 |
|
 |
|||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Rothwell Athletic v Woodkirk Valley 16.05.10
Rothwell Athletic 5 Woodkirk Valley 2
Rothwell went into their thirtieth and final competitive match of a fantastic season having secured their third trophy of the season days earlier, in winning the Garforth League 1st Division title against Collingham.
Rothwell were determined to win and therefore remain the only unbeaten side at home in the Division this season and they managed to do so but WV provided stern opposition and set out to deny Rothwell their win and were leading 2-1 at half time before Rothwell ran out 5-2 winners.
The game started evenly and Ben Scargill had Rothwell’s first attempt after he beat 3 WV players but his shot was blocked by the defender for a corner, moments later Sam Innes had a run and shot well saved by the keeper. WV first goal attempt came on 10 minutes when a shot from distance was well saved by Dan Bell. A Rothwell move featuring good play by Jake Thompson and Joe Collinson, and when the ball fell to Ben Scargill his cross was met by Haroon who tapped the ball into the net from a couple of yards out.
On 15 minutes Dan Bell had to be at his best to palm a shot away from the goal and Joe Ansboro was on hand to clear the ball from danger. But Dan was helpless minutes later when a ‘goal of the season’ contender, a shot from wide out towards the touchline rocketed over Dan’s head and went in off the far post, for a deserved equaliser.
This stung Rothwell into life and a Joe Bedford run and cross was met by Kyle Brown but the keeper denied him a goal. Danny Lenny and Joe Ansboro both made timely tackles as WV sensed a second goal. In the final action of the half Jack Turner used his pace to block a cross for a corner, but the excellent delivery caused panic in the Rothwell defence and the ball was eventually bundled over the line for a 2-1 half time score to the visitors.
Rothwell went on the attack from the beginning of the second half and a Sam Groves cross was headed over by Kyle Brown, but on 38 minutes Kyle did well to shield the ball inside the area which enabled Joe Collinson to hit the ball into the WV net for 2-2
On 42 minutes Rothwell regained the lead when Kieran Turnbull won the ball and laid it into the path of Sam Groves who curled the ball into the corner of the WV goal. Rothwell scored their third goal in 10 minutes when a McKenzie Smith cross was met by Kyle Brown who headed his first goal for the team.
Jake Thompson then played a long ball over the WV defence for Reece Fennel to run onto but the keeper just won the race to the ball. Rothwell scored their final goal of an unforgettable season on 58 minutes when a good run and pass by Kieran Turnbull resulted in Ben Scargill rolling a ball into the path of Joe Bedford and he hit a shot into the corner of the WV net for a final score of 5-2.
The final action of the match involved Ben Scargill who did well to race back onto his own goal line to head a goal bound WV shot off the line and away from danger.
This was the end of the season in which Rothwell won the league title by 4 points, having won more matches and scoring more goals than any other team in the league 73 and conceding only 22 in 18 league games.
The team remained unbeaten in all competitions for 26 games, and did not lose a game from September 09 until May 10. Back in September/October Rothwell only had 11 players available for selection, and they set the platform for what turned out to be a record breaking season.
Rothwell only failed to score in one match all season and kept six clean sheets in the league and conceded only one goal in a further five matches. In both cup competitions in which we played twelve matches, Rothwell managed to keep five clean sheets and the remaining seven games we only conceded one goal in each match. The most goals we conceded in a game was three on three occasions of which we managed to win two of these. Five players either played or were available to play in all 30 matches throughout the 09/10 season.
Special thanks to Andy, Chris, Barry and Jill for all their hard work which resulted in a season the team will never emulate again. The team will probably not realise what a special achievement they have completed, winning each of the three competitions they entered.
All competition matches throughout the 2009/10 season
Played Won Drew Lost
30 26 2 2
Rothwell Athletic v Collingham 12.05.10
Rothwell Athletic 7 Collingham 0
Rothwell played Collingham in their penultimate match of the season, knowing that victory would confirm Rothwell Athletic as Garforth League 1st division champions and seal an historic treble, after also winning the Junior Trophy County Cup and the Challenge Cup in the last month, and Rothwell sealed the title with a convincing 7-0 win.
Rothwell were on the attack from the opening whistle and in the early moments Joe Bedford had a shot blocked with Josh Morley hitting the follow up over the bar. In the first 20 minutes Rothwell should have had the game won but somehow the Collingham goal led a charmed life with shots from Joe Kenny, Ben Scargill, Reece Fennel and McKenzie Smith which either flew wide or over the goal were blocked on the line or were saved by the Collingham goalkeeper who had an inspired game.
When the opening goal came on 22 minutes it was no more than a half chance when Joe Kenny won the ball and knocked it to Reece Fennel who turned and lobbed the keeper from 20 yards out. Rothwell should have doubled their lead within 5 minutes when a move started from their own penalty area with a Joe Ansboro run and pass which sent Josh Morley down the wing his cross was met by Ben Scargill who laid the ball to McKenzie Smith but he was denied by a good save by the keeper. Kieran Turnbull and Sam Groves then linked up well down the right and from Sam’s cross Joe Kenny was inches away from scoring. Collingham’s first goal attempt came on 34 minutes when a cross flew across the Rothwell goal. As the half time whistle blew it seemed unbelievable that Rothwell only lead by a single goal.
The second half started with Rothwell knowing a second goal would settle the nerves but it was Collingham who became more into the game without creating any clear cut chances. The Rothwell nerves were settled on 47minutes when Joe Ansboro who had an excellent match sent a ball into space for Reece Fennel and his cross was met by the impressive Kieran Turnbull who flicked the ball past the keeper. On 51 minutes it was 3-0 with a piece of magic from Reece Fennel who cut in from the left and curled a shot into the far corner of the Collingham goal. The ever influential Ben Scargill was now controlling centre midfield with his power and distribution of the ball and he was involved in most of Rothwell’s best moves. Minutes later Josh Morley who again was superb throughout the match laid a ball into the path of Joe Bedford who finished well from 10 yards out.
A rare Collingham attack and shot on 53 minutes was well defended by Danny Lenny and moments later Dan Bell had to make a brave block at the feet of the Collingham attacker. Rothwell started to use their substitutes and a cross from Haroon was met 5 yards out by Joe Collinson but the keeper again made a brave save to deny a goal. Sam Groves and Joe Bedford then combined on the edge of the area but Joe’s shot bounced off the bar to safety. Kyle Brown was then denied after good play from Kieran Turnbull, and Jack Turner. Sam Groves and Danny Lenny broke up any danger when Collingham threatened the Rothwell goal.
Rothwell’s fifth goal came after good play by Jake Thompson and his pass saw Joe Bedford score his second goal of the match. Josh Morley scored the sixth goal with a trademark shot from distance on 63 minutes and in the closing stages Ben Scargill won the ball and released McKenzie Smith and his run and shot beat the Collingham keeper for a final score of 7-0.
It was relief all round at the final whistle that Rothwell had clinched the title without having to go into their final match of the season, needing points against Woodkirk Valley and in doing so brought an end to Farsley Celtic reign as champions.
Team Dan Bell, Kieran Turnbull, Sam Groves, Danny Lenny, Joe Ansboro, Joe Bedford, Joe Kenny, Ben Scargill, Josh Morley, Reece Fennel, McKenzie Smith.
Subs Jack Turner, Jake Thompson, Joe Collinson, Haroon, Kyle Brown.
Next Match - Rothwell Athletic v Woodkirk Valley 16.05.10
Farsley Celtic v Rothwell Athletic 09.05.10
Farsley Celtic 3 Rothwell Athletic 1
Rothwell travelled to Fulneck to take on Farsley Celtic in this top of the table clash. Rothwell had already beaten Farsley at home in the league as well as knocking them out of both cup competitions, but it was not to be a fourth win of the season as Farsley ran out 3-1 winners in a close and tense encounter with both defences generally on top throughout the match.
Rothwell’s first goal attempt came on 5 minutes when the impressive Joe Collinson won the ball in midfield and played Reece Fennel through on goal but his shot was well saved. Rothwell’s best move of the half came on 10 minutes and involved good passing between Joe Ansboro, Josh Morley and Ben Scargill who laid the ball into the path of Reece Fennel but his shot went wide.
Sam Groves was again superb throughout the match winning everything in the air and starting a lot of Rothwell’s moves from centre half. On 18 minutes a Josh Morley corner was flicked wide of the post by McKenzie Smith and moments later a Joe Bedford run and cross found McKenzie but his shot was blocked for a corner. Farsley then had two chances that flew just over the Rothwell bar.
The only goal of the half came on 25 minutes when a free kick was met unchallenged by the Farsley player and he headed beyond Dan Bell for 1-0. Within a minute Dan Bell kept Rothwell in the match with a full length fingertip save to push the ball around the post.
Rothwell scored a deserved equaliser in the opening minute of the second half when a Josh Morley run and cross fell at the feet of Joe Bedford who slotted the ball under the keeper and into the net. Josh Morley was now causing danger down the left wing and had a number of crosses that were blocked by the Farsley defenders.
Farsley nearly restored their lead on 45 minutes when a bouncing ball fell at the feet of the Farsley player but he knocked the ball over the bar from close range. Ben Scargill and Sam Groves were now making forward breaks towards the Farsley goal and one Ben run saw him beat two players as he made his way into the area but the keeper managed to block his cross with Joe Collinson ready to pounce. Farsley’s second goal came on 55 minutes when a loose ball fell 10 yards out to the Farsley player and he placed the ball beyond Dan Bell giving him no chance. Farsley were now pressing for a third goal and only an excellent sliding tackle from Danny Lenny prevented a run through on goal. Kieran Turnbull and Jack Turner also used their pace to keep danger away from the Rothwell goal. Joe Bedford and McKenzie Smith had chances that was again blocked as Farsley were now playing with a large number of players behind the ball.
Farsley scored a third goal in the final minute when a corner was knocked into the corner of the Rothwell net for a final score of 3-1 in a well contested game.
Rothwell know they need all 3 points on Wednesday evening against Collingham to have any chance of winning the 1st Division title.
Yorkshire Amateurs v Rothwell Athletic 06.05.10
Yorkshire Amateurs 2 Rothwell Athletic 0
Rothwell’s fantastic run of 26 unbeaten games throughout the 09/10 season which has already yielded The Junior Trophy County Cup and the Challenge Cup, came to an end in their fifteenth league game of the season as Rothwell’s other bogey team Yorkshire Amateurs ran out deserved 2-0 winners.
Rothwell had previously gone unbeaten away from home in league and cup on opponents ground for 31 games stretching back to Feb 2008 when Rothwell were defeated 4-2 at Wortley.
After Rothwell had beaten their other bogey team Woodkirk Valley last week they travelled to Seacroft to play YA on a small pitch and were well beaten as YA bossed the first half winning all the 50/50 balls in every area of the pitch. Joe Collinson had an early shot blocked but otherwise it was all YA who created chance after chance that were either hit over the bar or well saved by Dan Bell.
Their deserved opening goal came on 20 minutes when a free kick took a deflection as it ended up in the corner of the Rothwell net. Joe Collinson and Sam Groves battled valiantly throughout the first half for Rothwell with their tackling and heading away from danger the towering goal kicks from the YA keeper as Rothwell never got a foothold in the game.
