U12 Div 1 Rope 5-0 Seneley & Garswood

After a poor pre season- Rope would have been nervous about their first game of the season against an improving Garswood side. Rope got off brightly and the first 10 minutes were played in the visitors half without any end result. Seneley finally got some possesion and a free kick from outside the box had to be smartly saved by Callum in net who instead of milking the applause- launched the ball long to Tom Corless who outpaced everyone and layed in Joe to smack in off the underside of the bar. 1-0. Rope still kept up the pressure but the away side were having some luck as first a great save from a Reg shot and then a shot from Cameron came back off the post. HT 1-0

Rope should have been home and dry by now but had failed to capitalise in the first half- the second was to prove more fruitful as a superb curled ball by 'Woodsey' found the head of Joe who beat the keeper in the air and the ball nestled in the back of the net. 2-0. Connor came on to add to Rope's attacking options and immediately bagged himself a goal getting onto the end of more good work by the impressive Reg- a shot low into the corner just too hot for the keeper to keep out 3-0.  The compliment was returned as the two combined again- this time Connor playing in Reg who placed the ball home beautifully 4-0. The final goal of the game was another result of great endeavour, this time Joe battling away to win the ball and playing in a superb short pass for Reg to run on to and again no mistake- FT 5-0

A much better performance than we had any right to expect from Rope but every player was on song and heads stayed up even when the ball refused o go in during periods of dominance in the first half. Great to see a clean sheet- defenders did their job superbly- the back four of Woodsey Niall Tom J and Adam were fierce in their tackling and ably backed up by Callum in net whenever he was required. Seneley battled bravely and played in a very sporting manner throughout.

Rope travelled to East Leigh for their final away game of the season. In blustery conditions and on a poor surface the game got underway with both sides fighting for control. Passing football was difficult and there was little flowing football early on. The first real chance went the way of the home side as a quick break ended with a shot driven wide when it seemed easier to score- a let off for the Rope and they were quick to make East Leigh pay as a superb long ball from Niall made it's way towards Joe; as the ball took another bobble off the pitch it was Joe who reacted quickest and turning inside 2 defenders he stroked the ball home superbly 0-1. HT

If the first half had been fairly even, the second belonged to the visitors as they got to grips with the conditions. A Regan Foy shot was too hot for the keeper to hold and the rebound was gathered in just as Joe looked to pounce. Ryan Vant Sant was doing some great work in centre midfield for Rope and he was unlucky to see a long range effort go just wide. The game was over as a contest as some great inter-play between Regan and Joe saw Joe doing what he does best.... no mistake... 0-2. Rope almost made it 3 as Regan Foy saw a header go just wide. Some late pressure from East Leigh and only a superb last gasp tackle by Tom Johnson kept the home side out. Despite 5 minutes of added time the visitors held out for a much deserved win. FT 0-2

A much improved performance by the Rope and East Leigh's first home defeat of the season. Rope were tidy at the back and whenever East Leigh broke through they were unable to get past Niall Ford's pace. Man of the match was Joe Threadgold who was in great form and just unstoppable today.