MATCH REPORT: Montpelier Villa 3 - 0 Rotherfield Res
The Reserves were unable to progress beyond the second round of the Junior County cup although late goals did distort the margin of defeat.
With so many players injured & unavailable this was a weekend of opportunity. Reserve stalwarts were given their chance in the first team & players who have only played minimal minutes stepped up to start in the Reserves.
The first half was very even. Bright sparks included Lloyd Brazier with a couple of mazy dribbles, solid defending from Sam Provins & some athletic defending from Harry Wilson, a virginal centre back. Keeper Matt Larkin made a couple of solid saves.
Then with a couple of minutes left in the half an excellent passing move down the left involving Will Sutton & Ollie Knudsen released Rhys Thomas. His first time left foot low cross was perfectly into the run of Oskar Furman but he was unable to direct the ball into the empty net.
The home side became increasingly dominant in the second half as the Greens showed signs of fatigue & increasingly came off second best in the 50/50 challenges. Pressure caused poor decisions & when the experienced Villa striker was given the freedom of the penalty box he scored.
Rotherfield tried hard to restore parity & dangerous corners from Sutton & Thomas went begging as a consequence of poor movement. Then a long ball over the top was virtually caught by the Villa striker before scoring. Players appealed, both dug outs were amazed in a convivial exchange but the goal was allowed.
This deflated the visitors but they never gave up, they just struggled to create a way back into the match. Provins had a shot from 30 yards tipped over the bar by the home keeper but in truth Villa were comfortable with their lead that was extended with the last action of the match, a free header from within the 6 yard box from a corner.
A disappointing afternoon but the very young, inexperienced Rotherfield side will have gained valuable experience from the match, hopefully!
Squad: Larkin, Provins, Hodges, Wilson, Sutton, Bristow, Holman, Wiles, Knudsen, Brazier, Furman.
Subs used: Zabadne, Jukes, Thomas
Comments