The second half was a more evenly contested by Rothwell as they at last tried to play football on the ground and started to come into the game without ever causing the YA keeper into making any testing saves. Rothwell’s first goal attempt of the match came on 45 minutes when a Kieran Turnbull pass found Reece Fennel who beat two players but his shot was well saved by Connor Houghton. Sam Groves again did his best to drive Rothwell forward beating YA players with his pace and tenacity. Ben Scargill and Joe Kenny were beginning to get more into the game when YA scored the all important second goal on the hour when Dan Bell palmed away a shot which fell to the YA super sub who tapped home the ball with his first touch of the game and with it went Rothwell’s chance of taking a point out of the game.
The players and coaches should be proud of the run the team has been on for basically the last two seasons in the league, and reaching semi finals and finals, winning silverware in both seasons which is no mean achievement in a highly competitive league.
Rothwell now travel to Farsley Celtic on Sunday in a top of the table clash.
Rothwell Athletic 2 South Leeds Saints 1
Rothwell went into their fourth encounter with SLS in the last couple of months in a match where again their would not be much between the sides and that was the case as Rothwell came from behind to win 2-1.
It was the visitors who started the better and proceeded to play Rothwell off the pitch throughout the first half as SLS were first to every ball and grew in confidence as the game went on. SLS had the first chance on 2 minutes when a shot from a tight angle hit the outside of the post. The deserved opening goal came on 8 minutes when SLS broke from midfield and when the ball was played to the impressive number 7 he hit the ball across Dan Bell and into the corner of the net. Minutes later SLS should have doubled their lead when a cross was met only a couple of yards out but cleared the Rothwell crossbar.
Rothwell’s first attempt on 15 minutes resulted in a Reece Fennel shot which went wide of the post. The home side were struggling to play their normal passing play with every pass either going just behind or in front of its intended target and with the impressive and energetic SLS team winning the majority of the 50/50 balls with the influential number 2 involved in all their best moves. Dan Bell again had to be alert midway through the half to stretch up to catch a cross with the SLS forwards ready to pounce on any possible fumble.
Ben Scargill and Joe Collinson were battling to give Rothwell a foothold in the game and the defence of Jack Turner, Kieran Turnbull, Jake Thompson and Joe Ansboro were at full stretch throughout the half against the pacy SLS players. Rothwell had to wait over half an hour before making the SLS keeper make a save when he held a Sam Groves free kick from distance.
Rothwell came out for the second half with three changes to the team and scored the equaliser on 37 minutes when a Joe Bedford free kick was met 6 yards out by McKenzie Smith and his header hit the back of the net. SLS had a chance on 44 minutes but the ball flew over the bar and on 52 minutes a header from a corner was headed wide of the Rothwell post.
The game in the final 20 minutes was now becoming an even contest with both defences beginning to take control with few goal chances during the remainder of the half. Joe Collinson started to win the headers and was intercepting the SLS passes. Reece Fennel had a shot saved and a Sam Groves had a shot blocked for a corner.
Rothwell’s second and ultimately winning goal came on 67 minutes when Joe Bedford was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and Sam Groves stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way for a final score of 2-1.
SLS could count themselves unlucky not to take at least a point from the game, as they gave the best visiting team performance of any team that have played at Rothwell this season.
Next Match - Yorkshire Amateurs v Rothwell Athletic - Thursday - 06.05.10 - 6.30pm
Woodkirk Valley v Rothwell Athletic 26.04.10
Woodkirk Valley 2 Rothwell Athletic 6
Rothwell played their first evening league game of the season against Woodkirk Valley, a team that have been a bogey side in recent seasons, and Rothwell were made to battle before securing a 6-2 final score.
Rothwell started strongly and Joe Kenny had a shot well saved in the opening minute, and the opening goal came on 5 minutes when Joe Kenny had a shot well saved but Josh Morley was on hand to bundle the ball over the line, within a minute the lead was doubled when the Woodkirk defender trying to clear the ball unfortunately hit the clearance into his own net.
At this stage it was all Rothwell and Josh Morley made a run and pass to Joe Kenny but the Woodkirk keeper made a good save and moments later he denied McKenzie Smith. The game then became scrappy as the long grass made it hard for either side to play passing football. On 25 minutes a Joe Bedford cross was headed goal wards and Josh Morley was on hand to finish well for Rothwell’s third. Within a minute Woodkirk were back in the game when a shot from distance flew into the top corner giving Dan Bell no chance. The remainder of the half it was Woodkirk Valley who were the dominant team as they sensed a second goal before half time and only good defending by Kieran Turnbull and Sam Groves prevented any further attempts.
The second half had Woodkirk on top but without any goal attempts by either side as the game became a midfield battle with Ben Scargill having to be at his best to chase the ball down and break up the Woodkirk Valley attacks Reece Fennel had a shot that was saved and the keeper was on hand to push Joe Bedford’s follow up around the post for a corner. Rothwell were beginning to take control of the game and the visitors then hit the post with the ball bouncing to safety. Halfway through the second half Woodkirk broke from their own half and a rocket of a shot hit the back of the Rothwell net for 3-2.
Within a couple of minutes Rothwell restored their two goal lead when Josh Morley was again on hand to hit a loose ball into the corner of the net. Reece Fennel then scored two individual efforts in the final 10 minutes for a final score of 6-2 against a team who battled for every ball in a well contested game.
Rothwell Athletic v Whitkirk Wanderers 21.04.10
Yorkshire Junior Trophy Cup Final
Rothwell Athletic 4 Whitkirk Wanderers 0
Rothwell went into their biggest match of the season under the floodlights at Fleet Lane with a chance to become the Yorkshire Cup winners in front of a big crowd, and they did not disappoint with probably their most impressive 70 minutes performance of the season to run out deserved 4-0 winners against Whitkirk Wanderers.
Rothwell started well and McKenzie Smith had a shot blocked from a corner on 2 minutes and from the resulting corner Sam Groves rose highest but his header was deflected away from the Whitkirk goal. Within a minute only a brave save by the keeper prevented McKenzie opening the scoring. On 10 minutes the ever impressive Sam Groves raced past four Whitkirk players and his cross flew across the 6 yard line without any Rothwell player been able to get a touch to the ball.
Rothwell were beginning to win the central midfield battle with Joe Kenny and Ben Scargill working tirelessly up and down the pitch winning the ball and passing to team mates to set Rothwell on the way towards the Whitkirk goal. Whitkirk must be one of the tallest teams in the league as generally they towered over the Rothwell team. A Reece Fennel run on 18 minutes was ended by a foul 20 yards out, but Josh Morley’s free kick flew just over the bar. Joe Bedford was causing trouble down the right with his pace and produced a number of dangerous crosses.
Sam Groves and Kieran Turnbull were using their pace at the back to good effect to divert any danger that Whitkirk were posing to Rothwell. The deserved opening goal came on 21 minutes when Reece Fennel and Josh Morley linked up well and when Reece Fennel’s shot was palmed away from the goal the on rushing Joe Kenny knocked the ball into the open net from a tight angle. Joe Kenny again seemed to win a lot of the ball in the air against taller opposition, Josh Morley was now beginning to take on and beat the Whitkirk defenders and produced a number of dangerous crosses that the keeper and defenders scrambled away from danger. Reece Fennel was using his blistering pace to pull the defenders out of position to create space for his team mates to run into.
Whitkirk’s first goal attempt came on 27 minutes when a free kick was headed wide of the goal after good pressure by Sam Innes. Within a minute Sam Innes made an excellent tackle as the Whitkirk player raced towards the Rothwell goal and on 28 minutes Dan Bell made a good save from a shot from outside the area. On the half hour McKenzie was ready to shoot on goal but the ball was knocked away from his foot by a good Whitkirk tackle at the last second. Kieran Turnbull intercepted a couple of Whitkirk passes to set Rothwell again towards the Whitkirk goal , Ben Scargill and Joe Kenny were all over the pitch throughout the match harassing the Whitkirk players into making mistakes, before using a simple pass to set Rothwell moving towards the Whitkirk goal.
On 33 minutes Joe Ansboro and Joe Kenny linked up well and the cross fell to Josh Morley but he was denied by the keeper. Whitkirk’s last chance of the half was a good run and cross but Dan Bell was alert to the danger and intercepted the ball. Rothwell’s last chance in added time came when a run and cross by Joe Bedford was taken at full stretch by the keeper with the Rothwell forwards ready to pounce.
Both sides realised the first goal of the second half was going to be crucial and it was Rothwell who scored on 37 minutes when Reece Fennel made a run down the right wing, his pass found McKenzie Smith inside the area he rolled the ball into the path of Joe Bedford who smashed the ball into the net from 8 yards.
On 41 minutes Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley linked up well as usual down the left but the final ball was just too strong for Reece Fennel to reach ahead of the onrushing keeper, but moments later Joe and Josh combined well and Josh’s cross was met 10 yards out by McKenzie whose header was guided past the keeper for a 3-0 score. On 50 minutes Sam Groves ran down the left and his cross was cleared away for a corner as the defender was put under pressure from Josh Morley, the short corner resulted in a Reece Fennel shot which went just over the bar.
Rothwell were now dominant in all areas, with their pass and moving football on the excellent playing conditions and using the large pitch to good effect. The introduction of Jake Thompson, Joe Collinson and Jack Turner returning after a long term injury added energy as both sides tired in the final 15 minutes. After 64 minutes Dan Bell again was alert to intercept a ball at his near post after good defending by Jack Turner. In the closing minutes Jake Thompson blocked a goal bound shot off the Rothwell line.
As we reached injury time Joe Collinson won the ball in midfield and sent Reece Fennel away towards goal and he knocked the ball past the keeper in the final action of the match.
At the final whistle it was the Rothwell players and supporters who were jubilant as the individual trophies were presented, and Ben Scargill and Reece Fennel then lifted the Yorkshire County Cup aloft in a match the players will always remember as well as parents and relatives that were present.
Team
Dan Bell, Sam Innes, Kieran Turnbull, Sam Groves, Joe Ansboro, Joe Bedford, Ben Scargill, Joe Kenny, Josh Morley, Reece Fennel, McKenzie Smith Subs Jake Thompson, Jack Turner, Joe Collinson
Next Match - Sunday 25 April - Challenge Cup Final - Rothwell Athletic v Collingham- Ossett Town 2.00pm
Rothwell Athletic v Collingham 25.04.10
Challenge Cup Final
Rothwell Athletic 4 Collingham 1
Rothwell made it a memorable week with their second trophy in five days, when they added the Challenge Cup to the Yorkshire Junior Trophy in a game that never matched the atmosphere and intensity of last Wednesday.
Rothwell started strongly and nearly scored on 4 minutes when Sam Groves played a ball that split the Collingham defence but Josh Morley’s lob over the keeper bounced to safety off the top of the bar. Minutes later a Josh Morley cross was hit over the bar by Joe Bedford under pressure from the defender.
Collingham’s first chance came on 9 minutes when a cross found its way to the far post but Joe Ansboro blocked the shot and cleared the ball away, moments later Joe headed a left wing cross away from goal.
On 23 minutes Reece Fennel latched onto a Collingham goal kick but his shot found the side netting. The opening goal came on 25 minutes when a Sam Groves pass was miskicked by the keeper and as the ball ran goal wards McKenzie Smith knocked the ball into a open net. for 1-0.. The next Rothwell chance came when Joe Collinson met a Josh Morley corner but his header looped over the bar, moments later Joe cleared danger in his own area as Collingham threatened.
The second goal arrived just before half time when Joe Bedford’s run and cross from the right was met by Reece Fennel for 2-0, the final action of the half was a Collingham cross that was met by a powerful header which flashed just wide of the Rothwell post.
The second half started with scrappy play from both sides, as both struggled to put any fluent passing together. Collingham created the first chance of the half on 41 minutes but Dan Bell rose highest to catch the ball above his head, moments later a Sam Innes run and inside pass found Ben Scargill who raced towards goal but a combination of the defender and keeper blocked his shot. Dan Bell was then called into action again with two vital saves before on 45 minutes Josh Morley made a break down the left and his cross found Joe Kenny who controlled the ball before finishing well for 3-0. Sam Innes then had a far post header that just cleared the bar.
Kieran Turnbull, Jack Turner and Jake Thompson then linked up well to release McKenzie Smith but his shot went wide of the post. On 55 minutes Collingham scored when a corner was half cleared away and when the ball came back into the area, the ball was lobbed over Dan for a 3-1 scoreline.
The heaven’s then opened and the remainder of the match was played in a deluge of rain. Rothwell’s final goal came on 68 minutes when a Kyle Brown ball into space was met by Reece Fennel who fed McKenzie a few yards out for Rothwell’s fourth.
Team
Dan Bell, Jack Turner, Jake Thompson, Kieran Turnbull, Joe Ansboro, Joe Bedford, Joe Collinson, Sam Groves, Josh Morley, McKenzie Smith, Reece Fennel Subs Ben Scargill Joe Kenny, Sam Innes, Kyle Brown
Next Match - Wednesday 28 April - Woodkirk Valley v Rothwell Athletic 6.30pm
Kippax v Rothwell Athletic 18.04.10
Kippax 1 Rothwell Athletic 8
Rothwell entered their most important week of the season with an 8-1 league win over Kippax.
Rothwell started the game well and dominated the match from the first whistle, on one of the biggest pitches and best playing surfaces we have played on all season. On 2 minutes a Joe Ansboro run and cross found Reece Fennel but his shot was well blocked by the keeper. Kippax had a shot on goal after 4 minutes but under pressure from Danny Lenny the shot went over the bar. It was not long before Rothwell opened the scoring when a Kyle Brown pass sent Reece Fennel through on goal and he slipped the ball under the keeper. Jake Thompson and Danny Lenny used their pace to good effect to prevent any danger towards the Rothwell goal.
On 10 minutes Rothwell doubled their lead when McKenzie Smith ran down the wing and his cross was turned in at the near post by Reece Fennel. Half way through the first half a Sam Groves header found Joe Ansboro 20 yards out and he hit a volley over the keeper into the corner of the net for his first goal of the season for a 3-0 scoreline. Within a few minutes it was 4-0 when Joe Kenny beat two players and his low cross was turned into the net at the far post by Joe Collinson. At this stage Rothwell started to use their substitutes with the hot weather starting to take its toll on the players. In the final action of the half Kieran Turnbull and Sam Innes combined well and Kieran’s cross fell to Ben Scargill but the keeper made an excellent save to deny Rothwell a fifth goal.
Ben Scargill was involved in the opening goal attempts of the second half with two shots that were blocked by the Kippax defenders after good work by Sam Groves and Joe Bedford, Ben then delivered a corner that was met by Joe Kenny but his header landed on the roof of the net. After a good Sam Innes run his cross was blocked for a corner, and from the resulting corner Joe Collinson rose highest but his header was blocked on the line and Joe Bedford’s follow up shot was scrambled to safety.
The opening goal of the second half came on 49 minutes when a McKenzie Smith pass was met on the edge of the area by Joe Kenny who curled a shot into the corner of the net past the outstretched hand of the keeper. Within a minute good play involving Jake Thompson and Josh Morley resulted in a cross that Joe Kenny crashed into the roof of the net from 8 yards out. On 55 minutes Sam Groves beat a couple of Kippax players and his clever pass found McKenzie Smith in space 6 yards out and he finished well for Rothwell‘s seventh goal. The final Rothwell goal came just after the hour mark when a cross field ball by Josh Morley was met by Kieran Turnbull who flicked the ball past the on rushing keeper.
Kippax scored a deserved consolation goal on 64 minutes when a free kick on the edge of the area was well executed over the Rothwell wall and into the corner of the net giving Joe Collinson no chance.
Rothwell now move into their most important week of the season with the County Cup Final at Fleet Lane on Wednesday 21 April at 7.30pm against Whitkirk and then the final of the Challenge Cup at Ossett Town on Sunday 25 April at 2.00pm against Collingham.
South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic 11.04.10
South Leeds Saints 0 Rothwell Athletic 1
After knocking SLS out of both competitions in the last six weeks both of which needed extra time, Rothwell played the first of two league games in the next month against tough opposition and this proved to be the case as Rothwell won by a single goal with a 1-0 win, with both defences generally on top.
Again free flowing football was hard to produce on a small pitch both in width and length. Rothwell started well and the first chance fell to Josh Morley but his flick from Joe Kenny’s cross looped over the bar. SLS first goal attempt minutes later resulted in a shot from a tight angle flying wide of the Rothwell post. On 8 minutes SLS won a free kick 25 yards out but Dan Bell was well positioned to catch the shot. On 14 minutes Ben Scargill made a strong run down the wing and his excellent cross just evaded Reece Fennel at the far post with only a touch needed for the ball to be in the back of the net. A SLS throw was flicked on but the shot sailed over the Rothwell bar.
On 20 minutes a Reece Fennel corner bounced around the area before falling to Joe Bedford but his shot hit the side netting. Sam Groves was again outstanding throughout the match playing at centre half and was well supported by Joe Collinson as they won the vast majority of the high balls against the dangerous SLS forwards. On 25 minutes Josh Morley and Reece Fennel linked up well and Josh’s cross found Joe Bedford but although his shot beat the keeper it was cleared off the line by the defender. Sam Groves and Ben Scargill headed clear a number of dangerous SLS corners that were curling in towards the Rothwell goal.
Joe Kenny and Ben Scargill again battled well in a congested midfield when having time on the ball was at a minimum on the small pitch. Keiran Turnbull and Jake Thompson used their pace at the back to prevent danger from the SLS long ball over the top and made a number of good tackles. The final action of the half saw a Joe Bedford run and shot flicked over the bar and from the resulting Josh Morley corner Kyle Brown just failed to get his head to the ball, for a half time score of 0-0.
Rothwell knew they need the 3 points to keep the pressure on the teams around them in the league. The introduction of McKenzie Smith, Joe Ansboro, Sam Innes and Danny Lenny gave Rothwell different options and McKenzie nearly scored on 38 minutes when he got on the end of a Joe Kenny flick but the shot was well saved by the keeper. On 45 minutes Reece Fennel’s cross was headed over the bar by Joe Bedford, moments later it was Joe Kenny whose shot was again well saved by the impressive keeper.
Rothwell went three at the back with Sam Innes and Joe Ansboro playing either side of Sam Groves. On 50 minutes SLS had a chance to score but Dan Bell flicked the ball over the bar to safety. Danny Lenny making his debut had a run and shot that was blocked. The first and what turned out to be the winning goal came on 55 minutes when Reece Fennel controlled a Joe Kenny flick and from a tight angle hit the ball across the keeper into the corner of the SLS net. On the hour Dan Bell had to be alert to race out of his area to clear a ball away from the onrushing SLS player.
The final 10 minutes it was Rothwell who were the most likely scorers with Josh Morley having two shots saved, and the final action saw Ben Scargill burst through on goal but his shot flew wide of the post. This was Rothwell’s third visit to SLS in the last six weeks and the visitors have been successful on each occasion, showing a battling team spirit on each occasion.
Next Match - Kippax v Rothwell Athletic 18.04.10 Rothwell Athletic v North East Leeds 04.04.10 Rothwell Athletic 7 North East Leeds 1
Rothwell knew they would be in for a tough Easter Sunday match against opposition that they had only beaten by a single goal in the away league game and also in an earlier Challenge Cup tie.
Rothwell made the perfect start on 2 minutes when a Josh Morley pass released Sam Groves through on goal and he hit the ball across the keeper into the corner of the net, moments later a Joe Bedford pass to Sam saw Rothwell nearly double their lead but for a good save by the NEL keeper. Jake Thompson then rose highest to clear a NEL corner away from the Rothwell line with 7 minutes played. Minutes later NEL nearly equalised but for a brave block at the feet of the NEL forward by Dan Bell, the rebound then bounced to safety off the forward and out for a goal kick. The equaliser though was not long coming when on 12 minutes a flick on from a throw in resulted in an excellent volley from the edge of the box that flew into the Rothwell net.
Rothwell only took 3 minutes to regain the lead when Joe Ansboro found Joe Kenny 20 yards out and his shot flew into the net off the post for his first goal for the club. Half way through the first half only good defending by Kieran Turnbull prevented the NEL player getting a shot on the Rothwell goal. Jake Thompson made a couple of good clearances as NEL felt an equaliser was a possibility. Kieran Turnbull again played well and started a lot of Rothwell’s moves from centre half. Man of the match Sam Groves then broke down the wing and his cross was met on the volley by Reece Fennel but his shot was blocked on the line, seconds later Reece found Sam in space but under pressure he dragged his shot wide of the post. On 25 minutes Sam Innes made an excellent tackle to prevent any further danger on the Rothwell goal. Josh Morley and Joe Ansboro again linked up well down the left wing and a Joe Ansboro cross was met by Joe Kenny but his shot deflected wide for a corner. In the final action of the half Ben Scargill picked up the ball and crossed to Joe Bedford but his shot cleared the bar from close range.
Both sides knew the next goal was crucial and it was Rothwell who dominated the second half, they played some excellent passing football on a heavy pitch that began to cut up. Joe Bedford and Ben Scargill had shots that were deflected wide for corners. The third goal came on 45 minutes when good play between Joe Kenny and Sam Groves resulted in Sam’s cross reaching Josh Morley at the far post and he placed the ball into the corner of the NEL net for 3-1. On 53 minutes Sam Innes and Joe Kenny combined well down the right and Joe Kenny’s cross was met 10 yards out by Sam Groves and he beat the keeper at his near post. Within a minutes it was 5-1 when substitute Haroon making his debut scored with his first touch, turning Josh Morley’s cross into the net from a few yards out.
On the hour it was 6-1 when Haroon found Josh Morley in the area and he scored his second of the game. The final goal came on 66 minutes when a Joe Bedford cross was met by Reece Fennel for the final goal of the game. In the final moments Ben Scargill had two shots from close range that went wide and the final action of the match saw a close range Joe Bedford shot excellently saved by the NEL keeper.
Credit to both sides who only had 12 players available for producing a good match in testing conditions.
Man of the Match - Sam Groves
Next Match 11 April - South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic
Semi Final Challenge Cup
Farsley Celtic 0 Rothwell Athletic 1
Rothwell travelled to Otley to take on oldest rivals Farsley Celtic in the semi final of the Challenge Cup, as always both sides knew it would be a close game but it was Rothwell who went through to their second final of the season and will now meet Collingham in the final with a deserved last gasp 1-0 win.
The match was spoiled throughout by a strong cross wind which at times made the ball look like a balloon. In a game where both defences were generally on top and neither keeper was called upon to make too many saves.
