U9 Vipers
The final date of the Summer Season calendar saw Rotherfield take part in a round-robin tournament along with nine other teams.
United won each of their first three group matches 1-0, with two goals from Adam Fearnside and one from Jack Stevens. In the fourth game, Rotherfield faced a strong Woodley Town Kestrels side which had also won all of its opening games; whichever team won would be guaranteed a place in the final. United put in their best performance so far, knocking in four goals in eight minutes - two from Jack Stevens and two from Nick Swan - to confirm their place in the deciding game.
In the final, Rotherfield were up against local rivals Caversham Trents; Fearnside came close to breaking the deadlock when a low shot struck the Trents' post, but at the final whistle it was still 0-0. The first period of extra time saw the teams reduced to 5v5 with no goalkeepers. This time, Fearnside did put United in front and the game seemed to be over but a last gasp Caversham equaliser took the game to a second period of extra time. Now playing 3v3, a couple of half-chances fell Rotherfield's way but eventually the Trents broke free from the half-way line and clinched the game with a golden goal.
A great effort by the whole Rotherfield squad, who, despite soaring temperatures, got better and better as the games went on.
The fairplay award was given to Adam Fearnside for his incisive attacking play.
- 1 - 0 Hurst (goals : Adam Fearnside)
- 1 - 0 Theale B (goals : Adam Fearnside)
- 1 - 0 Woodley Wanderers A (goals : Jack Stevens)
- 4 - 0 Woodley Town Kestrels (goals : Jack Stevens 2, Nick Swan 2)
- 1 - 2 Caversham Trents (AET) (goals : Adam Fearnside)
Photos (Thanks Dave)
Squad
Scott Barnett, Harry Sayer, Liam Ruiz, Jack Stevens, Owen Lowe, Morgan Green, Kalhan Shah, Nick Swan, Adam Fearnside