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 2nd 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”
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