It was Rothwell who had the first chance on 4 minutes when a Josh Morley run and cross was just out of McKenzie Smith’s reach at the far post, minutes later Sam Innes split the Farsley defence with a pass which sent McKenzie through on goal but under pressure from the defender he was unable to get a shot on goal. Rothwell were beginning to dominate the central midfield with Joe Kenny and Ben Scargill making forward runs and pushing Rothwell towards the Farsley goal, and their distribution of the ball was excellent throughout the match. Joe Bedford picked up the ball on the right and his low cross just evaded the on rushing Rothwell forwards.
Farsley’s first shot of the game came on 22 minutes but Dan Bell was well positioned to catch the shot at his near post. Moments later Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley played a couple of one two’s from inside their own half which was ended by a foul on Joe Ansboro 25 yards out, Josh Morley curled the resulting free kick just wide of the post.
Kieran Turnbull then showed good skill when beating two Farsley players when he seemed closed in by his own corner flag he then ran towards half way before sending Sam Groves towards the goal but again the Farsley defence blocked his shot. As we approached the half hour a Farsley player showed good skill to beat two Rothwell players as he raced into the area, but again Dan Bell was alert to block his shot. In the final action of the half Sam Groves raced down the wing and his cross again just evaded the on rushing Joe Bedford when only a touch was needed. Sam Innes and Joe Ansboro were keeping the pacy Farsley wingers quiet with their tackling and both found time to break forward on occasions. Jake Thompson played his solid dependable game alongside man of the match Kieran Turnbull.
Rothwell started the second half as they finished the first and another Josh Morley run and pass found Sam Groves and his shot was tipped over the bar by the Farsley keeper, from a corner moments later the lose ball fell to Jake Thompson but his shot curled wide of the post. On 43 minutes Sam Innes broke up a Farsley attack and his pass saw Ben Scargill take on three Farsley players from the halfway line, as he made his way into the area he unselfishly laid the ball towards Sam Groves but again was intercepted at the last moment by the defender. Joe Bedford was now causing problem down the right with his power and pace.
Farsley’s most likely way of scoring seemed to be from free kicks which the number 12 curled into the area, one bounced wide of the post and Dan Bell saved well from a header from another. Rothwell then brought on Reece Fennell and with his first touch he raced towards the goal line, his cross was heading towards Joe Kenny but was intercepted again by the impressive Farsley keeper. Kieran Turnbull was marshalling the Rothwell defence and made numerous clearances using his pace to good effect as Farsley playing down the slope tried to play the ball over the top. Joe Kenny then picked up the ball in his own half and beat a number of Farsley players he played a clever ball to the on rushing Sam Groves but again the defender blocked the goal bound shot for a corner. McKenzie Smith was making numerous runs and stretching the Farsley defence for the midfielders to take advantage of the space.
It seemed the match was heading towards extra time when in the final seconds Rothwell pushed forward again through Ben Scargill he passed the ball inside to Joe Kenny who rolled the ball along the edge of the area and Reece Fennel passed the ball into the corner of the Farsley net. The game hardly had time to restart before the referee blew his whistle for full time.
The referee and his officials played the tense semi final in the right spirit and all his major decisions were correct.. Credit to both sides for trying to play a good game of football, as the wind spoiled the quality of the game for both teams. Rothwell will now meet Collingham in the final on Sunday 25 April.
Man of the match - Kieran Turnbull
Next Match - 04 April - Easter Sunday - Rothwell Athletic v North East Leeds
Wortley v Rothwell Athletic 21.03.10
Wortley 1 Rothwell Athletic 1
Rothwell knew they would be in for a tough game against rivals Wortley and this proved the case on a heavy pitch due to the recent rain as Rothwell earned a hard earned point in a 1-1 draw.
Wortley started the stronger and created the first chance when the impressive number 3 curled a shot just wide on 4 minutes. Josh Morley had Rothwell’s first goal attempt but his shot was blocked for a corner, from the resulting Reece Fennel corner the ball fell to Joe Kenny but his shot was headed off the line and the same scenario happened again moments later. Wortley were then awarded a penalty on 14 minutes but the shot flew over the Rothwell bar.
On 20 minutes Ben Scargill ran past two defenders but his cross just failed to find the onrushing Josh Morley 6 yards out. The game was developing into a midfield battle with Sam Groves, Ben Scargill, Joe Kenny, Josh Morley and Sam Innes battling well against much bigger opposition. Joe Collinson was then on hand to clear the ball off the Rothwell line after a brave save from Dan Bell. Rothwell thought they had won a penalty on 22 minutes when Reece Fennel was brought down but the referee waved play on. Dan Bell was forced into making a double save as Wortley pressed for the opening goal, Joe Ansboro then made an excellent tackle on the Wortley number 3 as he raced towards the Rothwell area.
The opening goal came on 26 minutes when the Wortley player found himself unmarked and shot into the corner of the Rothwell net. This stung the visitors into action and Josh Morley sent McKenzie Smith through on goal but the keeper blocked his shot for a corner. The best move of the half by Rothwell featured good passing between Joe Ansboro, Sam Groves and Josh Morley who sent Reece Fennel clear on goal but again the keeper denied Rothwell tipping his shot over the bar. The resulting Rothwell corner produced a deserved equaliser when the ball found its way into the net off the unfortunate defender.
Jake Thompson and Joe Collinson were kept busy by the Wortley forwards and dealt with balls played over the top with a number of good headers and tackles. Good midfield play by Ben Scargill and Sam Groves resulted in Reece Fennel bearing down on goal he beat the keeper but the ball bounced to safety off the post, which typified Rothwell‘s luck on the day.
As we approached half time Dan Bell was again called into action making a brave save in his final action of the match. Kyle Brown then had to be alert making a couple of good saves as Wortley were looking for a second goal before half time.
Rothwell had the first chance of the half on 42 minutes when Joe Kenny was fouled but Josh Morley’ free kick was charged down by the wall. Ben Scargill and Joe Kenny linked up well on 47 minutes but Ben’s shot was again well saved. Sam Groves was playing well at centre half and his run and pass found Joe Kenny but he shot wide under pressure from outside the area. Kieran Turnbull and Sam Innes linked well down the right and Sam’s cross found McKenzie Smith but again the keeper saved well from a tight angle. Kyle Brown punched two corners away from danger under pressure from the Wortley forwards.
On the hour Sam Innes released Reece Fennel and his cross from inside the area flew across the goal without a Rothwell player able to get a touch on the ball. Kieran Turnbull made a good tackle on the Wortley number 5 as he tried to shoot from the edge of the area. The remainder of the match seemed to take place in midfield which was keenly contested all game by both teams, a draw was probably a fair result, with neither side deserving to lose in testing conditions.
Next Match - 28 March - Challenge Cup Semi Final - Farsley Celtic v Rothwell Athletic 2.00pm - Otley Town Football Ground. South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic 14.03.10
Quarter Final Challenge Cup
South Leeds Saints 1 Rothwell Athletic 2 aet
Rothwell knew their second cup tie in a month against SLS would be a tight match and it turned out that way, as for the second time the match went to extra time before Rothwell managed a 2-1 win to set up a semi final against Farsley Celtic.
On a small pitch and with a strong breeze it was a game where both defences were generally on top. Rothwell played with the elements in their favour and took the lead on 8 minutes when after a good run and pass by Kieran Turnbull the ball fell at the feet of Sam Groves at the edge of the area, and his shot found the corner of the net despite the keeper managing to get his hand to the ball. SLS first goal attempt came on 15 minutes but the free kick was well saved by Reece Fennel.
The Rothwell midfield of Joe Kenny, Ben Scargill Sam Groves and Josh Morley were finding it hard to find space to run with the ball due to the width of the pitch which seemed permanently congested and spoiled the quality of the football played, although Rothwell continued to try and play their normal game.
On 24 minutes Ben Scargill picked up a lose ball and went past three SLS players but his shot was blocked for a corner, then moments later Joe Kenny picked up the ball 20 yards out and hit a shot that the keeper tipped over the bar. On 28 minutes Joe Collinson produced an excellent tackle to deny the SLS player a shot on goal. The final action of the half saw good play by Sam Groves send Kyle Brown through on goal but the keeper made a save.
SLS with the elements in their favour made their intentions clear from the kick off with a shot from half way that just cleared the Rothwell crossbar. SLS direct style of play had Rothwell pinned back in their half as SLS pumped the ball towards the Rothwell goal, and the equaliser came on 41 minutes when the ball fell to the attacker 12 yards out and he placed the ball beyond Reece Fennel for 1-1. The Rothwell defence of Kieran Turnbull Joe Collinson Jake Thompson and Joe Ansboro were now under pressure but held firm with the centre half pairing of Joe Collinson and Jake Thompson outstanding, winning every ball in the air and all four putting in plenty of tackles as SLS sensed a second goal, this was typified by Jake when after he was accidentally kicked in the face by a team mate, he got back up and won his next header.
Rothwell started to get back into the game and a trademark Ben Scargill run from midfield but under pressure he shot wide. A one two between Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley resulted in a cross from Josh that McKenzie Smith hit into the side netting from a tight angle. The ever impressive Joe Kenny seemed to win every header he went for against much bigger opposition. Rothwell now with Kyle in goal nearly scored when a goal kick was headed on by Sam Groves but Reece’s flick went the wrong side of the post and moments later he had a shot saved by the keeper. Joe Collinson kept the score level with another excellent tackle. In the closing minute a cross shot from Reece Fennel was flicked onto and over the bar by McKenzie Smith. The final action saw a SLS corner punched to safety by Kyle Brown.
Rothwell had the first chance of extra time when after the introduction of Sam Innes, his run and cross fell at the feet of Reece Fennel but he could not turn the ball into the net. What turned out to be the winning goal quickly followed when a Reece Fennel run and pass fell to McKenzie Smith 12 yards out and he made no mistake as he crashed the ball into the net. Rothwell could have increased the lead but the keeper foiled Ben Scargill and Joe Kenny in quick succession.
Again from the extra time kick off SLS shot direct at goal and Kyle tipped the ball over the bar for a corner. The final chance fell to Reece when played through on goal by Joe Kenny but the impressive keeper blocked his shot. Credit to both teams who only had 12 players available due to injuries and both sides suffered injuries during the course of the game. The referee tried to let the game flow throughout the match and he got all the major decisions correct.
Rothwell now meet Farsley Celtic in the Challenge Cup semi final on Sunday 28 March - 2pm kick off.
Men of the match Joe Collinson & Joe Kenny.
Next Match - Wortley v Rothwell Athletic 21.03.10 - 12 mid-day kick off
Rothwell Athletic v North East Leeds 07.03.10
2nd Round Challenge Cup
Rothwell Athletic 2 North East Leeds 1
Five months after their first round match, Rothwell were made to battle all the way by North East Leeds before winning 2-1 and moving into the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.
Rothwell started well and scored the opening goal on 6 minutes when Sam Innes won the ball and released Reece Fennel down the right wing, his cross was met by McKenzie Smith who knocked the ball beyond the keeper for the opening goal.
Sam Groves had a couple of shots that flew across the NEL goal after beating three defenders on each occasion and was a threat throughout the match. On 10 minutes Ben Scargill beat a defender and made an excellent inside pass to Reece Fennel 10 yards out but a brilliant full length save by the keeper prevented Rothwell doubling their lead.
Joe Kenny, Ben Scargill and man of the match Sam Groves were involved in the majority of Rothwell’s moves from midfield using their strength and pace against a strong NEL midfield. NEL only occasionally crossed the halfway line in the first half. Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley again linked up well down the left of the pitch, making their way into the NEL area on a number of occasions. Rothwell scored their second goal on 22 minutes with a Kieran Turnbull run out of defence, he then played an excellent ball upto Sam Groves who headed the ball into the path of McKenzie Smith and from 25 yards out hit a shot into the top corner of the NEL net giving the keeper no chance.
