U9 Vipers
Looking to extend their winning start to the season, Rotherfield faced an unbeaten Wokingham & Emmbrook side. After only two minutes of the match, Wokingham had the ball in the net and it was clear that United were in for a tough game.
Morgan Green moved back into defense to partner Kalhan Shah and Rotherfield began to regain their confidence. Five minutes later a Green corner was cleared by Wokingham but played back into the box by Shah where striker Owen Lowe was on hand to fire home the equaliser. United came close to adding a second when an Adam Fearnside free-kick was tipped around the post by an alert 'keeper, but at half-time the score was still 1-1.
In the first minute of the second-half, Fearnside broke through the Wokingham defense and although his shot was well saved by the advancing goalie, midfielder Liam Ruiz was perfectly placed to slot home the rebound and give United the lead.
Wokingham piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser; Dan Jordan was influencial in his defensive midfield role and 'keeper Isaac Hylton pulled off a fantastic save with his feet to keep United in front. Eventually though, Wokingham found a way through and levelled the scores with less than ten minutes to go.
Both sides were looking for the winner and with chances at both ends the tension on the sidelines was palpable. The decisive moment came when the Wokingham 'keeper drop-kicked the ball clear but it fell to Fearnside who volleyed it straight back in for the winner.
The fairplay award was shared between goalie Isaac Hylton who withstood immense pressure throughout the match, and Dan Jordan for his determination in midfield. It was a commendable performance by the whole team which showed great character in coming from behind in what was a tough game, played in a great spirit.
Squad
Isaac Hylton, Kalhan Shah, Daniel Jordan, Morgan Green, Nick Swan, Liam Ruiz, Owen Lowe, Adam Fearnside