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 2nd 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 5th place with a great opportunity to claim 2nd overall. Man of the match goes to Kaden for his tireless running.
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