Jacob Thompson and Sam Innes made some excellent tackles to prevent any danger towards Rothwell’s goal, Rothwell probably deserved to have lead by more than two goals at the break as only some good saves by the keeper prevented Reece Fennel scoring. The final action of the half featured both Joe Kenny and Ben Scargill beating NEL players but their shots from 18 yards out were pushed away from the goal by the busy keeper.
Rothwell started the second half on top and knew that whoever scored the next goal would be important factor in the final result. Rothwell were inches away on 37 minutes when another Kieran Turnbull run and pass to Reece Fennel ended with his shot bouncing to safety off the post. With his first touch Kyle Brown turned 6 yards out and hit a shot that rolled just wide of the post.
With their first real attack of the match the ball fell to the NEL player in the area and Dan Bell made an excellent save to keep the ball out of the net, but had no chance as the forward followed in to roll the ball over the line for 2-1 the first goal Rothwell had conceded in four matches . Dan Bell had to be alert moments later to block another shot as NEL felt a second goal was possible, and for the next 10 minutes the visitors were the dominant team. Joe Kenny again battled against much bigger players in midfield but won his share of the ball and Josh Morley caused problems to the NEL defence whenever he had the ball.
On 55 minutes Joe Ansboro played a ball to Sam Groves who went past three NEL players and cut in from the wing, his near post shot was turned over the crossbar for a corner. Dan Bell was again called into action on the hour mark when he raced off his line to clear the danger.
The introduction of Joe Bedford and Joe Collinson gave NEL something to think about with their energy and pace as both sides tired on a tricky playing surface. Sam Innes run and pass had Joe Bedford racing down the right but his shot was blocked for a corner. Finally It took a fine Josh Morley tackle in the closing stages to preserve the Rothwell lead.
Man of the match - Sam Groves
Next Match -3rd Round Challenge Cup - South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic 14.03.10
Semi Final - Junior Trophy County Cup Rothwell Athletic v Knaresborough Celtic 25.02.10 Rothwell Athletic 6 Knaresborough Celtic 0
Rothwell Athletic playing their sixth match of the County Cup, progressed to the final after one of their best displays of the season under the floodlights at Fleet Lane.
Rothwell went on the attack from the first whistle and forced a corner on 2 minutes after good play by Reece Fennel. Rothwell’s first attempt on goal came shortly afterwards but a Josh Morley shot on goal was well saved. Knaresborough Celtic’s first break towards the Rothwell goal came on 7 minutes but the danger was cleared by Jake Thompson.
The opening goal came on 10 minutes when Joe Ansboro intercepted a pass and ran towards the penalty area, his pass found Reece Fennel who shot across the keeper into the corner of the net. Joe Bedford was beginning to see a lot of the ball and made a number of dangerous runs down the wing. The second goal soon followed when good play between Reece Fennel and Josh Morley resulted in a Josh Morley cross finding McKenzie Smith and he finished well from 6 yards out.
Dan Bell’s first save of the game came on 18 minutes when a free kick was saved at his near post. Kieran Turnbull then made a good run out of defence and found the impressive Ben Scargill, but his cross was just too far ahead of Joe Bedford. A Sam Innes run saw him play Joe Kenny through but under pressure his shot went wide. Good interplay down the right involving Sam Innes and Joe Bedford resulted in Joe Bedford’s goal bound shot being well blocked by the defender.
On 26 minutes a dangerous ball over the top was well headed clear by Sam Groves to prevent any chance of a shot on the Rothwell goal. Ben Scargill and Joe Kenny were again influential in the majority of the Rothwell attacks with their running and distribution of the ball. Joe Kenny hit a volley that looked to be heading for the top corner but was well saved by the keeper. The final 5 minutes of the half proved to be Knaresborough’s best spell of the game and only good tackles by Sam Groves, Jake Thompson and Joe Ansboro prevented further attempts on Dan Bell’s goal, as Rothwell went to the half time break, well worth their two goal lead.
Rothwell started the second half on top without producing any attempts on goal, the nearest was a Ben Scargill free kick which was deflected wide of the goal by the wall. The third and decisive goal came on 42 minutes when a Josh Morley run and cross found McKenzie Smith and he curled a shot into the corner of the net.
Rothwell were now in control of the game with McKenzie Smith and Reece Fennel causing constant trouble to the Knaresborough defence with their pace ,power and movement. On 48 minutes Rothwell scored their fourth when a foul on Joe Ansboro 25 yards out resulted a trademark Josh Morley free kick which crashed into the net off the underside of the bar.
Moments later McKenzie Smith thought he had scored his third when Kieran Turnbull played a pass through to him and he planted the ball into the net from the edge of the area, but was harshly ruled offside. Midway through the half Joe Collinson headed the fifth goal from close range following a Reece Fennel corner.
Dan Bell was called into action on 57 minutes when he made a good save to palm away a goal bound shot for a corner. From the resulting corner Sam Groves cleared the ball from under the Rothwell crossbar to prevent a possible goal.
As we reached the final 10 minutes it was Rothwell who had all the ball with Joe Bedford, Josh Morley and Reece Fennel causing havoc down the wings. The final goal came in the final moments of the game when a Josh Morley shot was well blocked by the keeper, but Joe Bedford was on hand to score a deserved goal to complete a 6-0 scoreline.
The match was played in good spirit by both teams and Knaresborough continued to play good football to the final whistle, on a pitch with an excellent playing surface. It was also a good experience for both sets of players ,where the majority were probably playing a match under floodlights for the first time.
Rothwell will meet either Whitkirk or Collegians in the final which will again be played at Fleet Lane on Wednesday 21 April at 7.30pm.
Next Match - Yorkshire Amateurs v Rothwell Athletic 28.02.10
Rothwell Athletic v Whitkirk Wanderers 14.02.10
Rothwell Athletic 2 v Whitkirk Wanderers 0
Rothwell went into their first league games in nearly 3 months with a depleted squad due to injuries and holidays, but turned in one of their best performances of the season to run out worthy 2-0 winners against what must be the biggest team in the league.
Rothwell started brightly and hit the post on 7 minutes when a Joe Kenny break put McKenzie Smith through on goal but his shot hit the post and rebounded to safety. Kyle Brown then had a shot that the impressive Whitkirk keeper turned away for a corner, this was the first of a number of excellent saves he produced throughout the match.
Joe Kenny was again impressive throughout against much bigger players. Following a foul on Reece Fennel 20 yards out, Josh Morley’s free kick just went the wrong side of the post. Good defending by Kieran Turnbull on 15 minutes when he intercepted a ball his pass sent Joe Ansboro down the left and his pass was met by Josh Morley but his shot was well saved by the keeper at his near post.
Jake Thompson made an excellent block on the edge of his area as Whitkirk started to come back into the game with the No9 showing his strength on the ball and was involved in most of Whitkirk’s best moves as the visitors had their best spell of the game. Dan Bell then saved the home team on 24 minutes with a brave block at the feet of the centre forward.
Sam Innes and Kieran Turnbull made some good tackles to prevent any danger as Whitkirk searched for the opening goal. Dan Bell was then called into action to tip a shot from outside the box over his bar in the last action of a tight first half with a goalless scoreline.
Rothwell knew they needed to keep up the intensity of the first half to beat a very good Whitkirk team. It was the visitors who created the first chance of the second half on 38 minutes when a fine move from midfield left the player running through on goal with Dan Bell to beat but Dan made a crucial save as he blocked the shot with his feet. Rothwell then started to get on top with Joe Kenny now joined by Ben Scargill dictating the central midfield with strong displays in tackling and distribution of the ball towards the visitors goal. Rothwell started to let the ball do the work as they returned to their footballing ways with Sam Innes and ‘man of the match’ Reece Fennel making inroads down the right with Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley down the left with simple pass and go football.
From one Reece Fennel run and cross on 44 minutes Joe Collinson was inches away from heading the ball into the back of the net. The opening goal came on 47 minutes when a Reece Fennel pass sent Joe Kenny down the right wing his cross found its way to the far post where Josh Morley took his time to control the ball before passing the ball into the corner of the Whitkirk net. Dan Bell then had to make another crucial save from 10 yards out to prevent an equaliser. Moments later Joe Collinson won the ball and sent Reece Fennel down the right wing, he then cut into the penalty area beating three defenders before shooting past the keeper at his near post for a 2-0 scoreline.
Jake Thompson then ran with the ball from his own penalty area and from halfway sent a ball towards McKenzie Smith but the pass was just over hit and went out for a throw in.
On the hour a Kieran Turnbull pass beat the offside trap, as he sent Ben Scargill racing through on goal but the keeper deflected his goal bound shot wide of the post.
The final 10 minutes Rothwell were content to keep the ball in and around the Whitkirk area and could have added further goals from Reece Fennel and Josh Morley, but for some excellent defending from Whitkirk.
Rothwell kept another clean sheet against a strong Whitkirk side, the game was played in a good spirit by both teams.
Man of the Match - Reece Fennel
Next Match - Rothwell Athletic v North East Leeds - Challenge Cup 21 Feb
South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic 07 .02.10 Quarter Final Junior Trophy
South Leeds Saints 0 Rothwell Athletic 3 aet
Rothwell progressed to the Semi Final of the Junior Trophy with a hard fought 3-0 scoreline but had to go to extra time to win the tie.
The match started evenly without either goalkeeper having to make any serious saves in the opening quarter of an hour. Shots from distance by Josh Morley and Sam Groves which were wide of the goal were Rothwell’s only attempts as both sides started nervously. Rothwell’s best chance of the half to take the lead came when Sam Innes found Reece Fennel and his through ball sent McKenzie Smith racing towards the goal but the excellent SLS keeper came out and blocked his shot. Jake Thompson and Jack Turner were again impressive throughout at the heart of the Rothwell defence using their pace to keep any danger away from the Rothwell goal with some excellent tackles.
Following good play from Kieran Turnbull Rothwell won a corner and Sam Innes rose highest but his header was well saved by the keeper. Rothwell were not playing as fluent as normal against opposition who battled well throughout the match. Keiran Turnbull and Ben Scargill had shots from inside the area but could not beat the keeper. As we approached half time SLS had their best spell of the half and good tackles from Joe Ansboro, Jack Turner and Jake Thompson prevented Dan Bell having to make any saves.
The second half was a different game but still without any goals. Sam Groves and Josh Morley were now dominating midfield and both made numerous dangerous runs from midfield towards the SLS goal but were denied by the equally impressive defending of the SLS number 2 & 17.
Reece Fennel had the first attempt in the opening minute of the half following a Ben Scargill pass but was blocked by the defender. Joe Ansboro then won the ball and sent Josh Morley down the wing, his cross found McKenzie but again he was denied by the keeper. Ben, Reece and Kieran then had a shot’s blocked after good play by Sam Groves and Jake Thompson.
The introduction of Joe Bedford, Collinson and Kenny nearly made an immediate impact with Joe Bedford’s first touch been a shot that flew wide of the goal. Joe Kenny was now adding his presence in midfield with some fine runs and tackling. One pass found Joe Ansboro who played Josh Morley through on goal but the keeper touched his shot over the bar for a corner. Joe Collinson was now man marking the dangerous SLS centre forward out of the game.
