How would the Rockets react to an enforced winter break having not played since their stunning 5-2 victory over the Bolton County Dolphins on the 20th November.............. ?
After a period of frozen/snowy/waterlogged pitches, a torrential downpour was not going to put off our intrepid, football starved Rockets.
The omens looked good when the opposition lined up with two woolly hats and at least one snood, surely these boys and girls were up for the taking.
The match started at a blistering pace with both teams intent on attacking and trying to use a slippy ball to their advantage by testing the opposition keeper. Before long the ball broke and Jack took it up on the right hand wing running fiercely at the CMB defence, giving himself space for an elegant, well placed cross........ But this was Jack and his first thought was to unleash a vicious shot from way on the right wing which flew beyond the diving keeper – a stunning start from the Rockets 1-0.
The Rockets started to dominate and attacks on the opposition goal became more frequent. After around 10 minutes of the match CMB’s flamed haired stopper made another save only to see it rebound to a well placed Jamie who confidently stroked it home for his first Rockets goal 2-0
Quickly after, Callum kept up his excellent record by adding a third and really putting the Rockets in the driving seat. Both the second and third goals had come from the Rockets exploiting great success down the CMB right wing, Beck crossing the ball each time to cause confusion in the CMB box. 3-0
A forth was added by Ben before half time and the crowd were wondering what the final damage might be.... 4-0
In the second half, the Rockets continued their assault with the benefit of playing with a sweeper, ably accomplished by Jude in the first half and Jake in the second half, giving them extra attacking verve, although adding to the risk of being caught on the break.
Ten minutes in and a CMB break lead to a goal which could have put the Rockets under pressure and shortly after, Lewis pulled off a great save from a powerful CMB shot. The Rockets answered any worries by Beck scoring an unbelievable 20 yard shot from the top drawer, effectively ending the tie as a competition 5-1.
Towards the end of the match, CMB went forward and scored a consolation second goal with a great run and lovely chip over Lewis’s head giving him no chance.
Another fine team performance, and the boys should be congratulated for persevering in such dreadful conditions with the rain coming down harder as the game went on..... Oh, and the supporters too for their damp enthusiasm throughout.
Role on the next match ............ !
MOM : Jamie