U9 Vipers
The Vipers continued their successful start to the season with a 4-3 victory over Woodley Saints but they had to do it the hard way, twice coming from behind.
For the second week in a row, Rotherfield struggled in the opening stages against strong opposition and again relied on the committed defending of Kalhan Shah, Jack Williams and Morgan Green to keep it at 0-0. After sustained pressure though, it was the Saints who deservedly opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a goal direct from a corner.
Despite the setback, Rotherfield maintained their composure and gradually started to play themselves into the game. With five minutes to go to half-time they got themselves back on level terms when Liam Ruiz struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which deceived the Woodley 'keeper.
Just when it looked as though the Vipers had made it to the interval at one goal each, Saints struck again to steal the lead and again put Rotherfield on the back foot.
After the break though, Rotherfield had the benefit of a strong trailing wind and it wasn't long before they used it to their advantage when 'keeper Isaac Hylton launched a huge kick downfield which was parried by his opposite number but then volleyed home by Adam Fearnside. Within minutes, Fearnside was close again with a long range effort which whistled narrowly over the crossbar.
The Vipers then found themselves in front for the first time in the match when Jack Stevens added a third with a typically composed finish after good work from Owen Lowe. Nick Swan added a fourth with a deft finish from a tight angle and Rotherfield had finally earned themselves some breathing room with a two goal lead.
With minutes to go however, Woodley scored for a third time with a well hit shot from outside the box; the last few minutes were tense but Rotherfield hung on for a narrow 4-3 victory.
The effort award was given to Jack Williams for a battling defensive performance.
Photos (thanks Tom & Steen)
Squad
Isaac Hylton, Jack Williams, Kalhan Shah, Liam Ruiz, Adam Fearnside, Owen Lowe, Nick Swan, Morgan Green, Jack Stevens