Rozel’s Reserves came out on top after an eventful Semi Final against St Brelade Reserves at Les Quennevais which was played with 10 Men from the 15th minute.
Rozel had found themselves 1-0 down in the first 10 minutes with what looked to be a very harsh call from the Ref to reward a free kick just outside box. The resulting free kick was struck hard and just out of reach of No.1 Harry Walker.
Frustration was beginning to show for Rozel as they tried to push and get back into the game. After a couple more minutes James Bee was involved in what looked like a normal 50/50 against St Brelades’ Centre Back with both players seeming to take knocks. After a short stoppage for the injury Bee was then given his marching orders by the Ref in yet another harsh decision.
Weird Al unfortunately found himself walking along side Bee when he vented his frustration towards the referee and received a yellow card for dissent which meant 10 minutes in the Sin Bin.
For the remainder of the first half it was a case of weathering the storm and getting to the break to reset.
Slightly Bigger Egg, in his first game in charge of the Reserves spoke with the boys and changed formation to help turn around the result.
Second half started strong for the Boys in Blue & White getting on the ball early and controlling the game. It didn’t take long for the first chance as a Rozel corner is played in and met well by Weird Al, only to be cleared off the line.
Only moments later, Harrison Pickstock is played through on goal and brought down inside the area. Big appeals from the Rozel players and management team but they are waved away by the Ref.
The attacking onslaught continued for Rozel carving out dangerous passes in the final third keeping St Brelades’ back four on their toes clearing at every opportunity.
A corner was given for Rozel, whipped into the box and headed towards goal by Fridge only to be cleared to Coleman on the penalty spot. Facing with his back to goal, he takes it first time on the half volley and blasts it top right corner. 1-1 Game On!
Rozel still in complete control starting to make St Brelade look like the team with a man down. The ball is played back to Walker with a St Brelade centre forward closely following. Walker has taken it first time and hit it far up the pitch, the Brelades’ player misjudges the ball missing it completely and its Pickstock thats alive. His first touch takes out 2 defenders and runs slightly out wide. Thinking the chance has gone, Harrison still decides to shoot arrowing the ball into bottom left corner proving too powerful for the keeper. A great finish to the move created by the No.1!
The game remained the same even after the goals with Rozel taking full control. Still not happy to sit on a goal advantage the boys continued to play most of the game in St Brelades’ half pushing for the goal that should see us through to the final.
St Brelades’ had other ideas starting to push more men forward trying to get back in the game. They win the ball in midfield and play through their No.7, one on one with Walker who makes an amazing save. The ball drops to Brelades’ No.12 who then skies it over from 12 yards.
After a quiet period, Rozel wins a corner on the right side. Mollet steps up and rifles a cross towards the front post which is met with a powerful diving header (2nd in 2 games) by Tim Cahill aka Chris De Oliveria.
It was an amazing effort from the team having gone down to 10 men early in the first half. The boy’s showed great determination to turn around a game that had everything going against them.
It was also a big win for Egg in his first game in charge taking the Ressies to Lady Bingham final.