Rothwell by now were playing entirely in the SLS half of the pitch but it looked like one of them games as Rothwell could not find the elusive goal. As we approached the final few minutes Sam Innes found Joe Bedford but a sliding tackle prevented a shot on goal.
SLS could then have snatched the match with minutes remaining when a free kick found the head of the SLS player and fortunately for Rothwell it just cleared the bar.
After 70 minutes the game was somehow still scoreless as the match went into 10 minutes each way extra time, unknown territory for both teams.
SLS had the first chance to score when a rare attack caused confusion in the Rothwell defence and the player had two attempts to beat Dan Bell but was denied by the keeper on both occasions. The remainder of the half was played in the SLS half, a corner found the head of Joe Kenny but again was cleared off the line.
The opening goal finally came 8 minutes into the half when Sam Groves won the ball and passed to Josh Morley, his cross was met 6 yards out by Reece Fennel who slotted the ball under the keeper. Rothwell knew another goal would win the match and with 5 minutes remaining Joe Bedford ran through on goal following good play by Joe Ansboro and Joe Kenny and his shot found the corner of the net. In the closing stages Sam Groves and Joe Collinson combined well and Joe Bedford scored Rothwell’s third goal from a tight angle in the final action of a hard fought match.
The match was well officiated by the referee and his two assistants against a gallant SLS team who only had 11 players for the full 80 minutes of the match.
Rothwell will now play Knaresborough Celtic under the floodlights of Fleet Lane on Thursday 25 February.
Man of the Match - Jake Thompson
Next Match - 14 Feb - Rothwell Athletic v Whitkirk Wanderers Rothwell Athletic v Ossett Town 24 01.10 4th Round Junior Trophy
Rothwell Athletic 2 Ossett Town 1
Rothwell playing their first game in six weeks played the 4th Round match at Ossett due to the unplayable home pitch, against last season's beaten finalists. Rothwell progressed to the quarter finals with a hard fought 2-1 win, with a brace of goals from Sam Groves.
On a sloping pitch with long grass it was Ossett playing with the elements that created the first chance but a good block by man of the match Jake Thompson prevented a shot on goal. Rothwell’s first attempt came on 7 minutes but Josh Morley dragged his shot wide. Ossett then headed over the bar from a corner. On 14 minutes the ball fell to the feet of the Ossett forward 18 yards out and Dan Bell had to be at his best to push the ball past the post for a corner, but from the resulting corner Ossett took the lead with a shot from 10 yards out that crashed into the Rothwell net.
The goal seemed to wake Rothwell up, with Joe Kenny making his debut, impressive throughout in midfield with his tackling and distribution of the ball. Rothwell were level within 5 minutes when following a corner Sam Groves bundled the ball over the line from close range. Jake Thompson and Jack Turner were impressive throughout the half as Ossett played the ball over the top for the pacy forwards to run onto down the slope, they were well supported by Sam Inness and Joe Ansboro.
Rothwell scored what was the decisive goal of the match on 26 minutes when Reece Fennel was brought down in the area and Sam Groves calmly slotted the ball into the net from the penalty spot.
Reece Fennel and McKenzie Smith were working hard up front without having many clear cut chances on goal and Ben Scargill worked tirelessly on the right. Ossett’s next chance of an equaliser came when an in swinging corner was headed off the line and over the bar by Joe Ansboro. As we approached half time Dan Bell had to be alert to stop two shots from distance from the Ossett forwards. The last action of the half produced the best move of the half when Joe Ansboro and Sam Groves linked up well down the left and Sam’s pass found Josh Morley, his cross fell to McKenzie Smith whose shot from the edge of the area was well saved at his near post by the Ossett keeper.
Rothwell had the elements in their favour in the second half with Ben Scargill finding space down the right and one pass on 40 minutes found Reece Fennel but the keeper bravely blocked his shot. McKenzie Smith and Reece had shots from distance as Rothwell tried to take advantage of the slope but they were denied by the keeper. The game was not producing many clear cut chances at either end as both defences started to get on top. The introduction of Joe Bedford ,Kieran Turnbull and Joe Collinson added fresh legs and energy, as both sides tired in the testing conditions. Rothwell’s best move of the second half came just after the hour, when Sam Inness passed to Joe Kenny and his pass sent Joe Bedford racing down the wing his cross was met on the volley by Josh Morley but his shot just flew over the bar.
The closing minutes were tense with both sides knowing any mistakes would prove costly, after 5 minutes injury time due to a number of stoppages due to injuries on both sides the referee finally blew his whistle which was met with relief from Rothwell, in a match that was a battle in the conditions, with both sides playing better up the slope.
Rothwell now travel to South Leeds Saints in the quarter final on 07 February.
Man of the Match - Jake Thompson
Next Match - Rothwell Athletic v North East Leeds 4th Round Challange Cup 31 January Rothwell Athletic v Collingham 13.12.09
Rothwell Athletic 3 Collingham 1
Rothwell progressed into the fourth round of the Junior Trophy setting up a home clash with Ossett Town, after a 3-1 defeat of Collingham on a heavy pitch due to the recent rain.
Rothwell started strongly and dominated the game from the first whistle, the opening goal came on 7 minutes when the impressive Sam Innes found Ben Scargill his cross was met by McKenzie Smith and he scored from 6 yards out. Moments later Josh Morley beat two Collingham players and his pass found McKenzie Smith but he shot wide.On 12 minutes Joe Ansboro ran into the area and squared the ball to McKenzie but on this occasion the keeper made the first of a number of good saves.
It was against the run of play that Collingham scored with their first attack of the game on 20 minutes, when the impressive number 9 who was well marshalled by Jack Turner and Joe Collinson all game broke through the home defence and from 18 yards out beat Dan Bell giving him no chance. This gave Collingham confidence to attack and 5 minutes later a free kick from distance flew just wide of the Rothwell post.
On the half hour mark Josh Morley and Joe Ansboro combined well down the left and from Josh Morley’s cross Kieran Turnbull just failed to knock the ball into the net. Collingham’s final chance of the half came on the half hour mark when good defending by Kyle made the player shoot wide of the Rothwell goal. Rothwell regained the lead on 32 minutes which their first half play had deserved, when Ben Scargill picked up a ball in midfield and played Reece Fennel through on goal and he slipped the ball under the keeper for a 2-1 half time scoreline.
Rothwell started the second half the way they had finished the first on the attack, and Kieran Turnbull had two early chances to score following good play by Joe Collinson and Jack Turner but his shots went wide, and after good play by Sam Innes, Kieran then had a shot palmed onto the post by the keeper. He then turned provider when his cross was met by Josh Morley but his header just cleared the bar. Rothwell were creating numerous chances through Sam Groves, Ben Scargill Josh Morley and Joe Ansboro but the ball failed to end up in the back of the Collingham net.
The only goal of the second half came on the hour when good play by Sam Groves and Joe Ansboro resulted in Reece Fennel being fouled 25 yards out. Josh Morley stepped up and hit a thunderous free kick into the roof of the Collingham net for a goal Rothwell’s dominant second half play deserved and a final scoreline of 3-1, against a Collingham team who continued to play good football to the final whistle.
The match was well refereed by the Official who got all the major decision's correct throughout the game.
Man of the Match - Joe Ansboro
Next Match - Rothwell Athletic v Woodkirk Valley 20 12.09
Rothwell Athletic v Farsley Celtic 22.11.09
Rothwell Athletic 4 Farsley Celtic 0
Rothwell went into the top of the table clash knowing they would have to be at their best to beat the current league champions, but having already knocked them out of the Junior Trophy cup competition last month were in confident mood. Rothwell then turned in one of their best performances of the season to run out deserved 4-0 winners.
Rothwell were quickly into their stride and took the lead on 3 minutes when a Josh Morley corner was headed on by Sam Groves and Joe Bedford reacted quickest to crash the ball into the roof of the net.
Farsley’s only chance of the half came on 10 minutes but Dan Bell saved well when a shot from distance from the impressive Farsley No 20 was well held. Rothwell then scored a deserved second goal on 18 minutes when a Reece Fennel corner was met at the near post by Joe Bedford and he flicked the ball into the Farsley net.
Rothwell knew the match was always going to be physical, but the Farsley No5 was finally booked after a succession of fouls on Ben Scargill and Sam Groves. Joe Bedford on the right wing was beating the Farsley players every time he received the ball adding to Farsley’s frustration.
On the half hour mark Ben Scargill made a run from midfield but shot wide of the goal, in the last action of the first half. Rothwell had been on top for long periods, but Farsley always looked dangerous.
Rothwell knew an early Farsley goal in the second half would change the game completley, but it was the home team that nearly scored in the opening minute of the half when McKenzie Smith broke into the area but the ball was bravely blocked by the Farsley keeper who was one of the visitors best players on the day. The Farsley comeback never materialised as Rothwell kept up the intensity all the game.
Rothwell did not have to wait long for the third goal when on 43 minutes a Reece Fennel corner was scrambled over the line by Ben Scargill. Farsley had their fair share of the ball but could not get beyond the impressive centre half men of the match partnership of Jack Turner and Keiran Turnbull, who were equally supported by Sam Innes on the right and Joe Ansboro on the left, who for once was marking a player as small as himself. Farsley hardly made a break beyond the back four all game, as the defenders were quick into the tackle and restricted Farsley to hardly any goal attempts throughout the second half.
Sam Groves, Ben Scargill and Sam Innes all set up chances for Reece Fennel and McKenzie Smith but they were denied by excellent saves from the Farsley keeper.
The fourth and final goal came on 62 minutes when Joe Ansboro broke up a Farsley attack and his pass found Josh Morley who beat the defender with ease as he ran into the area, he squared the ball to Reece Fennel who slotted in a deserved goal from 6 yards out. Moments later following a foul on Kieran Turnbull Reece Fennel curled a free kick that was destined for the top corner but he was again denied by the keeper.
McKenzie Smith caused problems all the game for the Farsley defenders with his chasing down of every ball giving the defenders no time to settle and set up any attacks towards the Rothwell goal.
The victory moves Rothwell three points clear at the top of the table with six wins and a draw from the seven league games played this season.
Men of the Match - Jack Turner and Kieran Turnbull
Next Match - South Leeds Saints v Rothwell Athletic 29.11.09
North East Leeds v Rothwell Athletic 15.11.2009
North East Leeds 3 Rothwell Athletic 4
Rothwell travelled to Soldiers Field on a bright and breezy Sunday lunchtime to face North East Leeds on a muddy and narrow pitch which also had a two foot trench right across the 18 yard line.
It was NEL that went on the attack from the first whistle and kept Rothwell under pressure, and only two good reflex saves from Dan Bell kept the game scoreless in the opening 10 minutes. It always seemed to be 'when' not 'if' NEL would score and the opening goal came on 12 minutes when NEL won a free kick just outside the area and the player expertly placed his shot over the wall and into the corner of the net giving Dan Bell no chance.
Rothwell’s first chance came midway through the half when a Joe Collinson header was saved by the keeper. Moments later NEL scored a second goal their domination deserved when an attempted clearance landed at the feet of the NEL player and he hit the ball into the back of the net for 2-0. It could have been 3-0 within a minute but for a fine full length save by Dan Bell tipping the ball around the post and a goal line clearance from Kyle.
