U8
Rotherfield were given their sternest test yet this season by a spirited Maidenhead team that fought for every ball and showed a high level of skill in front of goal. Ultimately Rotherfield's quality shone through but it needed a brave performance by the defence led by Mullin and Beville to see Rotherfield home.
Things couldn't have started much better for United with Atkinson picking up a loose ball in midfield and with all of his strike partners marked he chipped the Maidenhead keeper to score a wonder goal. A second quickly followed when Martinez received the ball after an intricate passing move and struck from distance with the aid of a deflection.
With half time looming Rotherfield could be proud of their performance particularly as the referee noticed that Maidenhead had been playing with an extra man for virtually the entire half.
The second half started much the same as the first with Rotherfield playing attractive football and extending their lead with a fantastic cross from Beville that was expertly finished by Martinez.
All of a sudden United seemed to relax and were soon punished, albeit by a fantastic finish from the Maidenhead centre forward. Incredibly this was the first time Rotherfield had conceded this season in their ninth match.
Normal service was resumed shortly after with Martinez completing his hat trick and scoring a contender for goal of the season. After robbing a Maidenhead player on the half way line he danced past the final two defenders and smashed an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
There was still time for more drama, which was supplied in the form of a Rotherfield own goal. A dangerous Maidenhead corner bounced around the penalty area and forced the defender into a desperate clearance, which was badly sliced and left Newbold in goal with no chance.
All in all a good work out for a team that at times steam rollers the opposition, but on this occasion had to show grit and determination and prove that they have what it takes to fight toe to toe for a result. This was personified by Beville who got the man of the match award.
Squad
Harry Roe, Joseph Beville, Freddie Newbold, William Mullin, Luke Mullin, Sam Kemp, Pablo Martinez, James Atkinson