‘Rebels into the Semi Finals’
Under 11’s League cup. Quarter Final.
South Rushden Rebels v Corby Kingswood White. 07/02/2010.
 
At the 3rd attempt the Rebels finally met our, up to now, unbeaten quarterfinal opponents. Both teams put everything into the game to provide some fine entertainment on a cold morning.

Our squad was:
Ali,
Greeny, Matt, Sam, Bolts,
Harry, Reece, Will,
Lakey, Ed, Oli.
Subs Aidan, Derek and Scott.

Corby attacked from the kick off and were soon causing problems in our defence. After 2 minutes we went behind. Our boys were caught cold from a short corner from which a dangerous cross was delivered into our box and headed (I think) into the back of our net. Not the start we were hoping for!

The boys finally started to get into the game, Reece, Harry and Will started to win their first tackles and some through balls started to find our front 3. On 10 minutes we equalised. Ed won the ball from their goal kick and fed the ball to Lakey on the right. Lakey hit the ball from the angle over their keeper to make it 1-1.  The rest of the half was very even. Both teams looking to play football and find the telling pass to their attackers. Every player on the pitch put in some great effort and both teams made a number of substitutions to give some of the boys a well earned break. The half ended with the Rebels on the back foot as for the last 5 minutes dangerous crosses and corners were delivered into our box. Aidan made one particular good block as the ball was hit very powerfully towards our goal.

Half Time 1-1.

After our traditional slow start to the 2nd half, which saw Aidan clear 1 shot of the line and Ali make a good save at an attackers feet who was put through 1-1, the boys hard work and skill started to give them the edge.

For the final 20 minutes we looked more likely to score. However we could not find the final pass. Further substitutions were made but both teams started to fade on the heavy pitch, extra time looked likely. The winner was scored with 1 minute left on the clock. Our midfield again won the ball before a lovely pass allowed Lakey to use his pace to run past 2 defenders and then coolly slot the ball past the on rushing keeper, before disappearing underneath the congratulations of his team mates. The final minute and injury time was played out before all the players received the well-deserved applause of the watching crowd.

Full Time. Rebels 2, Corby Kingswood 1. Get in!

Every player in the squad was part of this win. Their determination and willingness to work as a team was clear to see. Ali made crucial saves and cleared his lines. Greeny, Sam, Matt, Bolts and then Aidan made some telling tackles and gave Ali some good protection. In the midfield Reece and Harry played the whole game.  They covered loads of ground, won tackles and played some dangerous through balls. Will also covered loads of ground, especially in the 1st half, pushing forward and tackling back. Upfront the boys always looked dangerous and caused their defence problems throughout the game. Scott and Derek played their part when the came on at different times of the game.