This week is a real test for us as we are missing two brilliant defenders and a superstar midfielder and we are having to utilise the players we have to fill those spaces. On top of that, Erin was struggling through injury just to keep our defence together.

We started poorly, not playing the football we can play and rushing our passes. Although it didn't put us under a ton of pressure it did mean we was sloppy in our build up play and equally made it difficult for ourselves to progress through the thirds. A great bit of skill and passing from Immy in midfield opened up space on the wing for Zak to link up and get the first goal of the game.

We applied pressure from their restart and ultimately forced them into a corner. Karam took the corner and with it high and dipping into the center of the box Maurice got his foot onto it to make it two.

Four Oaks then came out of the restart intent on getting into our area but with the hard work and determination of Emily, Erin, Ethan and Owen they were closed down and forced to make more longer shots at Aaron who was comfortable in his first outing back after his holiday.

A third goal came from Maurice taking a shot but rebounding to Riley who made a looping shot into the corner of the goal. However, it then became sloppy and with Erin starting to struggle with her leg we began giving the opposition more time and it resulted in two goals within ten minutes.

A goal from Maurice and an opposition goal closed off the half and with that it was a tough talk to the team as we prepared to go into battle.

The second half was so much better and although we did concede another two goals through mistakes and injury we were able to get another four fantastic goals. A hattrick from Karam and another beautiful goal from Maurice.

Although it wasn't our best performance (not by a long mile), the team 'got the job done' and if it was in a league game it would be a comfortable three points on the board. Missing those three very vital players today, as well as the injury on Erin really did make a difference and I do believe with our team at full strength we would have resorted to keeping a clean sheet or conceding very few goals.

Overall, a pleasing outcome and with the VEO footage to review it'll highlight some areas to work on ready for our season to start.

Rushall Village FC

Rushall Cricket Club

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