We have to start this report by just emphasising how very proud we are of this set of players – because once again, they represented our famous badge with a spirit and courage that we want from all of our teams…
This week saw us travelling to take on our old mates Horwich RMI and right from the start, they were showing how good a team they were – with a physical strength that took us a little time to get used to. We were putting some great tackles in though and Dougie was diving about everywhere in his efforts to defend our goal. And when we did see the ball, we were putting in some good passes and trying our best to get in behind them. We were doing alright and trying our best…
There did seem to be some heads dropping during the half-time team-talk – but the encouraging thing was that it didn’t take the coach to coax the words out of the team. Oh no. They did that between themselves as they told each other that they needed to pass it a bit better, focus on what we had to do and copy what we’ve been learning in training every week. But there was one crucial thing we needed to do more of. And that was HAVE FUN! That’s why we do it isn’t it?
Well those words must have had an effect on our Rockets as we were now playing with a confidence that was good to see. And when we got our first goal of the game, what a goal it was! The ball was passed out from the back and as our newest player Alfie took control of it, he looked up and shot beautifully into the top corner of their net! What a finish – and the County fans gathered to the left were loving it. His first-ever goal in a County shirt as well…
All over the pitch the County players were giving it their all – from Dougie being our diving machine and showing superb bravery and confidence in coming out of his goal to Adam being in control at the back and covering everything, our lads were doing their bit.
Thomas was using his skills to take on players and running past them as though they weren’t there and we were so close when saw the ball roll to Oliver about 15 yards from goal and he placed his shot inch-perfectly into the bottom corner – only to see it flash wide of the post. So unlucky for the lad but we were playing well now…
Then we saw a world-class piece of defending when the RMI team broke through to be 1-on-1 with our Dougie – and from nowhere, back came charging Harry from their half to put in a perfectly-timed challenge to stop them from scoring. Now that was class that…
We did manage to get another goal for our supporters to celebrate and this time it came from the penalty spot. Shailen had made a darting run into the box and as he was pulled back, the referee had no hesitation in awarding it. Our Shailen lined up for his run-up – and then stopped – and with our coach pleaded with him to just ‘HIT IT’ – how wrong was he as Shailen calmly rolled the ball into the bottom left corner of their net. What a cool penalty from one so young…
And that was that. A massive thanks to the Horwich RMI players, coaches and supporters who recognised the skill and teamwork the County players were putting in and their applause showed that they appreciated it. Good luck for the rest of the season and we hope to see you all again soon…
As for County, we maybe a football team in name – but we are so much more than that. Everybody watching every week encourages every player and the atmosphere within our ranks is more family than kicking a football. Long may that continue – and long may our players keep making us as proud as they did today…
All of them can be pleased with themselves as they go home today – however the Player of the Match was awarded to Alfie and as the dust began to settle, thoughts were already turning to next Saturday. It’s great being a Rockets fan you know…
#UpTheCounty!
