Costessey 0 vs 3 Rocklands U13

<p>A frosty start to this morning with the first tinges of Winter showing. &nbsp;However, by the time the team arrived in Costessey the sun was out and shining brightly with the pitch completely thawed.

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<p>Rocklands lined up with a 433 formation with Anthony and Eliot operating as wingers either side of Marc. &nbsp;Louis was operating in behind the striker from midfield, with Ewan and Joseph Gyde in holding roles. &nbsp;A slight change at the back with Joseph Thompson coming in at left back and Jo Spoerry, Charlie and Luke completing the back four. &nbsp;Matty in goal as usual.

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<p>Rocklands started brightly and soon broke clear from the defence. &nbsp;It didn't take long before the first goal, with Anthony drilling a shot into the bottom left corner from just outside the area. &nbsp;Costessey were operating a high line defensively and Rocklands threatened to get in behind on several occasions, only to be pulled back by the linesman's flag for offside. &nbsp;Eventually however, a delicate chip through by Jo Thompson sent Anthony clear and he clipped it to the right of the onrushing 'keeper for 2-0. &nbsp;There then came a flurry of chances, with Eliot having a couple of shots saved by the Costessey 'keeper.

<p>Anthony was a threat cutting inside from the wing and driving into the box, but unfortunately had to withdraw with an injury. &nbsp;Reece came on and combined with Marc and Eliot on a couple of occasions.....all three players spurning 1-on-1 chances. &nbsp;On one occasion, all three burst forward with only the keeper to beat, only to drive it straight at him!

<p>Costessey were not offering much threat going forwards and Charlie and Jo Spoerry dealt comfortably with the high balls. &nbsp;Luke and Jo T had licence to get forward and overlapped effectively on several occasions. &nbsp;It all became very congested in the middle of the park, there were some attempts to put a foot on the ball and play it but too often the team seemed over-eager to lob it forward instead of spreading play wider.

<p>Matty dealt well with the one threat from Costessey by coming out very quickly to clear the ball over the top. &nbsp;Marc again went through 1on1 but the ball was deflected wide by the keeper for a corner. &nbsp;A short corner by Rocklands was eventually crossed into the far post, where Ewan had time to control, side-step and tap it home. &nbsp;3-0

<p>The remainder of the first half was on occasions, shooting practice with the Costessey keeper making several good stops. &nbsp;But there was a sense that Rocklands should have been out of sight going into the second half.

<p>The second half saw a few changes with Sam and Ryan coming on. &nbsp;Sam slotted into his usual left back position and Ryan was operating on the right. &nbsp;Rocklands kept looking for the straight ball over the top, instead of spreading play and did not get the goals their complete domination of possession deserved. &nbsp;Ryan showed great determination in the tackle and tried to step up the pace. &nbsp;The team kept hold of the ball well, but too often were casual in their finishing. &nbsp;Too many flicks and tricks instead of playing the easy ball.

<p>Midway through the half, Reece rounded the keeper only to fire into the side netting. &nbsp;Several more 1 on 1's missed. &nbsp;Ewan kept probing and played one Ozil-like pass settign Reece free again, but the finish wasn't there.

<p>It finished 3-0. &nbsp;Credit must go to Costessey who battled to the end and never lost heart - we wish them the best for the remainder of the season. &nbsp;

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<p>For Rocklands, this was a casual performance and really should have been double-figures in goals. &nbsp;Let's hope the boys find their shooting boots for the coming games. &nbsp;On the positive side, Matty looked sharp despite not having much to do and the defence really did look calm and composed. &nbsp;Charlie in particular marshalled the line well. &nbsp;Finally, the boys dealt incredibly well with a number of questionable offside decisions and kept plugging away without getting frustrated. &nbsp;Keep the Respect up boys!

<p>One more game before Christmas - best of luck!