Round 16 – Rosso Nero FC v Yep

Round 16 saw us take on Yep with the same line-up as last week, although we were still without Marcus who’s recovering from a back injury sustained earlier in the week.

We were also missing our coach/cameraman on the sidelines — more on that later.

Flying Start

The boys were switched on from the first whistle, determined to start on the right foot — and what a start it was.

Inside the opening two minutes we produced what could easily be our goal of the season.

It started with Nuno playing a side pass into Cj, who returned it first time. Nuno lifted his head and delivered a long ball across goal. Sean rose to meet it, guiding a headed pass cross-court to Dan, who struck it first time on the half volley into the opposite top corner.

Pure class. Opposition stunned. Rosso Nero FC overjoyed.

Total Control (Without the Finish)

Our cross-court movement and one-touch passing were on full display. We created chance after chance — double figures in open play — but somehow kept missing the target. One-on-ones, open goals, long-range efforts… everything but the net.

Eventually the pressure paid off with two more well-worked goals from open play, putting us firmly in control.

Yep finally found a moment and took it neatly, but we went into the break 4–1 up, with Cj pulling off three key saves to keep the margin comfortable.

Second Half – More of the Same… Almost

The second half followed a similar pattern.

We controlled possession, dictated tempo, and continued to create plenty — but again wasted more chances than we’d like.

We eventually grabbed a fifth to extend the lead.

Cj decided to keep things interesting, though. A mis-aimed pass gifted Yep a one-on-one chance. He saved the initial shot brilliantly, but the side kick in, was passed cross goal and was tucked away. Soon after, Yep added a third, finishing neatly off the post.

At 5–3, there was still work to do.

Professional Finish

To the boys’ credit, the last five minutes were controlled and mature. We kept the ball, slowed the tempo, and didn’t give the opposition a sniff.

Full-time: Rosso Nero FC 5 – 3 Yep

A strong performance, plenty of positives — and still room to improve in front of goal.

No YouTube highlights this week as our coach/cameraman was held up in hospital.

Thankfully he should be out and back on the sidelines next week.

On to Round 17. 🔴⚫