U9 Vipers
Rotherfield continued their winning start to the league campaign with a resounding 7-0 victory over Theale Tigers.
United made a slow start to the game, struggling to get their passing game going during the first ten minutes, but gradually they started to play the ball around and began to look dangerous. The deadlock was broken after fifteen minutes when Kalhan Shah played the ball to Adam Fearnside who ran the ball down the right flank and squared it for Jack Stevens who buried it from close range. Further shots followed from Morgan Green, Fearnside, and Liam Ruiz saw an effort sail just over the bar after a good ball in from Jack Williams.
The defensive trio of Isaac Hylton, Shah and Williams weren't put under undue strain during the opening half but dealt well with the Theale threats that came their way.
Right after the half-time break United were awarded a penalty after a Theale defender had handled the ball just inside the box. Stevens struck the spot-kick but was desperately unlucky to see it hit the inside of the post and back across the face of the goal to safety.
United didn't have to wait long for the second goal though; Green showed good composure on the ball and played a lovely pass to the far post where Fearnside was able to slide in and force the ball over the line. With a two goal cushion, Rotherfield began to show more confidence which helped them create a succession of chances. Fearnside added the third with a lob from distance and then Owen Lowe made it four with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Goal number five saw Rotherfield's first ever headed goal; a well delivered corner was met forcefully by Stevens at the near-post and the Tigers' goalkeeper had no chance. Ruiz grabbed number six with a well-struck half-volley from the edge of the box and Fearnside then made it seven before the end with a powerful left-foot strike.
Photos
Squad
Isaac Hylton, Jack Williams, Kalhan Shah, Liam Ruiz, Adam Fearnside, Owen Lowe, Morgan Green, Jack Stevens