With Chapeltown having insufficient numbers in this age group it required Rotherham to don the mighty maroon kit and bolster numbers, but sadly it still meant we only had 9. First match was a tough encounter with a large Hull team but despite borrowing a keeper and defender, and most of the lads having never played together there were real promising signs. They passed well and played as a team and were unfortunate when they were caught ball watching and went 1-0 behind. The goal did not dent their passion and they had a great period of pressure and Ryan was very unfortunate to see his shot go wide. Sadly some questionable decisions went against the team, the ball went clearly behind the baseline before being passed to the top of the D where a dangerous swing and miss went ignored and quickly resulted in a goal. It was shortly followed by a blatant kick outside the D which went onto our foot in the D and a corner was awarded. It finished 4-0 which flattered Hull.
Adel were next up and a slight change to the formation with Ryan dropping into defence made a solid back line which include Max both of whom were happy to attack from deep and did so at every opportunity. It was an even game which sadly again was marred by poor umpiring and contributed to a number of their goals. Thomas appeared to relish the role of centre midfield and battled all day in both defensive and attacking roles, his total commitment in his tackles did occasionally did draw attention for the umpire! It finished 4-0 but the lads were rightfully pleased with their performance and took heart from how they played despite their defeats.
The final match was against Halifax and was 10v10 and the boys clearly wanted to leave with something. From the off they went for the win, their effort unquestionable. Finlay and Harry and been out wide all day creating space and opportunities, which sadly we didn’t exploit enough, but when we did get the ball out to them they both seized the opportunity to progress play. Finlay was very unfortunate not to get on the score sheet when poaching at the back post. The boys were pressing and eventually the goal came from a cross from Thomas and Vaughn swept it home, I’m not sure his was a shot or self preservation from waist height bullet Thomas fired at him! Halifax quickly equalised and Chap went straight back into the lead with another Vaughn goal. But 3 games and no subs started to show and tiredness resulted in Halifax getting the equaliser.
All in all it was a fantastic, promising performance and can only improve with a full squad.