The time has arrived and no it wasn’t Cathy’s mysterious appearance on EastEnders it was the start of Rocklands season in the Norwich A league. Following some pre-season friendly's of mixed results one of which we lost Louis for most of the season out from some of the worst referring or the lack of it resulting in a fracture of the leg from a nasty tackle. We wish him well in his recovery and seeing him back on the pitch.
Our first encounter of the league was Dereham who as I understand finished second in the league and have always played a high standard of football throughout the age groups. It was going to be a tough game and a good introduction to the A league. Rocklands lined up with our own Petr Cech in goal Matty with Joey T and Luke C at centre back with Luke H and Sam completing the back four. Eliot, Joe G, Ewan and Steffen completed the midfield leaving Robbie and Marcus upfront. Jack and Nathan Dubois were waiting in the wings.
Rocklands playing right to left in there red and black kit with Dereham in black and white stripped kit. Joe S was unavailable for the match as he had injured his hip during school PE. Rocklands were quiet and had a hint of nervousness about them which isn’t a bad thing as it keeps it real but from the kick off Rocklands were passing the ball about really well keeping the ball more importantly and finding their man. Dereham were trying to find the weakness in Rocklands defence as they attacked but the back four and midfield were doing the job well with no way through.
Dereham had the first corner and were Rocklands set piece plays going to be tested? Rocklands cleared well finding their wide players. Although Dereham had the first shot on target Matty saved well. As Rocklands moved forward with the midfield moving up with play Joe G finds Robbie with a lovely timed pass but Dereham covered it pushing wide. The back four of Dereham showed signs that if you got behind them there could be trouble. A free kick to Dereham but Rocklands was up to the measure of it.
Dereham were having the majority of the early corners which Dereham delivered with expertise. Joe G headed off the goal line where Marcus picked up the ball and went forward finding Robbie with a fantastic pass and Robbie was heading for goal but the Dereham defence pushed him wide. Robbie was limited in his options as we were a little slow to go forward. But the passage of play displayed what Rocklands could do and hopefully gave them some confidence that they can match the opposition.
The back four were doing their job really well clearing the line and finding the man, Joey T was again on form marshalling the troops with encouragement. Rocklands regain the attack from the Dereham keeper making a mistake and Robbie is there to pounce resulting in a corner for Rocklands but Dereham cleared their lines well and were back on the attack but Steffen headed well to clear for Rocklands. However Dereham continued to attack and from a cross finding the unmarked man who headed in for the opening goal.
25 min: Rocklands 0 – 1 Dereham.
It was a shame as Rocklands were and still were playing well with the ball. Matty was having a good game as he punched clear another Dereham free kick from the goal mouth. Jack came on for Eliot and again Matty was called into action for a brave save at the feet of the Dereham striker. Eliot and Nathan came on for Joe G and Steffen. Nathan has just signed for Rocklands and immediately made an impact with his strong running on the left. Apparently Nathan has only played in the outfield twice but Dereham did not like his strength on the ball. Marcus was putting himself about and making every tackle count against his former club but just before half time took a knock in the Dereham goal mouth. This gave the rest of the lad’s time to catch a drink and Steve and Greg to have a chat with them.
Half time – Rocklands 0 – 1 Dereham.
Rocklands played some good football in their first game in the A league against one of the top teams in Norfolk. Kevin had a good encouraging chat with the lads during the break and it was good to hear the lads respond with positive comments on how to approach the second half. The general consensus from the side line was Rocklands had played really well and didn’t look out of place in the A league, a solid first performance in arguably the toughest youth league. How far have this group of lads come?
The second half kicked off with Dereham starting strongly but Sam was back to his best with some excellent delivery of the ball and it was from one of Sam’s delivery finding Marcus who headed goal ward. Rocklands were finding space and their man getting behind the Dereham back four. Steffen came back on for Jack who had hustled and hurried the Dereham midfield and back four. However in a goal mouth mix up Dereham poked it into the back of the net to make it two on the score board.
50 min Rocklands 0 – 2 Dereham.
After the re start Matty was called into action again saving well. Rocklands were still playing well with the ball and together. Nathan in his second game in the outfield was really working hard for the lads and was lucky not to be another casualty with a two footed challenge which unfortunately went unnoticed by the referee. Luke C who all game always made the right decision at any time was called up for the free kick and duly struck it well with Marcus collecting and almost finding Robbie. The ball just getting a nudge from the Dereham defender.
After going forward Rocklands lost the ball upfront which Dereham pushed forward through the centre and resulted in a goal for Dereham.
60 min Rocklands 0 – 3 Dereham.
It appears that Dereham were rolling Rocklands over but Rocklands were not giving up on the challenge or rolling over and continued to play to their game plan. Luke H was tackling firm and judging the player well. Joey T continued his role as el capitano, in fact I had to resort to glasses to distinguish between the buffons of Luke C and Joey T. The strong running of Steffen, Eliot and Nathan had Dereham at times on the back foot. Midfield is a tough job having to attack and defend, it requires a good engine but Rocklands will get there.
In the dying minutes Dereham were awarded a penalty making it 4-0 to Dereham.
70 mins Rocklands 0 – 4 Dereham.
The score line is what it is but Rocklands did not look out of place on the field of play and with the Dereham manager saying he wasn’t expecting such a game from Rocklands. Dereham recently rolled over Toftwood and Cringleford in the pre-season fairly convincingly. Rocklands played well and did themselves proud and yes Rocklands could have done some things slightly differently but that will come with confidence in playing as the season goes on. Getting forward quicker and playing for the whole eighty minutes, this will come I’m sure. Confidence is an important part of sport but only in the sense of play and not to be confused with arrogance. If we look at the world’s most successful team in winning percentage terms, the All Blacks, they have the highest win rate of any team sport in the world and stands at 78.3 %. Why? because they do the simple things really well and play with instinctiveness but most of all they play as one together.
Rocklands have the persons and personalities to achieve this. It will be a steep learning curve but at times life itself is. March forward Rocklands with humility and strength. Or in the words of Ray Winstone you geezers did alright, keep it up or I’ll be havin a word.
