U8
The unbeaten Rotherfield returned from the Christmas break with a fixture against their local rivals Caversham Trents. Although these are normally highly competitive matches Rotherfield had run out convincing winners in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season. This time though it was to be a much closer game with Trents determined to avenge the earlier defeat.
The early exchanges were pretty even with Rotherfield playing down the slope and although enjoying the lion's share of possession, not really threatening the Trent's goal. That was to change when a speculative Martinez shot from distance squirmed through the keeper to give Rotherfield the early advantage. The remainder of the first half continued in the same fashion with both midfields cancelling themselves out, leading to few chances for either team.
After the break Rotherfield made a few tactical changes with Martinez leading the line and Jordan playing just behind him. For a while this seemed to work and a free flowing move involving Beville and Kemp led to a chance for Atkinson, which he duly accepted.
However instead of this lead spurring on Rotherfield it seemed to have the opposite effect and by sitting back gave the advantage to their opponents. It was no surprise when a period of Trent's pressure led to a goal despite the despairing dive of Newbold. With five minutes to go Trent's were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, but with the wall standing firm the ball flew past the outside of the far post. A valiant rearguard action from Mullin and Beville saw Rotherfield home and the record remained in tact despite an almighty scare.
The effort award went to Beville who kept battling in the face of a ferocious onslaught.
Squad
Harry Roe, Joseph Beville, Freddie Newbold, Christian Floyd, Sam Kemp, Pablo Martinez, Luke Mullin, William Mullin, Thomas Jordan, James Atkinson