MATCH REPORT: HOLLAND SPORTS

Image: Will Hugall

The firsts were on the end of a narrow defeat to Holland Sports this Saturday. Despite being 4-1 down after 60 minutes, the Greens fought back but it was too much of a deficit to get a share of the points.

It only took 10 minutes for the hosts to open the scoring. Ryan Blackstone was up against a tricky winger who was able to get past him and deliver a ball across the box which fell to a Sports forward who finished with aplomb.

The early goal could have unsettled the hosts, however they probed forwards and 20 minutes in, Connor Morrow switched play to Frazer Kent, who held off his defender, drove inside across the box got a shot away which was low and beyond the keepers reach.

5 minutes later, Rotherfield continued to produce some good approach play which ended with a hard strike from Sam Saunders which just went over the bar.

5 minutes from the break, Sports were on the ascendancy when they had the ball on their left wing, which was played across field and the recipient player hit the ball beyond the outstretched James Gurney and into the net.

Half time arrived and the Greens felt they had the opportunity to get back into this fixture, especially as the Sports played the majority of the half with 10 men.

However, before the 50th minute arrived, Sports were awarded a penalty were Phil Teague was adjudged to have hand balled in the area. Holland Sports extended their lead.

2 minutes later, Sports were awarded a corner, and the resultant delivery came off the head of a Rotherfield player and ended up in the Greens goal.

For the next 10 minutes, Holland were all over Rotherfield and had further chances to extend their lead but the final ball or finish was not quite there.

The Greens began to settle and had good periods on the ball with quick passing and probing runs, which eventually paid off. Milroy picked up the ball and drove forwards eventually releasing the ball to Kerslake, who then crossed for Jack Spampanato to half the deficit.

10 minutes from time and Kerslake was involved again. He had advanced up the field and had blocked a ball by a Sports defender, and managed to get on the loose ball and finish.

It was now 4-3 to Sports and the Greens had 10 minutes to get an equaliser but despite good spells of play and almost coming close to scoring, the result finished 4-3.

Next week Rotherfield Firsts welcome Balcombe to the Recreation Ground and the Reserves start their competitive season with a visit to Horsted Keynes. Also our Vets start their season with a trip to Horsham Crusaders. All matches are 2pm KOs.