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.
This game was the first, table topping Rotherfield had played since the transition from 7 a side to 11 a side and how well they handled it. United started the game brightly and following a wonderful move down the right wing by Luke Gibbs and Zach Langford, the cross was coolly met by Shaun Kirby who rose and headed home an absolute stunner. This seemed to set the tone for United with two more goals coming from the wing. The first with Kirby the maker setting up Josh Rees to slot home and the next with Ed Thurlow crossing so well and close to the goal forcing an own goal.
The first half was not all one way traffic with Uniteds defence being tested, but with Alex Arkinstall, Sam James and especially Man of the Match Joe Donaghue in such fine form they held up well. The defence was breached once forcing Sam Pocock to make a fine diving save to protect his clean sheet. A special mention must also go to Robert Jiggins in his new holding role who battled hard all match.
The second half started as the first had finished with Curtis Dombey combining well with Liam Green and only a good save denied Liams long range effort. However the next goal was coming with a lovely worked corner resulting in a second goal for Kirby. There were also great contributions from Oscar Burgess, Arun Dance and Bradley Ralph. Then with Zach Bagging a brace, a fantastic solo run over the whole length of the pitch gave Shaun a well deserved Hatrick and sealed the victory.
This was a fantastic performance and was more than anyone could have wished for. Well done Boys!