Ammas Nailed thanks to Keeper Error

Rothwell Town 3 Yorkshire Amateurs 2
The odd goal in 5 settled this close game in favour of the home side as Rothwell twice came from behind to win.

Rothwell were looking to get revenge against a good Yorkshire Amateurs side after going down 3-1 in poor conditions against them recently. The game started slowly with no team making much impact on the opposition goal. The away team were winning the ball in the middle of the field too easily but, as in recent weeks the Rothwell defence performed superbly and Jacob Murrays goal was rarely threatened. At the other end Kaden Sharlotte pressured the opposition defenders and ensured that they didn’t have time to start attacks out through the back. The Ammas were then awarded a free kick which could easily have been a penalty when the attacking player was challenged by the retreating defender. Rothwell started to apply some pressure and were rewarded with a corner which was delivered well by Kai Wheeler, the cross was won by the opposition and the defender found himself in the six yard box with the ball at his feet. No challenge came from a Rothwell player and the ball was easily cleared. As halftime approached the score remained at 0 – 0. Yorkshire Amateurs were then pressing and were given a corner which was driven into the six yard box. The Rothwell players froze and allowed the ball to bounce twice before landing at the feet of the opposition striker who poked home for 1 – 0. That was the last kick of the game as the ref blew the whistle immediately after the restart.

Rothwell were disappointed to end the half down to a goal that should have been cleared but started the second half in a positive manner. Switching to a 4 man midfield to win the battle in the middle of the pitch, Rothwell pressured early and the first 5 minutes of the second half was all in the Ammas half. It was only a matter of time before the equaliser came. Sam Pears picked the ball up from midfield and ran at the defence taking on three players before shooting low from just inside the area. The keeper made a good effort to reach the shot but could not prevent the score becoming 1 – 1. Rothwell continued to press Liam King & Kaden Sharlotte both making runs behind the defenders and beating the offside trap. Liam was unlucky to see the ball go just over the crossbar after battling hard to get the shot away. The opposition had the ball in the Rothwell half on a number of occasions but never really looked like scoring from open play as the defence continued to quell attacks before they became threatening. It was therefore disappointing when Yorkshire Amateurs re took the lead from another corner which should have been cleared. For the second time Rothwell found themselves behind but the fighting spirit came through and the 2^nd equaliser was to follow quickly. Arnie Dooner won the ball on the right and delivered a good cross which was defended cleared out of the box only to be met by kai Wheeler whose first time shot found the back of the net to return the scores level at 2-2. The game continued to be tight with each team struggling to break forward with any meaningful attacks and a slice of luck, 2 minutes from time fell Rothwells way when Harry Caton launched a long ball towards the far post. The ball looked to be going easily wide of the target but the opposition keeper tried to stop the ball crossing the line and somehow managed to scoop the ball into his home net. Shortly after the restart the referee blew for the end of the game leaving Town 3-2 winners.

Despite the fortunate nature of the winning goal Rothwell did just enough to deserve the 3 points. Another great defensive display stopped the opposition scoring in open play but static defending from the whole team at corners almost cost them the win. The coaches will be focusing on defending set pieces at training to try and eradicate these errors.

The win moves the team clear into 5^th place with a great opportunity to claim 2^nd overall. Man of the match goes to Kaden for his tireless running.

MnM Too Sweet for Bramley

Bramley Pheonix 1 v Rothwell Town 3

Murray and Mulvaney stole the show at each end of the pitch to give a well-earned victory against top of the table Bramley Phoenix.

After the wind, rain, snow, sleet and waterlogged pitch of the previous match it was pleasing to kick off on a flat pitch in the sunshine. As in previous matches Rothwell again started strong from the kick off, putting the home defence under immediate pressure. Looking stronger down the right wing Jacob Bues and Liam King combined well on a number of occasions early on to deliver dangerous balls into the oppositions area. A combination of strong defending and hesitant shooting made sure Rothwell couldn’t take advantage of the early pressure. Bramley started to come more into the game with the number 9 making intelligent runs and showing a good touch. The Rothwell defence stood solid though, and combined with Jacob Murrays handling from crosses and command of his area the score line remained 0 – 0 during the first 20 minutes. It was another break down the right side created by Liam who harried his defender and won possession. Liam delivered the ball with pace into the goal area, the first shot from Kaden blocked was by the defender but Sam Mulvaney was on hand to stab home after a small goal line scramble to make it 1 – 0 to the visitors. Rothwell looked to double their advantage and Sam Pears and Harry Caton both delivered great balls through the Bramley back line, but hesitant shooting again allowed the defence to make a challenge. Bramley were still looking dangerous on the break and came close to making it 1 -1 after some good work in midfield the ball was hit goal-wards through a bunch of players and was heading in at the far post until Jacob Murray managed to stretch and make a fine save. Minutes later the ball was back in the Bramley penalty area and under pressure they failed to clear it further than the edge of the area where Harry Caton hit a first time shot back into the goal and increase the lead to 2 – 0. Both teams continued to play good football, with Rothwell coming closest, both Arnie Dooner and Jacob Bues seeing shots go inches wide of the post. At the other end Jacob was proving to be a formidable obstacle for the home team.

