Another lovely night down on the 3G saw back-to-back fixtures, with this clash kicking things off: Sabden vs Roefield CF – both teams looking to claim their first win of the competition.
There was more pressure on Roefield, last year’s defending champions, who turned up in a sharp new kit and with expectations to match.
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages. Roefield squandered a golden 3-on-2 counter, while Sabden couldn’t capitalise on a few promising positions.
Then, on 18 minutes, the game burst into life with a huge moment of controversy. A Sabden player was brought down in the box, but referee Frankland waved play on for an advantage. Sabden couldn’t convert, and the score remained goalless at the break.
The second half began with Sabden looking more dangerous, but Roefield keeper O’Rourke stayed solid, calmly dealing with a string of crosses and a couple of decent strikes.
Then came a devastating spell. On 31 minutes, Ollie Riley pounced on a loose ball and slotted home for 1–0. Four minutes later, a moment of magic – or madness – depending on your perspective: Roefield keeper O’Rourke scored from his own area, lobbing the Sabden goalkeeper who had strayed off his line. An outrageous strike to make it 2–0.
Riley added his second and Roefield’s third on 42 minutes, seemingly wrapping things up.
Sabden did manage a consolation through Matt Bagot, who headed in after a ballooned rebound, but it wasn’t enough.
Roefield saw the game out comfortably and picked up their first points of the tournament.
Next up:
