The first cup game of the year against the league leaders Hethersett would this prove to be a match that would define the league or undo Rocklands progress to date?
The ref deemed conditions playable as the over night fog had not cleared, however Hethersett were playing in orange which made it slightly easier but the far side of the pitch was proving difficult to pick out the players. The mugs of tea from Amanda's cafe were proving popular on this morning more akin to a scene from The Hound of the Baskervilles but as Sherlock Holmes wasn't about the ref blew to start the game with Rocklands playing from right to left and a slightly altered back four of Joe T and Luke H at centre back with Sam and Ewan on the outside of them and Matty in goal. Charlie being rested due to a knock. Steffen started on the left of midfield with Joe G inside with Louis beside him and Eliot running the right side. Matt H was upfront alongside Robbie. as far as we could make out Jack and Joe S with Calllum waiting in the wings to come on. Kev running the line once again in fine style.
Both sides began playing the ball on the ground, playing it out from the back four and looked to be fairly evenly matched with the Hethersett front two ready to pounce at any time onto the back four or split them to get toward's Matty's goal area. Once again Joe T was steering the lads as the game unfolded in front of him but with people playing in slightly different positions would Hethersett take advantage? But such is the versatility of the Rocklands team is that they can adapt quickly to playing where ever they have to as Ewan was into his step and supplying Eliot for his usual storming runs down the right side cutting in and putting the ball across the box. Rocklands were playing with determination and pushing goalward at every opportunity. Steffen was creating havoc on the left side as only Steffen can do winning the ball in the air with such precision and immaculate timing combined with his strong cutting runs made him a handful to defend. Hethersett were able to break at times but Joe T and Luke H had most of the play covered calmly finding Sam or Ewan outside of them. Matt at this time when we could see him wasn't troubled that much at this stage collecting everything coming his way. The deadlock needed to be broken, the game needed a goal and it was to be as Rocklands drove forward the ball came across the box to Joe G who flicked it backward and across ( ala Jordan Henderson) to Steffen who promptly rifled the ball low and hard past the keeper.
10 min, Rocklands 1 - 0 Hethersett.
Hethersett restarted play with intent and tried to get the ball forward either through the middle or down the flanks. But with the back four playing well and the midfield of Louis and Joe G winning most of the ball in the air or on the ground respectively Hethersett were having to work hard to keep the ball and organise any form of play. Hethersett won a free kick within distance after Joe G was deemed to have fouled the Hethersett player. Rocklands lined up in front of the ever alert Matty as a shot on goal could have been on the cards and as it transpired a shot on goal it was, just drifting over the crossbar onto the back of the top netting. A close call or a sign of things to come? It wasn't long before Rocklands were driving forward with Matt H slotting a shot on goal which the Hethersett keeper collected well. This was quickly followed by Robbie beating his man and thumping another shot goalward but the Hethersett keeper was determined not to let anymore in. Robbie was on the attack again firing another shot in but the Hethersett keeper made another great save.The rolling subs began with Joe S coming on and Steffen moving inside for Matt H and again Steffen had the beating of his man linking up well with Robbie. Hethersett made a break toward goal chasing down the ball but Matty was off his line quickly and confidently sliding into collect the loose ball.
A change of formation for Rocklands but they still went forward at every opportunity and Steffen cutting inside finding Jack in the centre who went to slot it in but appeared to be tackled from behind, a penalty? The game carried on with Rocklands having some delightful set pieces delivered right on the button into the mix but Rocklands just missing the goal. Hethersett were not sitting down and it was there turn to apply the pressure with a shot that was just rising and another attempt on goal but Matty pulled off another fine save just pushing it round the post. Matty was kicking well out of hand and on the ground combined with some excellent shot stopping made him the a tough keeper to crack. The ref blew for half time and was the fog clearing a little, possibly.
Halftime Rocklands 1 - 0 Hethersett. Rocklands could have been two or three up on another day but the Hethersett keeper was keeping them in the game. A close half with Rocklands just edging it.
Rocklands were out early with Callum on the left and began where they left off attacking the goal from the off. As Jack was moving forward he was fouled and a free kick was given. Louis stepped up and it was at some distance but Louis struck it goal bound and again the keeper made a great save. Joe S was on the run again and headed toward goal and struck an excellent ball to Matt H to shoot just wide of the goal but what excellent build up play again by Rocklands. Matt H was linking well with Eliot as they supported each other going forward. Callum on the left was breaking up play well and getting forward when he could. It was Jack's turn for a shot on goal but it just went over the bar, it will come for Jack as he works like a lion and is the right place at the right time. But who runs the length of the field from right back position over the halfway line beating men on the way with the Hethersett coach asking for someone to put a tackle in cuts back inside slightly looking up to see if anyone else is in a better position but carries his run on and hits the ball from distance chipping the keeper leaving the ball to go into the left top corner yes you guessed right Steffen. What a goal, what a run. Craig has volunteered to mark him out of the game for the Dads v Lads game - good luck is all I can say. A splendid goal not only for the strike but the fact he slowed his run to see if there was anyone else in a better position.
60 min Rocklands 2 - 0 Hethersett.
Hethersett were again on the attack applying pressure but at times frustration was creeping in. Eliot had other ideas and was off on one of his runs beating his man then the next before cutting inside and finding his front men, he had completly split the midfield and defence with one run. The midfield were doing what the midfield does Joe G winning the ball on the ground and Louis winning the ball in the air, both breaking up play and disrupting the Hethersett attack. Steffen had taken a gentlemens knock and after a breather dropped to right back.
Nothing was getting past Sam and Luke H at the back. Sam was just showing his man the line everytime and as Sam does collecting the ball making his own time and playing it up the field. I cannot recollect many people getting past Luke in recent times but he played a nifty back heel went around his opponent found Steffen who again beat his man, Robbie was calling for the ball which Steffen obliged by hitting it with the outside of his boot toward Robbie who once again had some work to do but his silky skills came into play and Robbie slotted the third goal in for Rocklands.
70 min Rocklands 3 - 0 Hethersett.
Rocklands were playing with confidence all over the pitch but Hethersett still didn't give up and Matty was brought into play with him pushing a rasping shot over the crossbar with his fingertips a fine save indeed. Once again Matty was asked to pull off another fine save from a set piece. As the ref blew for full time we had been so absorbed by the overall team effort that we had not noticed that the fog had cleared.
Again another fine team effort by all on the pitch it is such a joy to watch at times but the most pleasurable sight are the lads enjoying playing the football they are playing. Yes mistakes will be made but thats how we all learn whatever age you are. So a mistake should not be seen as failure, quite the opposite it's seen as learning. Again many could be M.O.M but Steve decided that Steffen should be awarded the plaudits. Greg being away on his coaching course to replace Arsene Wenger.
Footnote : Steve ( or as he would now like to be called, Jose. Isn't he a dancer off Strictly Come Dancing?) organised a team outing to Carrow Rd to watch the Norwich U21 v Spurs U21. After the train conductor finally got us all tickets we arrived in Norwich with the lads off to find a source of food and the Dads preferring hydration as the temperature was quite high and as we all know it is very important to stay well hydrated. I am fairly sure they all had a great time even Steffen who had to endure the banter everytime Norwich scored but it wasnt about the football as so much more about getting together and having a bit of fun. I couldnt quite get the game involving tickets which seemed a particular favourite of Ewans and Joe S but handfuls of tickets and prizes were about mixed with laughter. A good time had by all and nothing better to watch than a group of lads all having a bit of fun and banter. Cheers Jose. I'm sure he's a dancer off Strictly Come Dancing. Dena can Jose dance the Tango or is he more of a waltz man?