Rothwell were finding it hard to pass the ball around the tall NEL players on the narrow and muddy central area of the pitch and were second to every ball for the first half hour, although Joe Bedford worked tirelessly down the right wing trying to instil some life into the visitors. Ben Scargill and Sam Groves were well marshalled by the impressive No 8 and 17 for the home team. for the opening half an hour of the game.
With half time approaching Joe Bedford made a run and passed to Reece Fennel and he cut into the area, and from a tight angle the home keeper could only palm the ball into the goal at his near post.
The introduction of Josh Morley and McKenzie Smith paid dividends within a couple of minutes of the restart when a Joe Ansboro run and pass found Reece Fennel his shot was palmed away from goal but Josh Morley crossed the ball and McKenzie Smith nodded into the unguarded net from a yard out for the equaliser. Rothwell now seemed to believe they could win the match and crosses from Ben Scargill and Josh Morley found Reece Fennel but the keeper managed to block both his shots.
NEL were still dangerous with their more direct style of play with Jack Turner and Kieran Turnbull alert all half, in the centre of the defence to the long ball that NEL preferred to play. A Sam Innes ball found Sam Groves and his pass to Reece Fennel saw the keeper palm the ball into the air and he managed to catch the ball before it crossed the line. Rothwell were at last beginning to dominate the game with Sam Innes and man of the match Joe Bedford creating space down the right and Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley passing the ball well down the left to create chances.
Rothwell thought they had a penalty on 55 minutes when a Sam Groves pass into the area found Joe Bedford his feet were taken from under him by the defender but the referee deemed it was no penalty. With 10 minutes left Ben Scargill broke from midfield McKenzie Smith ran onto his pass but then nearly disappeared down the trench at the edge of the area but reappeared and held off the defender to roll the ball into the net for 3-2 scoreline to Rothwell.
Minutes later McKenzie Smith turned provider when his pass found Reece Fennel it was his turn to nearly disappear down the trench before remerging to prod the ball past the keeper for 4-2.
On 65 minutes NEL broke forward and scored with a shot from inside the area to set up a grandstand finish, with chances at both ends and only a brave block by Jack Turner and clearance by Kieran Turnbull prevented a possible late equaliser.
It was a hard earned 3 points by all Rothwell’s thirteen players against a team that belied their league position in the division.
Rothwell play Farsley Celtic on Sunday, in the top of the table clash.
Man of the Match - Joe Bedford
Next Match- Rothwell Athletic v Farsley Celtic- 22 .11.2009
Rothwell Athletic v Wortley 08.11.2009
Rothwell Athletic 4 Wortley 2
On a overcast but mainly dry morning, Rothwell played old rivals Wortley knowing they would have to play well to take all 3 points against a team who drew the corresponding fixture last season.
On a heavy pitch after the recent rain it was Wortley who started the better and Dan Bell had to make a couple of hurried clearances from the edge of his area as Wortley searched for an early goal.
It was maybe against the run of play when Rothwell scored with their first real attack of the game on 9 minutes when good play by Jake Thompson sent Josh Morley down the wing and his cross found Joe Collinson who held off the defender before shooting past the keeper for 1-0.
Rothwell nearly doubled the lead moments later when a Ben Scargill cross found Reece Fennel ,but his volley went just over the bar. Both Joe Bedford and Reece Fennel then hit the side netting for the home team, with Joe Collinson also going close to extending the lead. The strong Wortley No3 started causing problems to the Rothwell team with his strong running and was involved in all their best moves.Rothwell doubled their lead on 34 minutes when Josh Morley ran onto a Joe Bedford ball, and from outside the area hit a lovely shot into the corner of the net.
It was Wortley who started he second half on the front foot and forced an early corner. The Wortley player headed the ball goal wards and only a goal line clearance from Joe Ansboro prevented a goal, but from the resulting scramble Rothwell failed to clear the ball and it was eventually turned past Dan Bell from 10 yards out. It could have been worse moments later but for a good save by Dan Bell as the Rothwell team seemed to switch off straight from the kick off.
Wortley’s best chance of scoring seemed to be from free kicks and corners which they delivered with accuracy into the Rothwell 6 yard box all game. The game was becoming a physical encounter with neither side backing down from any challenges, with Ben Scargill and Sam Groves battling well in centre midfield all game.
On 45 minutes Rothwell scored a third goal when a run from Keiran Turnbull who was impressive at centre half and centre forward sent a ball into space for Joe Bedford to run onto and from a tight angle he beat the keeper at his near post. Both defences were now on top with Jack Turner and Sam Innes defending well for Rothwell throughout the game, but on 55 minutes Wortley were back in the match when a deflected shot from 12 yards out gave Dan Bell no chance of saving.
Wortley sensed with 15 minutes remaining, that they could snatch an equaliser but within 5 minutes Rothwell restored their two goal advantage when Ben Scargill picked up the ball, well outside the area and his speculative shot found its way past the Wortley keeper for 4-2. The visitors final chance of the match was from another corner but this time Rothwell managed to clear the danger. The final action of the game came when a Joe Ansboro ball found Sam Groves but his curling shot from 20 yards was tipped round the post by the goalkeeper.
A hard earned 3 points for Rothwell against a strong Wortley side.
Next match - 15 Nov- North East Leeds v Rothwell.
Rothwell Athletic v Huddersfield YMCA 01.11.09
2nd Round Junior Trophy
Rothwell Athletic 10 Huddersfield YMCA 1
Rothwell played hosts to Huddersfield YMCA in the worst weather conditions of the year with driving rain and a strong crosswind helping neither side.
The match started evenly and YMCA created the first chance of the match, but the pacy No 14s shot was well blocked by Jack Turner.
The opening Rothwell goal came on 7 minutes when a through ball by Joe Ansboro found McKenzie Smith and his shot from 10 yards flew past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
On 12 minutes the lead was doubled when Josh Morley delivered a cross to McKenzie Smith who finished for 2-0. On 18 minutes the game was won when Joe Collinson played McKenzie Smith through on goal and from 6 yards out he completed his hat trick. For the remainder of the half Rothwell were camped in the YMCA half and within a couple of minutes the score was 4-0 when a Reece Fennel cross was finished from the edge of the area by Joe Collinson playing in the unaccustomed centre forward role. On 22 minutes following a Joe Bedford run, his cross was deflected wide, from the resulting Reece Fennel corner and goalmouth scramble the ball eventually landed at the feet of Sam Groves where he prodded the ball over the line from close range.
On the half hour mark a run into the area by Joe Ansboro resulted in his cross finding Joe Bedford who scored with ease for 6-0. The final goal of the half came on 34 minutes when a Josh Morley corner was knocked into the net from a couple of yards out by Joe Collinson.
The second half again was mainly one way traffic, and the visitors keeper denied Reece Fennel on more than one occasion. The pacy YMCA No 14 made a few runs on the Rothwell goal but he was well marshalled by Jack Turner and Jake Thompson.
The opening goal of the half came on 43 minutes when a Sam Innes pass was met by Joe Bedford who shot across the keeper for 8-0. McKenzie Smith scored his fourth goal on the hour when a good run and pass by Ben Scargill sent him racing through one on one with the keeper for Rothwell’s ninth goal.
YMCA scored a consolation goal on 64 minutes when a cross found its way through to the No 14 and he gave Dan Bell no chance finishing powerfully into the corner of the Rothwell goal. Ben Scargill then had a shot from distance that crashed against the post with the keeper beaten.
The final goal of the game came with 6 minutes remaining when Joe Ansboro who was impressive all game with his skill and pace ran down the wing past a couple of players, his pass picked out Josh Morley and he shot into the roof of the net for a final scoreline of 10-1.
Next Match - Rothwell Athletic v Wortley - 08.11.09
Referee Man of Match - Reece Fennell Whitkirk Wanderers v Rothwell Athletic 18.10.09
Whitkirk Wanderers 0 Rothwell Athletic 3
Rothwell visited Whitkirk on a bright autumn morning knowing this would be a tough match against a team with a 100 % record this season, and who will be in with a chance of honours at the end of the season.
Rothwell started strongly and forced a corner on 3 minutes, Josh Morley’s corner was met by Reece Fennel but his shot cleared the crossbar. Whitkirk’s first goal attempt came soon after but the shot from distance was well saved by Dan Bell at his near post. The opening goal came on 7 minutes when Joe Ansboro was fouled outside the area, Reece Fennel’s free kick was met at the far post by McKenzie Smith who headed into the back of the net.
Rothwell were beginning to take control of a keenly contested match with Ben Scargill and Sam Groves working hard in central midfield. Josh Morley found space on the left and sent a ball into space for Reece Fennel to shoot at goal but the keeper palmed the ball around the post for a corner. On 17 minutes Rothwell doubled their lead when McKenzie Smith was tripped in the area and Sam Groves stepped up and crashed the ball into the corner of the net.
Whitkirk then had a couple of shots from distance which went wide of the goal. The remainder of the half saw both defences on top, but in added on time at the end of the half the referee played on when the Whitkirk forward seemed to be in an offside position but his lob over Dan Bell bounced off the bar and was cleared by Sam Innes.
The home side came out in the second half and looked a different side forcing Rothwell to defend for the next 15 minutes winning numerous corners. From one,the tall Whitkirk player headed the ball goal bound and only an excellent headed clearance by Ben Scargill kept the ball out of the net, from the resulting corner another header was well held on his line by Dan Bell. Corner and free kicks looked Whitkirk’s best chance of a goal with their considerable height advantage.
The defence of Dan Bell in goal, Sam Innes, Keiran Turnbull Jack Turner and Joe Ansboro were put under more pressure than in any other game this season but held firm in what was becoming a physical encounter in all areas of the pitch as Whitkirk strived for a goal. It was against the run of play on 55 minutes when a good run by Joe Bedford resulted in a corner, Josh Morley’s corner was flicked on by Sam Groves and the ball fell to McKenzie Smith who made no mistake from 6 yards out for a 3-0 scoreline and effectively seal the win for Rothwell.
Moments later Josh Morley turned in the area and hit a shot that came back off the bar and Joe Ansboro just failed to get his head to another Josh Morley corner. The introduction of Joe Collinson and Jake Thompson gave Rothwell a lift with their energy in the closing stages. Keiran Turnbull and Jack Turner both had impressive games using their pace to clear the ball out of danger on a number of occasions especially in the second half.
An excellent victory for Rothwell against opposition who will be difficult to beat this season.
Men of the match - Goalkeeper and the defence. Colton v Rothwell Athletic 11 October 2009 1st Round Challenge Trophy
Colton Juniors 0 v Rothwell Athletic 21
Rothwell travelled to Temple Newsam to play Colton Juniors who are currently mid table in Division 2, with the winner to progress to the second round of this years competition.
Rothwell scored their opening goal on 6 minutes and thereafter it was one way traffic against the home team,with Rothwell scoring at regular intervals throughout the half and by the time the whistle was blown the visitors were already 12-0 up, despite the Colton keeper making a series of good saves to deny further goals.
For the first time this season Rothwell had the luxury of substitutes available, which were used at half time and at regular intervals throughout the second half. The goals continued to be scored throughout the half with a final score of 21-0.
Goalscores were McKenzie Smith (7) Reece Fennel (5) Josh Morley (2) Sam Groves (2) Ben Scargill (2) Joe Bedford (1) Kieran Turnbull (1) and Sam Innes (1)
The non scoring members of the Rothwell team were Dan Bell, Jack Turner, Joe Ansboro, Joe Collinson and Jake Thompson.
