U9 Vipers
The Vipers got back to winning ways this week with a narrow 2-1 victory over a Kennet Valley side which at times played some excellent football.
Rotherfield had the first real chance of the game when Liam Ruiz went close after collecting an Adam Fearnside throw-in, but Kennet Valley took the lead in the eighth minute after a typically flowing move.
The Vipers managed to hold their nerve and five minutes before the interval the scores were levelled after Jack Stevens forced the ball in from close range after a Morgan Green corner.
Kennet Valley were moving the ball around well and looking dangerous, but another solid performance from Jack Williams in defense helped Rotherfield make it to half-time with game finely balanced at 1-1.
After the restart, Rotherfield went close when a Green header flew just the wrong side of the crossbar but a few minutes later they managed to take the lead when another Fearnside throw was picked up by Nick Swan who unleashed a thumping shot from distance which gave the keeper no chance.
Kennet Valley pushed on in search of an equaliser and with five minutes to go almost had the ball in the net when a forward found himself with only the keeper to beat, but for the second week in a row, Isaac Hylton was quickly off his line to make a crucial block.
In the closing stages, the Vipers defended well and almost added more goals on the break with both Ruiz and Owen Lowe going close.
The effort award was given to Nick Swan for continuing ruthlessness in front of goal.
Photos
Squad
Isaac Hylton, Jack Williams, Morgan Green, Nick Swan, Owen Lowe, Liam Ruiz, Jack Stevens, Adam Fearnside