U9 Vipers
This week saw the Vipers taking on the previously unbeaten Kennet Valley. From the off, the Vipers were knocking the ball around well all over the park and playing effectively as a unit, although it was a real midfield battle.
However, after a great piece of skill by a Valley player, they got their noses in front. Midfielders Morgan Green, Jack Stevens & Liam Ruiz were working hard to get the Vipers back in the game and it was almost the case when Stevens fed Ruiz, who in turn found Nick Swan, whose shot was comfortably saved by the keeper. Swan had a chance after some good individual skill, but his shot hit the post.
Jack Williams & Kalhan Shah were their normal tough talking selves in defence and were thwarting Valley's attacks when they came. Williams started a move when he battled like a panther for the ball and played a fine pass to Green, who played a perfect ball to Stevens who found Swan, whose shot was pushed narrowly wide by the keeper. The resulting corner from Green was met by a Vipers player, but Rotherfield were unable to make the break-through. Kenny Watson & Marcus Martin were brought on to give the Vipers fresh impetus and were, as the rest of the team, working hard to create an opening, but Valley went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Early in the second half, great build-up play by Watson provided Ruiz with an opportunity from the edge of the box, but his shot was parried by the keeper, and the follow up by Martin was saved.
Williams & Shah were like sponges absorbing everything being thrown at them; tackling hard and giving chase when the opposition broke through. On a couple of occasions, Vipers' keeper Issac Hylton pulled off some truly world class saves, but it did not stop Valley extending their lead to 2-0, after a mix up in defence and a freak ricochet, giving Hylton no chance.
Stevens & Green were still hungry to get the Vipers back into the game, with Stevens hurrying Valley on the ball and working his socks off. Green was also in fine form, showing some good skills, and with his penetration down the flanks he created his own chance which was palmed wide by the keeper; the resulting corner by Green was knocked agonisingly wide by Williams.
After some great work in the middle of the park by Martin & Green, the Vipers were awarded a couple of long distance free kicks, which were taken by Watson, but still no end product was there. The final chance was created when Swan threaded a pass to Stevens, who laid it in to Green who blasted his shot inches wide.
Despite all the desire and great team work, the Vipers could not manage to get any points, as the game finished 2-0.
Morgan Green was awarded the fair play award for an overall great performance.
Squad
Jack Williams, Jack Stevens, Isaac Hylton, Liam Ruiz, Nick Swan, Morgan Green, Kenny Watson, Kalhan Shah, Owen Lowe, Marcus Martin