South Rushden Rebels V FC Aztec 13/12/2009.
 
‘Missed Opportunities’.
 
The Rebels ended 2009 with a disappointing result but another good performance. The result could have been very different if we would have had any luck in front of goal. The boys created more clear chances in this game than they had in our previous 6 matches. Unfortunately even if we had carried on playing until Christmas Day we probably would have still failed to score! This was against the team with the best defensive record in the league, only conceding 4 goals.
 
The Squad was:
Ali,
Greeny, Matt, Sam, Aidan,
Harry, Reece, Bolts,
Scott, Ed, Lakey.
Subs.Oli, Adam, Will.

The boys started brightly with Harry, Ed and Scott winning the ball from the Aztecs kick off and winning our 1st corner after only 30 seconds. This set the tone for the whole game. The boys created several chances in the 1st half as through balls from our midfield put our attackers clear on a number of occasions only to be denied by good goalkeeping and last ditch tackles. On another day Ed, Lakey, Scott and Oli could all have scored. At the other end the defence remained solid with Sam leading the way, winning some strong tackles and playing some fine passes. After 20 minutes we should have taken the lead. Lakey was again put clear with another passed through ball, he rounded the keeper but was forced wide, after composing himself he produced a fine cross for Ed, his close range header was clawed away by the keeper towards the on rushing Bolts, unfortunately his shot from 3 yards cannoned off the top of the cross-bar and away to safety. The boys were soon punished for this miss. Again we conceded just before half time. A crisp low shot into Ali’s right corner giving Aztecs the half time lead.

Half Time: Rebels 0-1 Aztecs.

Aztecs began the 2nd half stronger but the boys battled to stay in the game. As the half wore on it began to mirror the first. Chances were again created and missed. At the other end Aztecs scored their 2nd with 15 minutes remaining. One of their attackers beating at least 3 of our players before placing his shot high and wide into the back of our net. We then had further chances to set up an exciting finish. Reece put Will clear only for the keeper to save at his feet, as the ball broke loose Scott’s shot went just of the empty net. On the left another pass sent Lakey clear of the defence, his placed shot beat the keeper and was going in before a defender cleared of the line. Bolts then had another great opportunity from close range. Good passes from Reece and Will left him with only the keeper to beat in the 6 yard box, again we could not finish, the ball spooning straight up in the air off his right foot and into the keepers hands. To rub salt into the wound Aztecs scored a clinical 3rd on the break.
 
The result did not reflect the game and the boys definitely deserved better. Lets hope 2010 brings us a bit more luck in front of goal.

With more clinical finishing and a bit more aggression in the tackle the team will continue to improve in the New Year.