14th & 15th of April 2018
Villa Rockets 0-0 West Bromwich Albion Throstles
The opening game of the weekend saw Rockets open up against West Midlands rivals WBA Throstles. A very feisty game with whole hearted challenges and both sides pressing for the opening goal. Unfortunately, neither side could make the breakthrough due to resolute defending by both sides and had to accept the points being shared.
Villa Rockets 2-0 Northern Thunder
Next up, Rockets faced the defending champions, a side that along with Aspire PFC have dominated the WFA Premiership since its inception. Rockets, having never taken a point against Thunder before, started well taking the game to Thunder. Midway through the first half, Max was clipped in the box but after a delay and consultation with the assistant referee, Rockets were awarded a penalty that Max coolly put away in the corner. Anticipating a backlash from Thunder, Rockets played their own game and continued to take the game to their opponents. With minutes left on the clock, Dan struck one of the goals of the weekend to secure a famous victory which left the Coaching staff and spectators bursting with pride and emotion after witnessing this triumph.
Villa Rockets 1-0 Nottingham PFC
Last game of day one, saw Rockets up against a resolute Nottingham side. Despite the exertions of the previous two matches, Rockets dominated from start to finish and were rewarded when Bubba scored the only goal of the game to cap a magnificent first day.
Villa Rockets 2-0 Sale United
Day 2 started with an early kick off against lowly Sale United and it was a wasteful Rockets who missed chance after chance in the first half. Tony rung the changes at half time with Jon and Matt getting their opportunity to punish Sale. Rockets finally broke the deadlock and Sale hearts when Bubba opened the scoring and Dan completed the victory.
Villa Rockets 1-1 Aspire PFC
Final game of the weekend saw Rockets play the cup holders Aspire. Rockets had never taken as much as a point against these tough opponents. However, from the confidence gained through this weekend’s performances, Rockets were more than matching their opponents in the first half with Saj an absolute rock in goal. Very early in the second half Aspire scored from a clever set piece. However, the Villa lads did not lose heart and continued to contain and counter Aspire. Just reward came with just under three minutes to go when Bubba equalised to secure a much-deserved draw.
A phenomenal unbeaten weekend with 11 points from a maximum 15; fifth placed secured and only two points off fourth with four fixtures to go. All concerned with the club are so proud of the players and their performances give the club a real platform to progress.
Squad: Saj, Bubba, Dan, Jon, Matt and Max