Nantwich Town Diablos 4 vs 2 Betley FC Rockets

The start of a bright new season saw the mighty Rockets step out for their first match on a big pitch, with a size 4 ball and 7 a-side. The squad was a bit thin on the ground for the inaugural kick off so the seven players knew they had their work cut out against a Nantwich side boasting 4 substitutes. A game of two halves was ever going to be the case, in blustery conditions Thomas took the gloves in the first half, with Joel and Alex marshalling the defence, Joe, and Jake providing the width and Hayden and Jack the thrust through the middle. The Rockets started very brightly and passed and moved with confidence showing they weren't afraid of the ball and looking to release the midfield at any point. Joe and Jake began to get possession and work down the flanks, only to find a resolute defence and the long jog back up the pitch to help out when the attack broke down. Hayden showed good vision and Jack, fresh from his game of rugby in the morning, worked hard in attack and defence. Joel, Alex and Thomas had little to do, but when the green machine broke Alex was mighty in the tackle and covered ground really well. By the 6th minute with both teams showing good skills the ball broke kindly for a Nantwich player and a snap shot found the corner, 0-1 to Nantwich. The Rockets weren't downbeat and continued their passing game, Joe found good space on the wing and connected well with Jack in the middle. A ball through to Hayden from Joe and a quick shot and the Rockets were level, 1-1 only what was deserved on balance. Half time, and puffed out Rockets players came in for the team talk, more passing and using the bigger pitch to our advantage was the theme of the day. Thomas came out of goal and onto the left wing, Jake took the gloves to get his stint in goal out of the way early in the season. The match resumed with the Rockets facing a good head wind a refreshed set of players from Nantwich who were using their subs bench well. Some pressure early from the greens saw Joel and Alex working hard to stem the flow, Joel showing good tenacity and vision winning and distributing the ball. The pressure was too much at one point though and a fierce shot saw Nantwich pull ahead 1-2 the Rockets were behind. Not for long however, and mazy run from Jack, beating three players before finding a low cross that Hayden tapped in for his second of the day. 2-2 all square. The Rockets then showed some great play, Alex was enjoying more time and showed positive moves up the field running confidently with the ball. Joel marshalled the back and proved good passing awareness when in possession. Joe had some great control and dribbling down the wings and was unlucky not to add to the score a couple of times. Jack was up and down the middle, strong in the tackle but showing signs of tiring now on the big pitch. Thomas was enjoying his time on the wing, with strong running and a free kick expertly uted that sailed just overt the top - possibly too much zip in the pace! Jake had little to do but when called upon made two great saves that kept Rockets in the game. Another wave of substitutes from Nantwich and the Rockets were starting to tire, the midfield feeling the pace of attacking and then running back to cover, this left the energetic Nantwich to press forward and out number the Joel and Alex defence. The goal came with 5 minutes to play, an unlucky ricochet off the post onto Jake and in, nothing Jake could have done. 2-3 Nantwich. After the kickoff again Nantwich pressed, wind assisted they poured forward and a low shot beat our heroic keeper for 2-4, a score line that didn't show the closeness of play.  Nantwich benefitted from the subs bench and the fresh legs paid off in the end, they played well in good spirits and edged a tough opener in the U9's league. Hard lines to the Rockets, the bigger pitch and no subs took their toll in the end. All played very well and passed and moved like we know they can. Better results will follow, but well done all, positives to be taken all round.