Rothwell travel to play Whitkirk Wanderers on Sunday, who are one of this seasons unbeaten teams and Rothwell will have to be at their best to come away with 3 points.
Farsley Celtic v Rothwell Athletic 04 October 2009
1st Round County Junior Trophy
Farsley Celtic 1 Rothwell Athletic 2
Rothwell went into the first round of the County Junior Trophy against old rivals Farsley Celtic, who were the holders of last seasons equivalent cup competition. Again Rothwell only had 11 players available but they triumphed in an excellent match, winning 2-1 to win a third consecutive match against Farsley Celtic.
Rothwell created their first chance on 2 minutes when McKenzie Smith making his debut ran onto a ball but his shot came back off the crossbar. Farsley Celtic’s first attempt came on 5 minutes when a free kick just cleared the Rothwell bar. Dan Bell then had to make a double save when the tall Farsley forward first had a shot that Dan parried and his follow up attempt was pushed wide for a corner.
Rothwell scored their opening goal on 14 minutes after Josh Morley was fouled, Reece Fennel’s free kick was met unchallenged 10 yards out by Ben Scargill who steered the ball wide of the keeper. Rothwell’s best chance of the half for a second goal also fell to Ben but he could not turn the ball inside the far post from a tight angle. Farsley had their share of the ball but came up against a Rothwell defence that were quick into the tackle all the game with Sam Innes on the right Jack Turner and Kieran Turnbull in the middle and Joe Ansboro on the left.
Farsley struggled to create any clear cut chances for the remainder of the half and Rothwell’s only other chance of the half came on 31 minutes when Jack Turner cleared a Farsley corner to Sam Groves who ran half the length of the field but his shot was deflected for a corner.
The half time scoreline was 1-0 to Rothwell.
Straight from the kick off it was Farsley who attacked and they scored an equaliser within 3 minutes when a right wing cross was turned unfortunately into his own goal by Jack Turner for the equaliser.
Farsley then had two free kicks in quick succession but both were blocked bravely by the Rothwell wall. Rothwell’s first chance of the half came when a Sam Innes ball sent Joe Bedford down the right his cross was met by Reece Fennel but his shot went over the bar.
Rothwell’s second and ultimately winning goal came with 15 minutes left when a Kieran Turnbull through ball found Josh Morley whose cross was met by Joe Bedford who controlled the ball before shooting into the corner of the net. Rothwell were beginning to tire with the warm conditions and no substitutes available. Farsley used their 3 substitutes well, resting players at regular intervals as they searched for the equaliser. Sam Groves again had an excellent game and was the dominant central midfielder from either side as he made valuable ground with the ball towards the Farsley goal.
Farsley’s best chance of an equaliser came with 4 minutes remaining when the tall No 20 broke from halfway but Dan Bell narrowed the angle and saved his shot, the rebound was cleared from further danger by Joe Ansboro.
The referee then managed to find a further 12 minutes injury time, before he finally blew the whistle for full time. It was an excellent game of football which could have gone either way.
Again determination and teamwork saw Rothwell win, in a game that both defences remained on top throughout.
Man of the Match - Dan Bell
Next Match - 11 October - Challenge Cup - Colton v Rothwell Rothwell Athletic v Kippax
Rothwell Athletic 10 v Kippax 0
For the first time in recent years Rothwell played Kippax in a league game hoping to build on last weeks game against Yorkshire Amateurs.
Kippax had the first attack of the game and Dan Bell had to be alert to save a free kick. Rothwell scored with their first attack of the game on 4 minutes when a Kieran Turnbull cross was finished at the near post by Reece Fennel. The second goal came on 16 minutes when a Reece Fennel corner fell to Ben Scargill who scored .
Straight from the kick off Rothwell broke into the Kippax area and a Joe Bedford pass was well finished by Kieran Turnbull, the same combination combined again minutes later to make the score 4-0 and the game was already over as a contest. On the half hour mark Reece Fennel picked up a pass from Jacob Thompson and hit a shot from outside the area that found the back of the net. Moments before half time Rothwell’s best move of the half involving Joe Ansboro, Josh Morley and Sam Groves ended with Kieran Turnbull scoring again.
The second half was more of the same with Rothwell dominant from the kick off against visitors who never gave up. The visitor's goalkeeper played well throughout the game and made some good saves. Joe Bedford and then Jack Turner played goalkeeper for Rothwell as Dan Bell swapped his gloves to play centre forward.
The opening goal of the half and probably best goal of the game, came on 5 minutes when Sam Groves picked up a ball in midfield and hit a shot over the keeper from 25 yards out. Dan Bell scored next when he finished well from 12 yards out from a Kieran Turnbull pass. Sam Innes then just failed to get on the end of a Josh Morley cross and Joe Bedford in goal had to be alert on a couple of occasions as Kippax searched for a consolation goal.
The penultimate goal came in the closing stages when a cross was diverted into his own goal by the Kippax defender, and in added time Joe Bedford scored the final goal of the match for a final score of 10-0.
Rothwell again only had 11 players available but continued to play good passing football against opponents who had drawn their first two games of the season.
Next Match 04 Oct - Cup - Farsley Celtic v Rothwell Athletic (to be played at Rothwell)
Rothwell Athletic v Yorkshire Amateurs 20 09.09 Rothwell Athletic 1 Yorkshire Amateurs 1
On one of the hottest Sundays of the year Rothwell played hosts to rivals Yorkshire Amateurs. The previous three encounters had ended in draws and this fixture ended the same way with a 1-1 scoreline
It was the visitors who started the stronger with Rothwell having to defend from the opening whistle and Yorkshire Amateurs could have been two goals up in the first 5 minutes but for some poor finishing.
Due to absences both sides only had 11 players available for the game, and Rothwell were reduced to 10 men for an hour of the game after an accidental clash of heads resulted in the influential Ben Scargill having to miss the remainder of the game.
The setback seemed to stir Rothwell into action and they started to come back into the game and created their first chance on 18 minutes when a lose ball fell to Joe Bedford whose shot was blocked, the ball then fell to Josh Morley but he was denied by the impressive Amateurs keeper. The tall centre forward was a constant threat especially in the first half but Jack Turner and Jacob Thompson defended well on a number of occasions.
Rothwell took the lead on 22 minutes when after a run from midfield by Sam Groves his pass found Reece Fennel who slipped the ball under the keeper and the defender was unable to clear the ball as it rolled over the line. On 25 minutes Rothwell created their best chance of the half when a move from halfway involving good interplay by Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley resulted in a Josh Morley cross falling at the feet of Kieran Turnbull but from 10 yards out his shot unfortunately cleared the bar.
Yorkshire Amateurs were then reduced to 10 players on half an hour due to an injury although the player was able to return for the final 15 minutes of the game. This seemed to spur the visitors back to life and they scored a deserved equaliser on 32 minutes when after Rothwell failed to clear the ball it fell to the centre forward who from 6 yards out found the corner of the net despite Dan Bell doing well to get a hand to the ball.
Rothwell started the second half the better side and when Joe Bedford broke into the area, from a Sam Innes pass, only a last ditch tackle prevented his shot on goal. Both sides began to tire with the heat, a big pitch and both teams playing with ten players. Yorkshire Amateurs were always dangerous and had a couple of free kicks which only needed a touch to divert the ball into the goal.
Rothwell, through Sam Groves and Reece Fennel were beginning to find space to run with the ball and caused danger to the Amateurs’ defence on a number of occasions without creating many clear cut chances. On 20 minutes a run from halfway by Jack Turner saw him beat four players before passing to Reece Fennel whose shot was pushed round the post for a corner, the same player then hit the top of the bar with a free kick.
As we reached the final 10 minutes Sam Groves ran through from midfield and went round the keeper but his shot was stopped by the defender. The final chance to the Amateurs came in the closing stages when Dan Bell had to make a smart save at his near post.
The Rothwell defence of Bell in goal, Innes, Thompson, Turner and Ansboro had to be alert all the game against a strong and powerful Amateurs attack as well as breaking forward to help with Rothwell’s attacks. Turnbull, Groves and Morley worked hard in midfield covering the large Rothwell pitch and the forward duo of Bedford and Fennel were a constant threat all game with their pace.
A draw was a fair result as both teams produced an excellent game of football in testing weather conditions.
Next Match - Kippax v Rothwell Athletic 27.09.09.
Collingham v Rothwell Athletic 14.09.09
Collingham 3 Rothwell Athletic 7
Rothwell’s opening game of the season for the second year in a row was an away trip to Collingham, to play on a pitch which must have one of the best playing surfaces in the league.
Rothwell were quick into their stride straight from the kick off and on 2 minutes created their first chance of the game when a Josh Morley cross found Ben Scargill whose header was deflected wide and a few minutes later a Sam Innes shot was tipped round the post for a corner.
The opening goal came on 12 minutes when Ben Scargill broke up play on half way and released Joe Bedford clear down the right wing he beat the full back and his cross found Reece Fennel who finished well from 8 yards out. It was no surprise moments later that Rothwell doubled their lead when a Joe Ansboro ball found Josh Morley and his cross shot was diverted over the keeper by Reece Fennel for 2-0.
Within a couple of minutes Collingham were back in the game when a deflected clearance fell to the No 9 and he finished well from just inside the area in Collingham‘s first attack of the game. The goal resulted in Collingham‘s best spell of the match and for the following 10 minutes they were the dominant side and were first to every ball, both Jack Turner who had an excellent game throughout and Jacob Thompson making his league debut made a number of well timed clearances at the heart of the visitors defence. Dan Bell had to be alert on a number of occasions and carried his impressive pre season form into the season.
It was no surprise on 25 minutes when a shot from distance flew into the top corner of the net for a 2-2 scoreline. This seemed to stir Rothwell back into life and a Josh Morley run and cross found Sam Groves who on this occasion shot over the bar. Ben Scargill and Sam Groves were now beginning to run the midfield again, and a few minutes later Rothwell restored their lead when Sam Innes rose well and headed in a Reece Fennel corner, before half time the two goal lead was restored when an excellent first half display by Joe Bedford resulted in him being pulled back in the area, Sam Groves stepped up and crashed the ball into the back of the net.
Within 3 minutes of the restart the game was all but over when Kieran Turnbull ran onto a Ben Scargill pass and beat the substitute keeper at his near post for 5-2. Rothwell were now passing the ball around with confidence with both Sam Innes and Kieran Turnbull on the right and Joe Ansboro and Josh Morley on the left making runs into the Collingham area and creating further chances to score. From one of these runs a resulting corner by Reece Fennell was met by Ben Scargill who climbed highest to power a header into the roof of the net.
The game then became scrappy with neither side creating any clear cut chances, but on 20 minutes Collingham were unlucky not to add a third goal when a lob over Dan Bell bounced back into play off the bar and was cleared to safety by Jake Thompson.
Rothwell’s final goal came when Sam Groves crossed and Joe Bedford scored a well deserved goal that his non stop display deserved. As we reached the final moments Collingham produced their best move of the match and the ball ended up in the corner of the net past the outstretched hand of Jack Turner, who having played all game with an injury moved into goal for the final 10 minutes with Dan Bell playing centre forward.
An excellent performance by Rothwell who only had 11 players available on the day and on a number of occasions players continued to play despite carrying injuries.
Man of the Match - Jack Turner
Next Match - 20 Sep - Rothwell Athletic v Yorkshire Amateurs
|
 |
 |
|
Site designed and maintained by Paul Burns burnspaul@hotmail.co.uk
| Site Map |