At half time with the home team down 2 – 0, town readied themselves for a tough second half against opposition that had scored 27 goals in their previous 3 games, but with Rothwell having the 2^nd lowest away goals conceded the coaches were confident that they could go on to win the game.

The second half started as the first had ended with both teams battling for the ball and looking to create chances from midfield. It was Rothwell who were winning the midfield battles and looked more likely to extend the lead. Bramley were then offered an opportunity to get back into the game when the referee awarded a penalty for a challenge which even the home team coaches could not understand. The striker lined up to take the penalty against Jacob who had been in fine form all game, and hit the ball well to Jacobs left, Jacob was quickly off his line and made a superb save low to his left making it two penalty saves for the season. The ball was quickly cleared out for a corner. The Rothwell defence, seemingly still celebrating the penalty save lost concentration for the corner and a despite an initial clearance the second ball in was met with a free header in the six yard box to bring Bramley back into the game. Town didn’t panic and continued to press, Sam Pears saw a shot go wide from a corner and a Jacob Bues header beat the keeper but was too high and went over the crossbar. Bramleys started to push forward in more numbers but the Town defence continued to work hard to win the ball and looked to pass their way out through the midfield. The decisive goal came 10 minutes from time when defence was turned into attack again by the visitors and through quick incisive passing the ball found its way to Sam Mulvaney whose looped shot from just inside the area, under pressure beat the keeper and found the back of the net for his second and towns third and final goal of the game. There was no way through for Bramley as Town defended as a team and each player stuck their job and held their shape.

A great win for the boys was summed up by the Bramley manager who said afterwards “That’s the worst we’ve played all season, because you didn’t let us play. You did everything we asked our lads to do. We were lucky to get the goal. You were one of the best teams we’ve played this season”

It was a great team performance and each player played their part. The attitude throughout was superb especially as we substituted players during the game. Man of the match today goes to Jacob Murray who not only saved the penalty, but commanded his area and was solid throughout.

Next week sees the boys travel to Guiesley for a game which should see us pick up all three points, although it is worth remembering “Complacency is the forerunner of mediocrity”

One to forget!

4^th March 2011   

A month unbeaten came to a sudden halt in the cup for the Charles Rice team.  Drawn against a good Thornes side from the league above the team were really up against the odds.  Late withdrawals due to sickness and commitments meant the team had to play the whole game with 10 men but you would not have known that in the early part of the game.

Whilst the eventual score ended up 10-1 to Thornes, however the 10 men of Rothwell never gave up and continued to play right through to the end despite the atrocious conditions.  Particularly good performances from Dom and Man of the Match Kaden.  

Just a quick thank you from Charlie and Colin to the all the parents for their help on Sunday with the pitch, nets and general support for the kids which was really appreciated.

Another Hit for 6!

Mapplewell Mavericks 5 v Rothwell Town 6
Following on the back of the fine win at Royston, the Charles Rice team were run a lot closer by Mapplewell Mavericks with a narrow 6 – 5 win. Mapplewell got off to a quick start with 2 early goals. Rothwell began to find their feet and went close on 3 occasions without scoring and half time came without a reply.
The second half was a totally different game with the whole team starting to show some of the football they had against Royston. The defence led by Dom where working as one and picking up their attackers and the midfield pairing of Euan and Harry started to dominate the central area. Mapplewell started to struggle as Rothwell hit back with 6 goals in the second half, 2 hat ricks from Josh and Harry and the score should have been much higher but Rothwell let Mapplewell back into the game with a few late goals to make the score look more respectable.
Another good team performance, although we can’t afford to switch off during games as it lets teams back into the game.
Man of the Match Harry Oldroyd