Rolls-Royce Performance

A Rolls-Royce first half performance saw the reading Redsox put Wimbledon to the sword despite a late, cold 4.30pm away start. Playing excellent passing hockey the Redsox surged forward down both flanks moving the ball forwards, laterally and backwards to keep possession, set up and score a hatful of excellent goals.

Our early opening goal came from a well struck Rob Thompson short corner followed up by Micky with a flick inside the near post, the second goal saw an excellent team move finish with a well struck cross from Micky deflected into the roof of the net for the first of Williams’s two goals. Keevey then added a couple of more well taken goals to take the wind out of the Wimbledon sails after good linking play down the right between Mace, Hooper, Thompson and Williams.

The Redsox midfield of Hoops, Thompson and Ben M / Matt and Gavin moved the ball well and with purpose; the front line of Williams, Keevil, Soma & Micky made sure we had width, movement and good finishing when required and the defensive line-up of Martin, Johnny D, Mace (who once again put his body on the line in taking a nasty cut on his lip), Moaty, Matt & Gavin snuffed out any Wimbledon threat and distributed excellently from the back.

The second half saw the Redsox slightly take their foot off the accelerator but with such a big lead this was inevitable; we had many chances to score another four or five goals but in the end one from Williams after a good interception and slipped pass from Soma and one from Gavin completed the 7 - 1 victory.

It was a pleasure to play for a team that moved the ball around the pitch so well and a big thank you to all those Rustlers who stayed on to play twice; despite a late finish it was also good to see a hard core make it to the Royal Oak for a few celebratory beers (see attached pub squad selfie).

Many thanks to Mike Gray for umpiring both the Rustlers and the Redsox so well and also to Nick Barton for braving a cold wind to run both the Rustlers and the first half of the Redsox games (have a well-deserved holiday).

With Old Cranleighans losing to the London Wayfarers the Redsox are now one point off the lead with a game in hand, we have two successive games v’s EG before Christmas and the chance to go top of the league so maximum availability please. As Bartie is away, Andy & I will be issuing squad lists early next week for the Rustlers, Redsox and O 50s Cup games.

Roll on Rolls-Royce Redsox.

Micky