The Worstead Wolves arrived to play Rocklands with the blustery wind and the possibility of rain looming on the horizion. Tea and coffee were a must before venturing out into the pitch to see if the lads could bounce back from the loss to Toftwood.
Apologies to the lads if I have missed on the team sheet and subs list as the team list of players seemed to disappear and appear at will and i haven't pressed the wrong button as well.
Fuelled by Amandas cafe we ventured outdoors as the young referee Jack Marshall blew to start the game and Kev kindly running the line again for us. Rocklands began play against the wind but it was Worstead who applied the early pressure with some chances goalward but Matty was up to the shots.
Rocklands began to take control in the middle of the park with Joe G latching onto a loose pass and found Robbie who in turn found Steffen who rifled the shoot goalward but the keeper was up to the shot and collected well. Speaking with the Worstead supporters the keeper plays for the county and being around 6 2 " was going to prove a handful to get pass.
Robbie was back on the ball and did a deft flick with his left foot and volleyed with the right foot but again the Worstead keeper was keeping them in the game. Going forward Rocklands were begining to play there quick passing game trying to keep the ball on the ground to avois the ever increasing wind.
Eliot was at his best running at players again and crossing into the box and as a result Worstead were conceding corners which Joe S was delivering really very well into the danger zone and it was one of the corners that Joe G headed goalward after the rebound but the ball just went wide of the top right corner. Joe S and Charlie were controlling the centre of the park in front of the ever alert Matty. Sam and Luke interlinked well with Eliot and Steffen who wreaked havoc once again with strong running down the line. The Worstead keeper made two more cracking saves before Worstead began getting forward towrads Rocklands own half.
Eliot recieved the ball after Luke had a run going forward, Eliot's cross found Ewan who just put his shot over the bar. Worstead won a corner after driving forward this resulted in a shot low and hard but Joe G was on the near post and cleared the ball off the line to prevent Worstead scoring. Sam found Steffen again who again went forward and cut inside to pass towrads Robbie who just shot wide of the goal. Worstead were back on the attack but Matty was up to the task and made an excellent sliding save. Both keepers were playing well and kicking out of hand was very good by both.
The rolling subs began with Jack and Luke C coming on with Joe T, apologies if this is incorrect as my pen was struggling with the now lashing rain. Luke was finding Robbie upfront and Jack again was getting into the right spots but the ball just wasn't falling quite right for the front players possibly sometimes the cross being to forward across the box and may of benefited by being put back towards the penalty spot as the Worstead keeper collected everything in the six yards in front of him. Joe T found Robbie with a lovely ball and both Robbie and the keeper did very well but the ball still wouldn't go in the back of the net.
Halftime Rocklands 0 - 0 Worstead.
The rain was really falling from the heavens now and the pen and paper were struggling to work.
Rocklands began the second half with the now dying wind at their backs but the rain persisted but that didnt deter Jack who almost broke the deadlock with a shot on goal. Joe S at the back was having a good game using his pace and strength to the best of his ability but reading the game very well and not a lot was getting passed Charlie. Luke and Sam were playing it well from the back finding the central or outside players. Sam was driving forward and shouting for the ball which he put forward into the right spot time and time again finding the danger zone just spot on. It was from one of Sams crosses that the keeper fumbled and Robbie pounced putting the ball into the net to open the score line.
68 min Rocklands 1 - 0 Worstead.
However Worstead had a free kick in a dangerous position, everyone would have to be on their toes. The wall of three placed themselves but dissolved as the kick came over the wall and beat Matty floating into the back of the net.
70 min Rocklands 1 - 1 Worstead.
Rocklands regrouped and began to take control of the mid field again and were looking for the win which duly came as the ball spilled from the Worstead defence and rolled towards Eliot who thumped it past the keeper to snatch the match with five minutes remaining.
75 min Rocklands 2 - 1 Worstead.
The rain slowed as the young referee blew to finish the match. It was testament to the Worstead supporters in the post match wash up that they were unlucky with a penalty appeal but it was nice to be alongside opposition fans and disscuss the pro's and con's of the match as it unravelled in the correct manner and conduct. A big thank you to the Worstead Mum's and Dad's for making the journey and being excellent fans. Norfolk youth football at it's best which has at times has gathered some poor headlines but the good also needs to be portrayed.
Steve put Joe S as MOM as he tracked back and worked well at centre back using his pace and reading of the game was excellent.
