U13
Following United's indifferent season, this result was welcomed with open arms.
United started this game well and within two minutes came close with Ed Thurlow storming through on the left but firing just wide. This seemed to set United alight and shortly after some great link up play between Ed and Shaun Kirby, Shaun was allowed to run through the defence and coolly slot the ball home. With the central defence pairing of Robert Jiggins and Samuel James holding firm the two wing backs, Josh Rees and Arun Dance were able to overlap and make some penetrating runs down the wing. This coupled with Joe Donaghue and Zach Langford in the centre gave strength to the game and following a great knock through the middle and over the top from Langford, Kirby was able to bag his second.
As expected, Jets came back and Sam Pocock in Goal needed to be alert following some quick breaks. But it was United who had the upper hand and following a United corner, it was cleared to the edge of the box where Kirby picked it up and smashed the ball low to the right of the goal and found his third.
The second half started with United under pressure. But with some great work from Curtis Domby on the right and the central defence pairing of Jiggins and James, Rotherfield maintained their advantage. But a quick break by Jets caught everyone out and in a one on one situation, Pocock made a great save diving bravely at the feet of the oncoming striker. Then with a big clearance downfield, Luke Gibbs, who worked tirelessly up front, picked the ball up and played a great ball to Shaun who ran 30 yards before unleashing a shot and bagging his and Uniteds 4th. Tired legs in the second half were well supported by Liam Green, Bradley Ralph and Alex Arkinstall who all made great Contributions.
Man of the match went to Curtis Domby for his sheer effort and vision throughout the whole game.