On the most glorious of late summer evening's, Rocklands lined up against Watton who play in the A league and from memory beat us last year 6-2. As the lads warmed up there appeared to be a comfortable air of relaxation before the game. Despite the sun being over the yard arm i declined the idea of G&T's with a slice but Lesley was very convincing with the idea.
Marc was on boxing duties that night as Steffen lined up with Robbie up front with Louis and Joe G centre mid. Eliot and Ewan playing out on the wings and Charlie with Joe T at centre back and Sam with Luke outside of them. Ever dependable Matty in goal. This was a game with rolling subs being used through out the game. It is going to be hard to pick a team with such a talented bunch aiming to be on the team but we must remember that its a collective performance that counts and everyone contributes despite the amount of time spent on the pitch.
Both sides started playing well from the off with both teams playing passing football and letting the ball do the work. Rocklands were pinching the early advantage with strong running by both Eliot and Ewan. Steffen was already giving the Watton defence headaches with his movement both on and off the ball. Both Steffen and Robbie were switching with each other running toward goal or away dragging there markers with them. A great interception by Joe G who beat his man and released it to a forward running Eliot who ran the line so well beating his opposite number and crossing into the danger zone finding Steffen who put a cracking shot across the keepers bow. A early sign of intent?
Watton cleared there lines only to find Sam who went down the line and released a lovely pass to Steffen for another fantastic shot goalward. The mid field and front two were linking up very well which left space for the back four to do there job well and an outlet always appeared as a result. Rocklands were playing with the space and confidently. In fact both sides were playing good football letting the ball a lot of the work mixed with running with the ball made for a good game to watch. But it wasn't long before Matty was called into action with Watton unleashing some long range shots but Matty was up to the task making some good saves. Not only was Matty making some great saves he was releasing the ball to his running players very well with one resulting in ending up with Robbie threading another great pass to Steffen who thumped another shot goalward. The Rockland front two were troubling the Watton defence.
Rocklands back four of Charlie and Joe T with Luke and Sam were playing the ball forward then to the right or left to probe for an opening which inevariably they found. They played with composure. It was this composure that found Ewan collecting a pass from Joe T. Ewan knocked the ball past his man and he put the afterburners on. He was off down the left ending with cross just evading Steffen and Robbie across the goal mouth. Just a fraction of a second and a certain goal. Halftime approached with some delightful football played by both sides.
Steve and Greg provided the half time instructions and encouragement to continue playing in a similar vein. Luke, Callum, Jack and Ryan coming on Rocklands continued where they left off in the first half. Steve swapped the boys position at times but Luke looks very composed and comfortable on the ball in any position he plays in. Ryan and Callum took over the running on the wings with Jack upfront running some good angles and getting into space. Watton began to apply some pressure which resulted in some set pieces for Watton and it was from a corner that Watton headed the ball toward goal to open the scoring but Matty pulled off a fine save indeed to keep the score at 0 - 0.
With Watton driving forward but unable to get into the box a lot the striker attempted to lob Matty. How Matty got his hand to it to push it over we just don't know! These saves would not look out of place on Match of The Day in fact Robbie Savage would be praising the saves. Now special mention to Matty who not only was pulling off some show stopping saves his kicking out of hand and ground kicks were top draw.
The Rocklands defence were doing the job well restricting Watton to long range shots only. However it was from a set piece where Watton toed the ball into the net from a corner where we should really have cleared the ball from the area but we continued to push forward with Luke breaking up play and finding the front two or Callum and Ryan on the wings.
Watton found the back of the net again from a set piece just before the final whistle.
Watton 2 - 0 Rocklands.
The score line did not really define the game as Rocklands and Watton played some very good football at times with great clarity and ution. Rocklands played some of the best football we have seen them play. An excellent game on a late summers evening. Well done lads I for one as did the other parents watching throughly enjoyed watching some very good football played in good spirit. It bodes well for the season and I know someone who would have appreciated that game - Rob.
