Y4 make history against Rockleaze 15 Jan

For many, Rockleaze Rangers are the benchmark club against which to be measured. Over the past few years, our players have enjoyed several wins and many close matches against Rockleaze, but overall we have never won this fixture. Until now.

21 game Foxes turned up on a cold, overcast morning for the first competitive matches of 2011, itching to put some fine winter training performances into practice. There was a scent of victory blowing across the Downs as we split into two squads to take on 3 teams from the mighty Rockleaze.

Rob’s Green Squad: William LP, Brody, Eddie, Matthew W, Jamie, Sam, Henry, Joseph, Josh, Rowan and Tee-Jay.

Match 1 - started very brightly with the Foxes pressing Rockleaze back to defend for most of the first half. A goal for the Foxes by Henry was quickly followed by a second - Matthew W pouncing on a shot dropped by the keeper to put the Foxes 2 - 0 in front. A very observant Rockleaze coach, who obviously couldn't believe the Foxes were scoring so easily, alerted the referee that the Foxes were fielding 8 players (thanks Jim!) on the pitch compared to their 7 players. Graciously we invited Rockleaze to bring on an additional player to make the numbers even. The Foxes scored almost immediately after half time - a great finish by Henry for his second goal of the game. The quality of the football played by both sides was great to watch, with lots of movement off the ball to create space.
Result: Foxes 3, Rockleaze 0

Match 2 - was a harder fought game. Both sides created chances but some good goal keeping from Body and solid defending from Sam and Rowan prevented Rockleaze from scoring. Josh and Tee-Jay had difficult chances in front of goal but the game had 0 - 0 written all over it as the two sides were too evenly matched for either to break the deadlock.
Result: Foxes 0, Rockleaze 0

Match 3 – by now the Foxes were visibly tiring and the high level of concentration all the players had shown in the two previous games began to wane. The Foxes fell behind by two goals - a little harsh given the high standard of Foxes’ play. Joseph finished a fine solo run down the right wing with a great strike to bring the Foxes back into the game but Rockleaze scored one more to put the game beyond the Foxes in the final minutes.
Result: Foxes 1, Rockleaze 3.

Thanks to Al and James for refereeing.

Man of Match - Henry for two great goals and some tireless running.

Colin’s White Squad: Jack, Caleb, Caston, Matthew Y, Billy, Oskar, Ludo, Benji, Stanley and Harrison

Match 1 - a close contest in the first-half with much of the play alternating from end to end. Sound defensive work from Jack and Matthew kept a determined Rockleaze attack at bay. However, a fine move from Rockleaze saw them edging in front as we went into the break. The second half saw a galvanised Foxes team showing self-belief, spirit and determination with Harrison slotting an equaliser from wide on the right. Just as it looked like a draw being the only outcome, Stanley latched onto a beautiful cross from Harrison to calmly put the ball into the Rockleaze net – a classic training ground move - just as the ref blew for full time!
Result: Foxes 2, Rockleaze 1

Match 2 - a reshuffled line-up against Rockleaze’s strongest squad. They quickly took a 2-goal advantage over a stunned Foxes side. Despite the best efforts of Benji, Caston and Oskar in midfield, Rockleaze were able to put some good moves together to get through the Foxes' defences. The second-half saw more of the same as the Foxes were punished for some poor marking at the back and not clearing their defences quickly enough. Rockleaze added another 2 goals, the last on the final whistle that couldn’t come quickly enough. To the Foxes’ credit, they kept their heads held high and worked hard right until the end.
Result: Foxes 0, Rockleaze 4

Match 3 - saw a return to form for the Foxes. The whole team appeared to have learnt from the last game. Every single player played brilliantly, both individually and as part of the team. Jack was solid in goal, providing confident cover and some excellent kick-outs; Caleb and Billy showed tenacity at the back, thwarting any efforts from the Rockleaze attack; Oskar, Benji, Matthew Y and Caston provided great support in the middle, helping at the back when needed and supplying our attack when the opportunity arose, and Harrison and Stanley showed killer instincts, constantly harassing the Rockleaze defence. When the goals came, every one was a corker!
Goal 1 – a beautiful solo effort from Harrison, taking the ball around 2 players to slot in.
Goal 2 - another fine finish from Harrison who latched onto a great goal kick from Jack.
Goal 3 – a Matthew Y thunderbolt after pouncing on a poor clearance from the Rockleaze keeper.
Goal 4 - a first goal from Oskar who showed some great skill on the right wing and almost broke the back of the Rockleaze net with the power of his strike. A goal and a celebration to be remembered!
Result: Foxes 4, Rockleaze 0

Man on the Match:
Oskar for a brilliant overall performance and a cracking first goal.
Stanley for being involved all over the pitch and his tireless running.

Final result: Played 6, won 3, drew 1, lost 2, goals for 10, goals against 8. A great morning’s football against a very strong Rockleaze squad and hopefully a good omen for the rest of the year.

Well done to everyone of our fine Foxes for a great display of football and spirit. You make us proud!