pass wide of the centre mid players.
Rocklands began the second half strongly with Louis putting a loverly ball into the mix finding Robbie who headed just wide of the goal, a sign of intent? Horsford interceptted play again but the back four were playing well today with Luke C stopping everything in front of him and chasing the forward runners of Horsford they were not getting away from Luke despite some attention being dished out to him. Another free kick for Horsford just outside of the area but Matt saved the shot very well. Matt cleared well with a throw finding Eliot who ripped down the line and found Robbie with the pass and how Robbie found the time to cut back and find Ewan with the pass and headed goalward but again saved. Joe S and Luke C matched the Horsford attack with pace and were not in the mood for losing out in the tackle but they also found Luke H and Sam and it was from one of defence clearances that Sam found Steffen who again beat his man and crossed for a race between the keeper and Ewan.
Greg and Steve moved Steffen from wide into the middle and almost immediatly this had more of an impact by putting pressue on Horsford constantly this allowed Eliot a little more freedom who duly obliged with one of his trademark shots just going wide.
But once again Rocklands lost the ball and Horsford despatched a low shot from just outside the area to make it 2-0.
75 min: Horsford 2 - 0 Rocklands.
Rocklands didnt crumble they continued to find a goal get the ball forward at every opportunity. Joe S leapt above everyone else from Louis's corner to head the ball just over the bar. The referee blew to end the match and Rocklands mood matched the cold wind blowing across the pitch. Rocklands deserved something from the game but at times lost the ball in crucial places and times which allowed Horsford to at times control the game. Rocklands just needed to keep the ball a little better and slightly stronger in the tackle but keep the shape, keep the ball and control and it will fall into place.
Louis covered the ground as did Joe G but Louis delivery of set pieces was superb even if the coach wont say Louis LOL.You have worked your socks off this season. Joe S was again on great form strong with the ball , tackle along with his decesion making but it was Luke C who pipped past the post for MOM despite being punched in the back, kicked along with a bit of verbal always a good indicator that he is doing a good job. But Luke C didn't blink an eye turned his man with time to spare ran with the ball very well.
Rocklands will bounce back as they have too much class not to.
As Bruce was not there Craig took over the role but the weekly quote will have to wait although something about the ref wearing a snood rings a bell.
