MATCH REPORT: SHOREHAM 0 - 6 ROTHERFIELD

Rotherfield FC continued their excellent recent run of form with a dominant 6-0 victory over a youthful Shoreham FC side. Braces from Connor Morrow and Dan Gray alongside goals from Cameron Howard and Harry Chittenden, gave the Greens their biggest victory of the season and simultaneously made it five consecutive games without conceding a goal.

Having enjoyed a week off over the Easter weekend, a much-changed first team made the travels south to Shoreham with several players hoping to make the most of the opportunity of a start and increased minutes.

The early exchanges were attritional, as a combination of strong wind and a difficult playing surface led to a high number of turnovers. The Greens soon gained a foothold in the game and started to dominate the ball, only to be met by a resolute and compact Shoreham defence.

The deadlock was broken just before half-time as the impressive Morrow found the onrushing Howard with an excellent through ball, with the young winger finishing with a delicate chip over the keeper.

The call at half-time was for continued patience on the ball and greater composure in front of goal. The call was heeded as the Greens delivered an excellent and professional second-half performance.

Morrow was the next to get on the score sheet as he was released one-on-one and tucked the ball into the corner. Morrow soon turned provider once more, setting the impressive Gray free down the right, who powered home into the bottom left-hand corner.

By this point, the Greens had found their rhythm and were showing greater intensity in their press, camping the hosts inside their own half as chances followed routinely. Both Gray and Morrow would double their own personal tallies, pouncing on bouncing balls inside the box to stretch the lead to five.

The best goal of the game would be Rotherfield’s last. Excellent work from James Dunn on the left-hand side, combining with Alex Kerslake and Howard, would see the young midfielder square the ball inside for Harry Chittenden. Having had a couple of sighters earlier in the game, Chittenden’s radar was on point as he powered the ball home excellently into the net from twenty-five yards out.

The whistle sounded as Rotherfield recorded a comfortable 6-0 victory but credit must go to the young Shoreham side who kept their heads held high throughout and were never short on effort.

The Greens look to continue their excellent run of form next week as they host Holland Sports in their penultimate fixture of the season.

Lineup: Gurney; Holman, Turner, Teague (Draper, 60), Kerslake; Sinclair, Chittenden, Dunn; Howard, Morrow, Mintrim (Gray, 30)