Rushden Rebels v Rushden & Higham. 13-09-2009.

Team work + effort = a clean sheet and a winning start.

The Rebels started the new season in fine style with an entertaining 2-0 against our local rivals. All the boys played hard and fair and at times played some excellent passing football.

The squad was, Ali, Adam. P (Derek), Matt, Sam, Oli, Harry, Ed, Aidan, Will, Lakey, Reece, Connor, Fetty, Scott and Bolts. All the boys were involved and they all contributed to the win.

The 1^st half was pretty even but eventually we managed to take control of the game, the defence looked solid, our full backs pushed forward, the midfield worked hard to win the ball and Reece and Lakey always looked dangerous upfront.

The boys took the lead on 18 minutes. We again pushed forward down the left with several players involved. Lakey swept the ball in from the corner of the penalty area after their defence only half cleared a cross.

Although we continued to push forward the score remained at 1-0 at half time.

R & H started the 2^nd half stronger but due to our hard work were restricted to long shots. The boys thought we had made the game safe on the 45 minutes. The ball was worked forward from our defence. Connor used his strength to win the ball on half way before sending Lakey away with a through pass. Lakey beat the last defender for pace and then confidently flicked the ball past the oncoming keeper towards the empty net. As the boys turned away to celebrate the ball appeared to take a sideways bounce (probably of one of the repaired rabbit holes) and cruelly hit the inside of the post, roll along the line and was eventually cleared by a surprised defender.

The game was finally won with 2 minutes remaining. Whilst the coaches and the parents became nervous the boys continued to play their football. After further team play Harry broke down the right before making the pass of the match to Lakey. Again the final defender was beaten and this time the ball finished in the back of the net. 2-0.

On the final whistle ALL the boys left the pitch to the applause of the parents.

A fantastic start to the season!!