Roebuck Suffer Heavy Defeat At Home To The Bridge Inn

In a disappointing league encounter at Habberley Sports Field 2 on 3rd November 2024, Roebuck faced a heavy defeat, succumbing to The Bridge Inn with a final score of 1-5. The match kicked off at 10:45 am, and despite an early lead, Roebuck struggled to maintain their momentum against a relentless opposition.

Roebuck lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Jamie Hyde occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Grahame Street on the right, Kevin Burns and Jack Wentworth as central defenders, and Oliver Parkes on the left. The midfield was composed of Bradley Hackett on the right, Alistair Brown and Dan Lees in central roles, and Corey Rogers on the left, with Cameron Hyde playing just behind the lone striker, Daniel Lander. This setup aimed to balance defensive responsibilities with attacking support, particularly through the flanks.

The substitutes for Roebuck included Josh Sharp and Matthew McKay, who would later be called upon to inject fresh energy into the side as the match progressed.

The match began with an unexpected flourish for Roebuck as they took the lead just six minutes in. A goalmouth scramble saw Jack Wentworth find the back of the net, courtesy of a clever flick assist from Dan Lees. The home side's early advantage, however, was short-lived.

The Bridge Inn responded swiftly, equalising in the 13th minute, before taking control of the match with two more goals in quick succession at the 16th and 20th minutes. Roebuck found themselves reeling as the visitors showcased their attacking prowess, leaving the home side struggling to regain their composure.

As the first half drew to a close, Roebuck faced a daunting challenge, trailing 1-3. The half-time whistle provided a brief respite, but the task ahead was monumental.

The second half began with The Bridge Inn continuing their dominance, adding a fourth goal in the 54th minute. Roebuck attempted to regroup, making their first substitution shortly after, bringing on Josh Sharp for Oliver Parkes in the 55th minute with Brad Hackett dropping back in to his usual left back roll hoping to bolster their defensive line.

Despite the changes, Roebuck could not stem the tide of The Bridge Inn's relentless attack. In the 72nd minute, Matthew McKay replaced Bradley Hackett. The visitors remained in control, sealing their emphatic victory with a fifth goal in the dying moments of the match, at the 90th minute.

The final whistle confirmed a disappointing afternoon for Roebuck, who will need to regroup and reassess their tactics ahead of their next fixture. The Bridge Inn's clinical finishing has left Roebuck to ponder their shortcomings in both defence and attack.