GAME WEEK 2 v BISHOP MIDDLEHAM JUNIORS (CUP)

The Team faced their first cup game today against Bishop Middleham Juniors, currently playing in 2 divisions higher in the league. A very early start and a bit of a journey, didn’t faze the team at all as they started brightly and were rewarded with a very early goal at 2 minutes following a great assist from Leon from the wing, pushing the ball through to enabled Liam to get onto the score sheet and settle the nerves early on. 1-0 Rutherford.

The team continued to put pressure onto the opposition and displayed some good combinations in midfield, Jamie battled hard with Marc and Leon, continuing to lay off to Liam and Wiktor who had good chances on goal.

Opportunities to score continued with some good work from Tom and Liam on the right to reach Marc in front of goal who missed by a whisker. After 17 mins, a fabulous attempt on goal from Wiktor seen the ball rebound off the keeper and presented Liam with a golden opportunity which he took with great confidence.
2-0 Rutherford.

The energy of the team continued with some fantastic work from Liam, driving passed 5 players to put Wiktor though with a good attempt just over the bar. Some strong midfielder work Jamie once again, released the ball to Leon on right and created further chance for Wiktor which was saved by the goalkeeper.

The game continued with some good defensive work from Oliver at the back, allowing midfield to push ball to Liam who brought the ball down with his head into the path of Wiktor who smashed the goal into the back of the net from distance. 3-0 Rutherford
The first half ended with further attempts on goal from Wiktor and a good recovery save from Mason, whilst on the floor following a previous collision.

3-0 half time changes:

Subs on Thomas Mc, Freya, Alfie replacing off Mason, Leon, & Marc

The 2nd half continued on from the the 1st half, with the team giving their all to keep that energy and focus in the game. Efforts were rewarded after a great steal from Alfie in the middle of the park, onto Wiktor who assisted Liam to his 3rd goal and well deserved hat trick in the game.
4-0 Rutherford.
On 40 mins, and fresh on at half time, Freya settled into the midfield and picked up a lose ball and immediately pushed a pin point ball through to Liam to run onto, with one on one with the goalkeeper he netted his fourth goal.
5-0 Rutherford.
The game continued with the opponents gaining some possession, however due to some absolutely solid defensive from Lewis in centre back, all threats were handled, as he battled well and even put Liam through on goal, then a rebound fell to Alfie which unfortunately went wide. It wasn’t long before Wiktor broke again on the left and fired the ball into the roof of he net
6-0 Rutherford

On 46 mins, after a break down the left, one on one with goalkeeper, the opposition scored to make it 6-1.
5 mins later on 51 mins, some great play from Tom sets Liam up once again to net his 5th goal of the game
7-1 Rutherford

After some good battle in midfield, Joseph Byers was floored by the opponents and was taken off to be rested, replaced by Leon. Quickly followed by a long range effort from Leon that nearly seen a goal, and made the keeper fumble the ball, good pressure by Leon. Chances continued with Marc assisting Tom, who closely missed by putting the ball over the bar. Some great defensive work from Joseph D all game, ensured we kept on top, especially with 2 off the line clearances when the defence was outnumbered, keeping the number goals conceded to a minimum. He even had a long range attempt on goal himself which was just wide of the post.
On the final whistle, the opponents pulled a 2nd goal back to make it 7-2 final score.

It was great to see confidence growing across the team, lots of player’s comfortable with the ball at their feet and trusting each other during the play. Good to see communication improving, as more voices could be heard including both Mason and Thomas at the back, as they see unmarked players emerging as a danger.

⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ Liam
⚽️⚽️Wiktor

Player of the match LIAM BOWMAN for an outstanding performance all over the pitch .