Brocton 4 Rocester 0 - Report
The rain had slicked the pitch but mercifully eased just before kick off and left this match to be played in almost perfect conditions. Both sides began briskly and, but for perhaps a lack of composure when in sight of goal, Jordan Dodd could have given Rocester the lead.
But it was Brocton who went ahead when Cameron Howkins powered in a strong header to convert what was Brocton’s first corner of the match just on the quarter hour.
The move of the match to date came on twenty minutes when a flying Adam Weldon made massive strides from his right full back position and slipped the ball inside to Christian Blanchette, who had drifted in from the left. Blanchette found Regan Smith and with Rocester able only to watch Smith struck the ball across keeper Charlie Wood, only to see his effort miss the far post on the wrong side.
On 25 minutes Rocester showed that they were not here just to be spectators as Elisio Francisco got to the right bye line and hit a firm low cross, but Henry Smith was down to hold it and prevent any danger.
Honours were even then as each side were able to get good possession in their approach play only to founder as the pitch became more crowded and for the most part organised defences were on top.
That changed in an instant when a quick break down the right and a ball into Blanchette was neatly passed into Regan Smith. The striker showed what good form he is in by hitting the ball cleanly past Wood for Brocton’s second.
Josh Mousley had looked a little short of confidence at times and that was not helped when he gave the ball away with a miss hit pass, putting Brocton on the back foot. Dodd latched on to the ball and ran into the box with what looked like a great position to shoot, but Howkins got back and unfussily put in a fine tackle to prevent the shot.
Mousley worked his way into the match and made a number of probing passes and timely tackles, which will have improved his confidence.
Another break and a smart run from Blanchette deserved better than a shot wide of the post. He had done everything right including beating the oncoming Charlie Wood.
Rocester improved their togetherness in the second period with the team working well to close down space and keep a high line, which frustrated a number of runs by Brocton forward beyond the back line. Jake Thomas hit a fine shot just over the bar after he had taken the ball, back to goal and managed to turn under pressure and still get his shot off.
Brocton were able to play their way close to goal and when a foul stopped their progress, Regan Smith struck a great low shot round the defensive wall and in. Dan Lomas, showed fine composure as the game drew to a close as he rode a number of tackles, before striking past Charlie Wood to make it four.
Brocton: Henry Smith, Adam Weldon, Malaki Norford, Cameron Howkins, Josh Mousley, Jack Partridge,
Jake Thomas, Connor Haddaway, Regan Smith, Dan Lomas, Christian Blanchette.
Used Substitutes: Reinaldo Forbes, Ben Wood, Matt Tolley.
