MATCH REPORT: BOSHAM FC

Jack Turner: yesterday's Man of the Match. Image Will Hugall

Rotherfield booked their place into the 2nd round of the SCFA Intermediate Cup with a 3-1 win over Bosham FC from the SCFL.

Playing conditions were perfect with no low autumnal sun, not a breath of wind and a near pristine playing surface allowed Rotherfield to have an overall high percentage of possession and pass the ball well.

The first half was at times a scrappy affair with a number of fouls from both sides. which did disrupt the rhythm a little.

It took twenty minutes for the Greens to break the deadlock. The temerarious Connor Morrow had the ball stollen on his dribble towards goal. He worked hard to shoulder his opponent off ball to allow Jack Spampanato to hit a shot from the loose ball. 1-0.

Six minutes later, Ethan Zimmerman had an effort blocked, but the rebound fell to Saunders and his effort hits a deflection and goes in beyond the keeper's reach. 2-0.

On the half hour mark, Zimmerman delivered a great floated cross for Morrow's header to just miss the goal.

In stoppage time of the first half James Dunn had the ball in the net but the referee blew up for a foul for Rotherfield, before it went in for Rotherfield. The resulting free kick outside the area didn't cause any further problems for the visitors.

The second half was a calmer event, which involved the introduction of two first team debutants in George Boynton and Rhys.

Just past the hour of play, Dan Gray muscled past his man and delivered a cross from the right for George Poynton to head in to make it 3-0.

Around the 80th minute, Rotherfield were awarded a free kick on the edge of box. Under 18s player Rhys was given the opportunity to take the free kick, which was well struck but hit the crossbar to deny a second player scoring on his debut.

Bosham did get a goal, five minutes from time but was scant consolation for their the long trip across Sussex.

Squad: Davies, Russell, Routledge, Turner, Kent, Saunders, Milroy, Dunn, Zimmerman, Spampanato, Morrow

Subs: Boynton, Rhys, Gray, Ridley, Peevor

Man of the match: Jack Turner

Appreciated by his team mates for his selfless defending. Winning towering headers for fun, organising those around him & getting our play initiated.

Great performance from Turner, just a shame he didn’t get the goal but that large forehead wasn’t big enough to head into the empty net!